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Categories
Architects
Services & Specialties
High-end traditional residential architecture with a twist
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RECOMMENDATION
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4.5]
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WORK QUALITY
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COST EVALUATION
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VALUE ANALYSIS
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ADD YOUR REVIEW
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FR Review:
With a "traditionally based vernacular" as sources put it, Penniman's renovations from Shingle style to Tudor and Colonial homes "are not slaves to tradition." This, however, should not lead potential clients to think the architect's work is contemporary. It is not. From Greenwich to coastal locales in Rhode Island and the Hamptons, sources tell us Penniman excels in combining "green" architectural elements in tasteful and appropriate ways. He encourages the use of geothermal and solar energy sources like solar paneling and materials from recycled or eco-friendly products. His handling of ocean views and complicated waterfront sites is said to be "exemplary."
Penniman, who holds a Master of Architecture from Virginia, founded this firm of four in 1994. His impressive resume includes a stint at the esteemed firm, Centerbrook Architects. We're told Penniman has no ego to keep in check and often "helps people out even on non-glamorous projects." He even turns away work rather than expand his practice, simply because he wants to retain design control and attend site meetings, which he truly believes "is the most fun part of the job; watching the house get built." Nearly all of the firm's work is residential in nature and dominated by large-scale alterations, but the firm does an occasional ground-up residence or commercial office space.
At any given time, Penniman and his staff have four major projects (budgets of $750K or better) and five to seven smaller commissions. Penniman tends to work with an older clientele, many of whom are converting vacation homes into half-year homes. The firm charges slightly lower fees based on a combination of a percentage of construction costs, fixed fee and hourly rate.
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