GDA design & architecture, inc.

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Introduction: At GDA design & architecture we know that you want to be an active participant in the design of the space where you will live and work. In order to do that, you need to find an architect who will invite you to participate in the design and who can guide you along a meaningful discovery process. We believe that intelligent and creative people should live and work in intelligently and creatively developed spaces and that the place where you live and work should be a true reflection of who you are. We understand that when you'll live and work in a space, specifically and closely designed with you in mind, you will experience an intimate connection with it, as it will resonate with your inner and outer vibes and it will feel uniquely yours, and yours alone. This is why our team has developed the understanding and the know-how to actively engage our clients during the project design process. By working with GDA, you will feel excited to live, work and just be in a space that truly represents you - you will be beaming with pride when you'll share with family, friends and colleagues a space you helped to discover - you will be fulfilled as your space will match the quality of your life and work achievements. So, give us a call today to schedule an introductory meeting to familiarize ourselves with you and your project.

Overview

Hired 8 times

Background checked

License verified

2 employees

8 years in business

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Featured Projects

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From Colonial to Contemporary
Architectural Services

Reviews

Customers rated this pro highly for professionalism, responsiveness, and work quality.

Good 4.4

12 reviews

84%

Read reviews that mention:

Joe B.

Oct 31, 2020

Hired on Thumbtack

I thoughoughly enjoyed communicating with Umberto, and I greatly appreciate his low-commitment approach to architectural services. He is highly professional and thorough with his work. While my project was not the right fit for his services, I look forward to potentially working with him in the future.

Details: Design drawings • Construction documents (blueprints) • Remodel of a few rooms • Residential • 500 - 1,000 sq ft

Architectural Services

Clarke M.

Jul 1, 2022

When we started the process of expanding and modifying our home, we thought that the generation of plans would be nothing more than a quick meeting with an architect, measurements, and some blueprints, amounting to a business transaction to meet the minimum criteria for what we were asking for. With GDA’s process however, Umberto made a point of getting to know us, and that has led to a house beyond what we ever imagined possible. Through the discovery process, Umberto was able to identify our passion for medieval architecture and blend it into a design that also enhances the house as a whole, which we thought impossible for a Cape house in Massachusetts! What started off as half a joke about castles and towers has become a beautiful stonework tower element and updated take on an old-world library that both complement and enhance the house. We could not be more delighted with the finished result. The personalized approach that Umberto takes is so refreshing. He did not just see our house as a building to modify, but as a home that real people live in. The attention to detail cannot be overstated. From the echoes of Old World elements down to thoughtful storage space, Umberto and GDA truly added immense value with the discovery process. Waking up in our new home is like a dream. We are so grateful for this client-based approach and what it has led to.

Joanne C.

Aug 8, 2019

Hired on Thumbtack

We are working with Umberto G. and GDA Design on a major renovation project for our home. Umberto is extremely professional and always delivers what is promised on time. More importantly he really listens and incorporates our desires and needs into all of his design ideas. We feel very lucky to work with him and are looking forward to our new living space!

Details: Project consultation • Remodel of a few rooms • Residential • Less than 500 sq ft

GDA design & architecture, inc.'s reply

Thank you Jo - very much appreciated

Architectural Services

A&C S.

May 22, 2017

We met Umberto back in 2006 when we started to plan our remodeling project. He had been recommended to us by one of our neighbors. He took the time, week after week, to sit down with us and listen to our ideas and “needs”, trying to combine pre-existing structures, practical aspects and a new modern design. When he presented us with his first drafts, he already had several variations in mind, giving us the chance to explore various options. He was always open to suggestions and special requests. During the permit process, he collaborated closely with our land surveyor and structural engineer and represented us during hearings in front of the zoning board and building department. Umberto really facilitated the whole project, always keeping track of the necessary steps and communicating the progress. Unfortunately, it turned out that remodeling was far more expensive than we had thought, and despite “value engineering”, a complete new construction would be cheaper and more energy efficient. Aware of our concepts and “special needs”, Umberto was able to come up with a completely different plan for a brand new construction in record time. Limited to the pre-existing foot print, we had to make some concessions, but Umberto talked us through the options and made adjustments along the way. “Our” house could not have been built without Umberto’s diligent work ethic, his aptitude to listen and incorporate ideas and concepts into solid architectural designs, his communication skills and his flexibility to allow for last minute changes. Thank you Umberto for all your help. We couldn’t have done it without you!

Alan W.

Jun 26, 2023

Hired on Thumbtack

Very rude and refused to communicate within this platform. Acting like the only architect in town.

Details: Project consultation • Design drawings • Construction documents (blueprints) • New construction • Residential • Less than 500 sq ft

GDA design & architecture, inc.'s reply

I am not sure what gave this person the impression I was very rude. First of all, I make very simple requests articulated in very plain and simple English, and when people don't read my requests or simply read them too fast to really understand what I am asking, is it very rude to tell them that they didn't pay attention to my request. Being rude means using bad or obscene words, but not speaking one's peace and telling the truth. The fact that I am not interested in a project, it doesn't mean acting like the only architect in town, but avoiding wasting our time and potential clients' time, with projects that are too small for us.

Architectural Services

Credentials

License

License Type: Architect (MA)

License verified on 3/21/2024

License

License Type: Architect (MA)

License verified on 5/12/2022

Background Check

Umberto Guarracino

FAQs

What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
I don't establish my fees as a percentage of construction cost or on a square footage basis - but solely on the specificity of each project with its own needs, demands and complexity, and the level of detail that Clients like me to get involved with. What I offer my Clients are 3 different pricing plans, with different levels of involvement on my part - obviously each plan has its pros and cons.
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
My process is aimed at establishing a good rapport and a strong working relationship with my potential clients, those are my goals...so I never jump onto a Client trying to sell my services.... that is not a good practice. The working relationship between an architect and his clients is almost like a marriage.... you need to get to know each other a bit, before jumping into a serious relationship. You wouldn't ask anyone to marry you on a first date, right? In the same way, I don't ask a prospective Client to buy extensive final design services, without having one or two initial meetings and without offering a LCIC (Low Commitment Initial Consultation) or NOR (Needs and Options Review) that will allow the Client to see how I work and test our working relationship before committing to a full-service package.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have a Bachelor Degree in Architecture from the University of Naples, Italy, and a Master Degree in Architecture from the Graduate School of Design of Harvard University, in Cambridge, Massachusetts, plus over 30 years of professional experience on a variety of projects and building types.