3D Rendering i Claremont, NH.

“Smith & Vansant is a phenomenal architectural firm. In fact, working with them renovated not only my house, but my life! After 15 years or so of living with the property more or less as I found it, my tiny 1850 Cape needed long-overdue renovations -- including improvements to all major systems, solutions to a big water problem in the basement, a new kitchen, a new roof, adding working and living space, and a home office, along with extensive site work and landscaping. From a design perspective, they are simply brilliant. They have a fantastic aesthetic sense; know how to integrate old and new in a way that is pure genius; and are skilled problem-solvers. I wanted the house to be more liveable and comfortable, while still honoring the antique details that had drawn me to the property in the first place. Pi Smith and Stephen Branchflower in particular not only listened to me all along the way, but heard me. They gave me exactly what I had hoped for. From a practical perspective, I needed to live in the house while this was going on, and they were sensitive to my need to carry on amidst the upheaval. They worked closely with the contractor, Lud Leskovar, to assure that I was comfortable and inconvenienced a little as humanly possible while the work was being done all around me. Smith & Vansant, Lud Leskovar and I worked closely as a team. The kept me informed as to costs all along the way and helped me make decisions that took into account my both budget and my dreams. They were endlessly patient and always kind. Everyone in this close-knit firm is a pleasure to work with, operates with the highest integrity, and knows what they are doing. I can't recommend Smith & Vansant highly enough. For photos of this project, see "Houzz Tour: Beautiful, Hardworking Cape Renovation" on this site.”

“"My wife and I had pursued several options as we developed a plan for our home. In many cases we were frustrated with the input we were receiving, so we began looking at timber frame plans because of their openness and creativity. It seemed that an architect familiar with timber framing had a special eye for the type of features we were looking for in our home. We contacted them and we were pleasantly surprised when they informed us that they were happy to assist in designing a home that accommodated our needs. We were frustrated because we had general design ideas but couldn't put it all together and needed the creativity of an architect. Bonin Architects did a wonderful job in working with the best of our ideas. They assisted us with difficult site issues and we are now able to go forward with the construction of the home confident the home is filled with our ideas and their expertise.””

“Sonya Misiaszek came highly recommended to us by friends who were satisfied clients. It was very important to us that we had an experienced architect who would complete the job in a timely manner, would listen to our needs and wishes, had a good working relationship with the general contractor and his subs, and who was sensitive to the pristine wooded lakeside setting in which our 5,000+ sq ft home was to be constructed. We lived several states away from the project and were very pleased with Sonya's management of the design and construction and with her help in making decisions from afar. Sonya incorporated all of our unconventional ideas that made this house unique and dearly loved by our family. She included secret spaces for each of our children, two screened in sleeping porches with panoramic lake views, a loft on the second story looking over the kitchen, two stone fireplaces, a large walkout basement with ample storage space and a large boat room. She helped us select natural finishes that gave the house the interior "golden glow" for which we were hoping. We also specifically asked for the house to have a "camp like" feel, and Sonya's familiarity with New Hampshire inspired her to add camp sinks in the kids' rooms, painted floors and horizontal pine paneling (some distressed) and ceilings throughout, and stained rustic skirl siding on the exterior. This house is solid, and there is nowhere that we feel safer. It is very cozy, virtually pest proof, and it not only fits into its natural surroundings but also feels like a true reflection of us. The property came with a number of building restrictions and environmental protection issues. Sonya's patience and persistence kept the project moving, and it was completed in less than 14 months. Our expectations were exceeded.”

“Greg and Cliff did a spectacular job from start to finish. Greg's design of the mud room addition and garage brought out the best of the original house and provided a very functional, inviting and warm curb appeal. They were always punctual and met deadlines. Attention to detail and follow up was phenomenal. Having the architect oversee the job in every phase of the build is tremendously valuable.”

“We took on a big renovation project in Vermont, while living out of state. We hired Pricilla Cotton as our designer and David Cotton as our Architect . From the get go we knew this was a very wise decision! Together they were able to help us envision what the home would look like and were able to make our dreams a reality. They were creative, with a terrific eye for detail, color and overall design. They always presented several options and were willing to work with our suggestions. They frequently checked on the project in our absence and sent pictures, allowing the project move along at a better than expected pace. In addition, they were mindful of our overall budget, making tactical suggesting along the way to contain costs. Overall, we are thrilled with the final project and both David and Priscilla terrific help along the way!”

“I renovated my 1905 home in downtown Hanover, NH in 2009. The renovations included new bathrooms, but the challenging changes--and the ones most important to me--were the ones that transformed my kitchen and the adjoining dining area. I hired Haynes and Garthwaite to plan the project, do the drawings, and supervise the work. I worked closely with Andrew Garthwaite. I was, and remain, so pleased with what was done and how it was done that I am hoping to persuade Andrew to do the designs for my condominium in Cambridge, MA. The Hanover renovations achieved what I wanted them to achieve, stayed within the limits of the budget Andrew and I had established, and were more exciting than stressful to live through. Before the work, the first floor of the house was relatively dark. The spaces were cramped and impractical for whatever activity they were supposedly destined (cooking, entertaining...). The kitchen was an awkward L-shaped thing with dreadful cabinets, appliances in illogical places, and basement stairs in an unfortunate spot. The dining room was too small to accommodate even eight people comfortably. I showed Andrew the open-floor layout of a recently-built condo and basically said: reproduce this effect in my house--without destroying the character of the house. Amazingly, that was exactly what he did. A useless outdoor porch became part of my new dining room/kitchen. The basement stairs were moved to an outside wall, where they were out of the way (and also easily accessible, through a new outside door, to plumbers and electricians and other people with muddy boots). Lovely, well-designed cherry cabinets and drawers complemented grey-black granite counters. An island separates the kitchen from the dining area, where I recently fed ten people comfortably. New windows mean that the entire kitchen-dining space catches first the morning and then the afternoon sun; recessed lighting and attractive hanging lamps take over after sunset. I have two armchairs, a coffee table, and a large Bijar rug between the dinner table and the kitchen island. Even though the house has two studies, I now tend to work sitting in one of the chairs in the dining area, simply because the aesthetics of the space are so pleasing. Three old bathrooms--each with its own set of problems--are now thoroughly updated. Everything works, and the bathrooms look attractive. In the bedrooms, closets and built-ins have enhanced storage space without making the house look like a victim of identity theft. Thanks to Andrew's skills and dedication, we started with excellent and precise plans. But Andrew was constantly available during the project, watching for unanticipated possibilities as well as problems. The results were really terrific. I recommend Andrew and his firm without reservation to anyone embarking on a renovation project.”

“Currently working with this architect on a custom home in southern Vermont. Works closely with us, is fastidious, smart, and patient! He blends building science with a creative, stylistic eye. I trust him completely.”

“Ramsay is a consummate professional- he is a pleasure to work with. We collaborated with Ramsay on some customized table lamps that he designed. He was practical, respectful of our time, willing to listen, thorough in his research and knowledgable regarding design and manufacture challenges- we would be thrilled to work with him again. Ramsay is invested in his work beyond what is simply required- he is motivated by passion and personal integrity which makes for challenging collaborations and beautiful results. Respectfully submitted Michael Krauss/ Maria Peragine Owners -Authentic Designs inc.”

“Chris brings a brilliant approach to home design. He quickly delivers a plan by capturing the desires of the owner. His design signature is unique and a breath of fresh air to the custom home market.”

“Designed an apartment addition to an existing home. Completely and responsibly green with good taste and a sensible approach to design. Listens well and seeks to determine clients desired goals. Endeavors to meet clients needs within their budget. Communicates well.”