Specialindbyggede møbler i Stamford, CT.

“It was an absolute pleasure to work with Design by the Jonathans. Jonathan Gordon designed our kitchen, powder room, and our boys’ bathroom. Our home was built in 1913, and after a few questions and a tour of the space, Jonathan quickly understood what we were looking for. He had thoughtful ideas that focused equally on function and style, supporting our modern needs within an old American Four Square home. His designs are BEAUTIFUL without losing focus on functional placement, alleviating bottlenecks, etc. He somehow created MORE space in our kitchen with his strategic thinking. For example, he had the clutch idea of moving the powder room, which had previously been popping out of a corner of the kitchen, to a closet under the stairs. Did we lose our 1st floor closet? Nope - he created a mud hall where the butler’s pantry was located that really works. Jonathan has strong relationships with high quality vendors/suppliers, which we hadn’t anticipated would be that important until we saw how he was able to use those relationships when needed (e.g., to help make sure installations were spot on). He guided us patiently through the design choices, letting us show our personal style and also giving his opinion exactly when we wanted it. He interviewed our contractors with us and guided us through the bidding process, offering important perspectives based on his loads of experience. As the project moved to execution, he followed along. He worked really well with our contractors, and when we reached a few stumbling blocks along the way, that’s when he shined. He collaborated with our contractors to problem solve and didn’t let go until he was comfortable that the issue had been resolved. Reviews aren’t helpful unless they give a little of what could have been better. We don’t have much to offer. Sometimes scheduling could be a tad difficult. For example, we had to wait a few weeks for our initial consult. Our reaction? High quality service providers are busy and worth the wait. We are glad we got in line - Jonathan was worth it!”

“Our goal was to design a kitchen that stands out. This company recommended lacquering the kitchen cabinets, which are the focal point of the room, in a vivid red color. We were happy with the rich colour and luxurious shine.”

“Fifteen years ago I was looking for a carpentry contractor. I had the opportunity to take a look at the finish carpentry at another house in town just nearing completion. I found the quality of the work outstanding, and I asked who the contractor was. It was Dmytro Dovgan, the principal at Abbott Builders. In the ensuing fifteen years, he and his team did all the finish carpentry on our 7,500 SF house in New Canaan, including two substantial remodels. This has included every aspect of residential work: installing doors and windows, interior partitions, installing hardware, shelving and cabinetry, and above all beautiful running trim and trim details. I found him a pleasure to work with: always willing to go the extra mile; always able to suggest solutions to any design or materials problems. His team of carpenters has changed over the period. But, not during any particular job. His lead carpenters have been dedicated, experienced craftsmen. Good at reading plans. Good at laying out jobs precisely before starting. His assistant carpenters have always been competent and efficiently used to keep costs down. Never pushed ahead of their experience level. We began working fixed price. But, I quickly found that working hourly was more cost effective. Abbott Builders has been one of the few contractors one could trust to fill every hour with an hour’s worth of work. If there is an unresolved design detail or missing materials, they’ll just switch to another task automatically. If they complete the current list, they’ll down tools and stop charging. They like doing their best work. Working hourly helps ensure they get to do it. Dmytro has always been very flexible. When I needed 5 carpenters, I got 5 carpenters. When I only needed one, I got one. If work could be done more efficiently at his shop – cabinetry, custom molding profiles, panels – then it would be done there simultaneously with the work continuing on site. Abbott Builder’s prices have always been very competitive: always adding value to the overall project. We all know vendors where work is not as fast as one would wish, but where invoicing is remarkably quick. If Dmytro has one fault, it’s that you sometimes have to remind him a few times to get an invoice. But the invoices are accurate and fair. Dmytro and his team are very experienced, businesslike, and efficient. He’s available when you need him and communicates well. Not all his carpenters are fluent English speakers. Where not, he teams them with others who are. Dmytro himself has always been patient, polite, reasonable and reliable on project after project. I never hesitate to recommend him to anyone considering a residential construction job from a whole house to a small remodel.”