A - Key Excerpts:
"... thanks for the awesome job you did – this amazing home would not have happened if not for you. We love it and could not be happier."
"You were entirely respectful of all of our ideas and requirements, you were completely patient in exploring options and alternatives, and you came up with new perspectives and ideas we simply would never have had."
"Anyone who never saw the original cottage can’t believe that this was not built as a single building all at one time, and anyone who did see the original is blown away by the result."
"The ideas had come to life in a way better than we would have dreamed ... You had done such a good job that it was as if you had been on a journey inside my head."
"You were always professional, timely and very responsive. It was a true pleasure working together."
"... we love it ..."
B - Full letter:
"Where would I even start to say thanks for the awesome job you did – this amazing home would not have happened if not for you. We love it and could not be happier.
When we began, this was not an easy project for so many reasons. It’s hard to recall all of that, now that this perfect place is here. We had many specific ideas and requirements, the site had its own requirements, and we knew what we wanted – and yet they were all only concepts. The challenge of turning those ideas into an integrated, functional and beautiful home was beyond us, and we needed the right person who could work with our ideas. We are so grateful that we found you!
You were entirely respectful of all of our ideas and requirements, you were completely patient in exploring options and alternatives, and you came up with new perspectives and ideas we simply would never have had. Your overall vision for the place was fantastic and at the same time your attention to detail was stunning.
Anyone who never saw the original cottage can’t believe that this was not built as a single building all at one time, and anyone who did see the original is blown away by the result. The function and flow of the practical spaces are exactly what we needed, and the aesthetics, both interior and exterior, are exactly “us” – you nailed it all.
The highlight of the entire project was the day I first saw your design drawings, the product of all of our discussions. The ideas had come to life in a way better than we would have dreamed, and as you know, we changed virtually nothing from that very first draft. You had done such a good job that it was as if you had been on a journey inside my head. I still marvel.
You were always professional, timely and very responsive. It was a true pleasure working together.
And so we have the perfect dream home and working space – we love it every day. Thank you!"
Raymond M. - addition to home
A - Key Excerpts:
"We have nothing but the utmost respect and liking for Craig."
"At all times he was exceptionally professional and demonstrated a high sense of responsibility. The quality of his work was outstanding ... "
" ... the builder commented that Craig was one of the best architects that he had worked with."
"The end result was beyond our expectations, in no small part due to Craig. It looks wonderful. We just love the place.
It was a real joy working with Craig; we just loved dealing with him."
B - Full letter:
"Mr. Elliott acted as our architect for the design and construction of our new cottage.
We have nothing but the utmost respect and liking for Craig.
At all times he was exceptionally professional and demonstrated a high sense of responsibility. The quality of his work was outstanding, both in the design stage, and in the construction stage.
Craig was able to take our design parameters and develop them into what we consider a spectacular representation.
In the construction phase he worked extremely well with the builder to execute the plans. In fact, the builder commented that Craig was one of the best architects that he had worked with.
The end result was beyond our expectations, in no small part due to Craig. It looks wonderful. We just love the place.
It was a real joy working with Craig; we just loved dealing with him. During the process we have developed a friendship with Craig, and his family."
Barb L. - new lakeside cottage
A - Key Excerpts:
"Working with Craig to create plans for my two-storey addition and renovation was a great pleasure. He is conscientious, detail-oriented, and thoughtful ..."
"Craig ... created plans that gave me everything I wanted ..."
"Craig .. made the difference between building a commonplace addition and one that truly is remarkable.
In addition to his professional expertise, Craig was easy to work with."
"... he approached everything he did with absolute integrity.
His passion for his work is obvious – he genuinely loves it."
"His enthusiasm made it great fun ..."
"I recommend Craig Elliott most highly."
B - Full letter:
"Working with Craig to create plans for my two-storey addition and renovation was a great pleasure. He is conscientious, detail-oriented, and thoughtful in his work. His plans are meticulous.
He was recommended to me by another architect as “an architect’s architect,” but in my view he is also “a client’s architect” – he listens and respects the ideas and needs of his client.
Prior to undertaking this large renovation, I had completed two smaller updates on my century home without using an architect. I did not, however, wish to undertake a major addition on my small lot without professional architectural advice.
Craig took on this challenge and created plans that gave me everything I wanted: more space, a coherent integration with the existing house, lots of windows and natural light, built-in storage, a courtyard, and even a lovely window seat.
His suggestions for materials and finishes are thoughtful and complement the design beautifully. The detailed plans allowed me to seek out firm quotes and select a builder with confidence, knowing that the design and the budget would be maintained.
Choosing to use an architect, and Craig in particular, made the difference between building a commonplace addition and one that truly is remarkable.
In addition to his professional expertise, Craig was easy to work with. He returns calls and emails promptly and shares his knowledge and experience readily.
I was grateful for his attention to by-laws and codes, and he approached everything he did with absolute integrity.
His passion for his work is obvious – he genuinely loves it. I always looked forward to our meetings. His enthusiasm made it great fun to take the long journey from ideas and hopes to drawings that can actually guide builders at every point.
I recommend Craig Elliott most highly."
Boba S. - addition to urban home
A - Key Excerpts:
"What a fantastic and enjoyable experience it has been, what an outstanding result ...
That is perhaps the best way to express our immense satisfaction with Craig."
"Craig... truly added significant extra value."
"His added touches turned our practical ideas into what we feel is spectacular. ... we feel Craig ranks 'top of the class' as far as we are concerned."
"Many architects can have a 'holier than thou' attitude and are reluctant to take client direction. Not once did Craig convey any sense of that. He listened thoughtfully ..."
"... he didn't provide very wise council ..."
" He steered us away from making ... mistakes."
Craig takes his responsibilities very seriously, always with the objective of delivering the very best for his client."
Craig acts in a fiscally responsible manner and points out areas of cost concern before it becomes too late.
"The place is beautiful and we love it. Thanks Craig."
B - Full letter:
"What a fantastic and enjoyable experience it has been, what an outstanding result, and much of that is attributable to Craig. That is perhaps the best way to express our immense satisfaction with Craig.
We began the process with a relatively clear idea of what we were looking for. We described to Craig the way we had used our previous cottage and what we intended from a lifestyle perspective from the new one. We conveyed some ideas of how we wanted the place to be laid out. The design was complicated by some lot size and regulatory constraints.
Craig came back with design drawings that not only captured the essence of what we after but truly added significant extra value. They reflected a real understanding, both practically and emotionally, of how we wanted the cottage to 'behave and feel'. His added touches turned our practical ideas into what we feel is spectacular. On a design front, we feel Craig ranks 'top of the class' as far as we are concerned.
From a process point of view, Craig is again terrific. Many architects can have a 'holier than thou' attitude and are reluctant to take client direction. Not once did Craig convey any sense of that. He listened thoughtfully to our input and integrated it. That is not to say that he didn't provide very wise council when he felt it was warranted, for which we are very grateful. He steered us away from making what in retrospective would have been some mistakes. On the other hand, when we chose a direction that he wouldn't have taken, he professionally got on with the task without resentment.
Because of the nature of our project, Craig performed many tasks not usually associated with an architect's responsibilities, such as costing of alternatives and arranging suppliers. We relied on him to help us out 'over and above' for which we are very appreciative.
Craig takes his responsibilities very seriously, always with the objective of delivering the very best for his client. He works very well with the sub-trades, who sometimes can resent an architect. He overcomes any of those feelings and integrates them as part of the team. By the end of the project we were all having a great time together and enjoying poking friendly fun at each other's foibles.
Craig acts in a fiscally responsible manner and points out areas of cost concern before it becomes too late. He doesn't unnecessarily 'run the meter' to spin up his billings.
Perhaps the most telling comment to conclude, was when Craig asked us how we found we were 'using your spaces' (an architect type expression) once we had moved in . Our answer was "exactly as we wanted and hoped for". Not a bad comment on Craig.
The place is beautiful and we love it. Thanks Craig."
Brian F. - new waterfront cottage
A - Key Excerpts:
"One of the greatest compliments that we receive about the substantial addition to our cottage is that people can not differentiate between the 'old' and the 'new'.
I am sure that this is because the flow from original to new was so well conceived."
"I must compliment you on the care and attention to detail ..."
"(We) are absolutely thrilled about the end result of our work together. We are very proud of our place ..."
B - Full letter:
"One of the greatest compliments that we receive about the substantial addition to our cottage is that people can not differentiate between the 'old' and the 'new'.
I am sure that this is because the flow from original to new was so well conceived. The redesign of the porches and the location of the addition to fit the natural grade of the property are two particular features that have helped with this natural flow.
When I think back on the project, I must compliment you on the care and attention to detail that you insisted on in the early stages our discussions. It was particularly useful to work through a few stages of design drawings to ensure that Brenda's and my ideas were captured to print - and your insistence that we not proceed to the next step until you had fully captured how we wanted the place to feel and look was very sound advice.
Your help in identifying a contractor that would fit our personalities was also very useful. They turned out to be great partners.
Craig, Brenda and I are absolutely thrilled about the end result of our work together. We are very proud of our place on Lake Muskoka, and would welcome the opportunity to share it with your prospective clients."
Pierre C. - addition to lakefront cottage
A - Key Excerpts:
" ... the extra effort you put into our recent project was the key to completing a quality design and on schedule.
" you ... clearly had my best interests at heart ..."
" Your knowledge and ability to find answers to difficult questions gave us the confidence to proceed through the various stages. "
B - Full letter:
"It is important for you to know that the extra effort you put into our recent project was the key to completing a quality design and on schedule.
It was a 'breath of fresh air' to work with you as a professional who clearly had my best interests at heart; you were a valuable addition to our decision making process.
Your knowledge and ability to find answers to difficult questions gave us the confidence to proceed through the various stages. As in many projects, this one was more complicated than originally envisioned. This is where your skills were most appreciated."
Norm C. - interior urban renovations
A - Key Excerpts:
"Congratulations ... it looks great."
"The addition fits in well with the original cottage and landscape and looks like it has always been there."
"... the cottage is spectacular ..."
B - Full letter:
"Congratulations! We were just up to the cottage, and it looks great.
Your design turned out just the way we had hoped. The addition fits in well with the original cottage and landscape and looks like it has always been there.
Externally the cottage is spectacular, and internally each room has the necessary space, while proving a breathtaking view.
Your creativity, combined with Carey's expert workmanship, has resulted in a wonderful family cottage which we will enjoy for years.
Thanks for all your effort, and best wishes for continued success."
Mark M. - addition to lakefront island cottage
A - Key Excerpts:
"Mr. Elliott's conceptual skills were obvious from the onset. His eye for detail and flow of design from old to new was excellent."
"... Mr. Elliott is an exceptional and thoughtful architect ..."
"We are very fortunate to have had Mr. Elliott ... and would most highly recommend him."
B - Full letter:
"We have had the pleasure of working with Mr. Craig Elliott on the design of our home renovation project.
As our architect, Mr. Elliott's conceptual skills were obvious from the onset. His eye for detail and flow of design from old to new was excellent. We spent many productive hours together ensuring our input and avoiding any possible pitfalls.
It is now, at the completion of our project, that we can fully appreciate and enjoy the wonderful flow and design of our 'new' home.
We feel Mr. Elliott is an exceptional and thoughtful architect who can bring his many talents to any project.
We are very fortunate to have had Mr. Elliott design our home addition / renovation and would most highly recommend him."
John M. - addition to urban lakeside home
A - Key Excerpts:
"... Craig was able to suggest options for renovations which had never occurred to us."
"He was able to understand how we wanted our renovations and addition to function for our families' day-to-day activities, and to fit our personal tastes."
B - Full letter:
"Dan and I had agonized for quite some time whether to build new or renovate our home. Our preference was to renovate, but we were concerned that all of our wants / needs may not be achievable.
We decided to discuss our ideas with Craig, who came to our home for an initial consultation. After a tour of our home and discussion of our 'wish list', Craig was able to suggest options for renovations which had never occurred to us. In the initial consult, we realized that our desire to renovate was achievable.
In time, Craig provided us with drawings that answered every one of the items on our 'wish list'. He was able to understand how we wanted our renovations and addition to function for our families' day-to-day activities, and to fit our personal tastes.
We continue to proudly receive compliments on our 'new' home."
Susan & Dan B. - addition & renovations to country home
This is one of the nicest projects that I have ever worked on.
We get all kinds of compliments from neighbours' and people passing by.
Rave reviews from all over."
"We would like to express our appreciation to you for the stellar renovation plans you pulled together for our 'boring' little 60's ranch.
Every idea we had you improved on. Every aesthetic or functional problem we had you solved. Your ability to interpret our preferences and incorporate them with consistency and with reason proved to be most valuable. Your attention to detail and willingness to explore so many options was indisputably a big asset to the process.
Thank you for your time, effort, ideas, recommendations, and professionalism."
"We are absolutely thrilled with your design of the addition. It is exactly what was needed.
It is now done. It looks terrific; absolutely terrific. Many, many people have complimented us on it.
It looks like it was built originally; it looks like it was always there.
You were absolutely correct about the requirement for the three smaller front dormers; and the width and height at the back. Now there is a feeling of spaciousness, airiness, and light.
We just love your work, and are very thankful we met you at the show. Your talent has made a tremendous difference.
We are absolutely delighted. All of your ideas were top notch. Thanks so much. Much appreciated."