H2D Architecture + Design

We wish we had chosen a different architect.  Initially, H2D seemed competent and pleasant during the first part of our home remodel.  However, our overall experience with them was unsatisfactory. Admittedly, our remodel was problematic and revealed challenges we hadn’t anticipated. However, common oversights and miscalculations by H2D resulted in generated revenue for H2D and added expense and time to our remodel. At the beginning of the project, H2D called for a meeting so we could discuss key design aspects of a particular room. The plans that H2D created after that meeting failed to reflect the very specific design choices we had made.  Additionally, H2D miscalculated a key structural measurement that cost us time and money with our contractors (and it was a mistake that we, with no architectural background, were able to clearly see). H2D also provided plans with handwritten notes that we and 2 contractors could not clearly read.  We asked the architect to make the notes legible, which was our expectation from the onset.  She made them legible, but charged us an additional $1,200 for the changes.  After receiving the invoice and us questioning the charge, the architect stated that she “did not work for free.”  We asked her to consider reducing the charge by half.  She agreed to a 16% reduction. The next invoice we were charged hourly every time a contractor called about our project.  H2D managed to recuperate that 16% discount (and then some) by fielding our contractor’s questions. Our last dealings with H2D were when we discovered they had provided the wrong plans to a contractor without key revisions.  At this point, all parties involved decided it would be better to deal with our structural engineer and bypass H2D entirely. A relationship with an architect is a critical component to a remodel.  We had hoped that our architect would take responsibility for poor work and provide helpful customer service (other significant examples lacking in these areas are not included in this review).  The continual errors made by H2D, combined with navigating the architects' temperament, made for a sour experience that aggravated an already stressful experience of a home remodel.

Heidi and her team are excellent to work with. We are a General Contractor and we have built many of Heidi's projects. The best compliment I can pay to any architect is that they have effective systems, drawings and are good communicators. It is one thing to be creative and artistic and have great design sense (which they definitely have:)... but it is imperative to communicate that vision well to clients and builders. My job is a lot easier when I know the details have been thought through carefully. No project is perfect and unexpected twists are a part of every job. When these arise, H2D is quick to respond and help the team come up with best case solutions. I highly recommend H2D... not only here, but they are on my preferred architects list as well. Here's to many more successful projects!

Heidi and her team were fantastic to work with and did a great job. We had already done some preliminary work with a family friend who was an architect, but when Heidi and her team came in they quickly identified several options that we had not even thought of. The process from start to finish was extremely smooth - starting from 3 or 4 different layouts and then down selecting choosing our favorite design components to align on the final concept. Our project was a decent scope including kitchen, dining room, 2 bedrooms and a new bathroom. The process was quick with regularly scheduled status meetings. They also worked in lock step with the builder to ensure our design aligned with our budget. Would strongly recommend H2D to anyone looking for a remodel or new home build!

We loved working with Heidi and her associates! They were incredibly responsive to our expressed needs, very flexible in their thinking and design work, and we have a lovely new dining room as a result. Everything was clearly explained to us as we went along, so that we could make the choices that suited us best. For example, we had to decide whether the rebuild of our garage (also part of the project) should be turned into an ADU. Heidi helped us walk through the pros and cons, and now we have a nice studio space in our back yard. Our contractor told us that H2D was one of his favorite firms to work with, as their plans and drawings were clear, complete, and easy to follow. We are very well satisfied!

As a general contractor, there are very few things that are more important to me than having an architect that works with our firm instead of against us. This is one of the key ingredients to providing a successful project for our clients. H2D ranks at the top of our list when it comes to architects that we recommend and that we enjoy working with. We have collaborated on numerous projects with H2D and have found that their designs not only exceed our clients expectations but are also thoughtful in relation to the construction process which in the end saves the client money and provides a better experience for all parties. I look forward to many future collaborations with Heidi and her team!!!