ALCOVA architecture

Our biggest question was: “Should we stay and remodel, or should we move…” We decided to stay and remodel. However, it was important for us to find an architect who could deliver on a remodel for a house and neighborhood we have lived in for 15 years. It was going to be a substantial remodel given our list of “wants” if we were going to stay. After an extensive search for the right architect we hired Pietro. Our project entailed a complete reconfiguration of our home. We wanted to convert our circa 1940’s home to the current time and have an open floor plan; roof top deck; master suite with walk-in closet; have bedrooms and baths for friends and family; a usable basement and garage; and plenty of outdoor space. Doing this required moving the stairs from the center of the home to one of its edges which meant new exterior and interior walls. Our roof line had to change to accommodate a roof-top deck. Not only did Pietro develop a striking exterior design, he excelled in providing us a great, usable interior space – complete with all the finishes. Pietro was not the first architect whose services we have retained. However, he is the first architect for whom we are writing a review. In the past, we remodeled a home and built a new one from scratch. Unlike our two previous architects, Pietro was able to connect with us, understand our desires, translate them, and put them into practical realization. Pietro delivered the most creative concepts, had a great understanding of construction methods and materials all with an understanding of our budget. He was flexible and willing to meet based upon our hectic schedules. He was more than accommodating to our ideas, queries, desired explanations, and most vitally, our lives outside the construction project. Pietro was always available to answer our questions and responded to our emails and calls very promptly. After listening to us and developing a project scope, Pietro developed firm ideas of what the endeavor should be, yet he was willing and able to skillfully incorporate our desires and ideas into the design. He was able to broker sometime conflicting concepts between my wife and myself and develop those ideas into a design that delighted both of us equally. As with any renovation project there were the proverbial “bumps in the road.” Pietro helped us overcome them in the least stressful and most practical manner possible. He acted as the liaison between our contractor (for whom we also have high respect) and ourselves. He was a true advocate on our side and helped keep the project on scope. Pietro stayed close by our side throughout the entirety of the construction project and made the process as smooth as any remodel can go.

Alcova is a local Seattle Architecture and design firm. They focus on a modern design aesthetic, inspired by their principle's (Pietro) Italian origins. We enlisted Alcova for the full project cycle, from concept, through design, permitting, and oversight of contractor. We are now in the construction phase and have been very happy with the process and the design, which nicely balanced design objectives, aesthetic, and cost. Importantly, Alcova presents a excellent value for money.

What attracted us to Alcova was the projects he posted on this site. I have a small remodel with limited budget. Many architects we interviewed either didn't want the job or we just didn't feel the right vibes. But when we met Pietro, we knew he would be the one. Pietro listened, gathered our ideas, and budgets, then in a week he came up with a few designs for us to choose from. He made the whole process very painless. As we refined on the design, he and his staff were attentive and thorough in making sure they addressed all our ideas while at times gently reminding us of the cost to our budget. What we like about Pietro was his knowledge on construction cost in addition to good design ideas. With that and his connection to contractors, he was able to generate a design the best fit our budget while addressing our needs! We loved it and is in the process of building our dream home. I am happy to report that everything works according to plan (as expected!) And if I or my contractor had question, Pietro was a call away. We loved working with Pietro, and Wendy. Remodeling is a stressful process, but they made it easy.

We hired ALCOVA architecture fully design and manage work on our dream house, from the ground and up. Pietro and his team were always very professional and knowledgeable and did an excellent job catering to our needs. They offered many design solutions to choose from and once everything was all said and done, the end results were quite honestly beyond expectations. I'd would definitely use them again for my future real estate investments.

I have loved working with Pietro at ALCOVA Architecture! I bought a small lot last year with the goal of building my dream home, but I quickly realized that I did not really know what I meant by "dream home." The design conversations with Pietro helped me to prioritize my wants and my needs, clarify a design concept, and get the project moving. I love the plan - the house is relatively small, but it will feel big inside thanks to the excellent use of the space and the beautiful finishes that Pietro has included. And keeping the footprint of the house smaller and using the slope creatively means that my family will have a nice yard, which I thought I would have to give up given the size of the lot. During the design process, whenever there was a question, Pietro kept referring back to my concerns and priorities and preferences that we had outlined at the start. The result is a design that reflects me and my family, rather than being a statement piece about the architect.Now that we are in the building process, Pietro has been fantastic at communicating with the builder, checking to make sure that the design is being followed, and dealing with the inevitable issues that come up. I really feel like he is an advocate for me and for the project, which has been great.I can't wait for the house to be finished. I think that we are really going to love living in it. If you are looking for an architect who truly wants to work with you to create your dream home, you cannot go wrong with Pietro and ALCOVA Architecture.