Howard Katz Architects LLC

We recommend Howard Katz highly as an architect, general contractor and trusted advisor on all matters pertaining to the home. In 2014 and 2015, Howard designed and built a sun room addition to our 1921 house, among other major remodeling projects. During a majority of the effort, we lived abroad and worked with Howard remotely, exchanging emails and scanned documents, and connecting by Skype to discuss major issues. Howard was outstanding in his communication, listening carefully and patiently to our views and concerns, asking thoughtful questions, and presenting his ideas with conviction when warranted. Howard was extremely trustworthy and reliable in looking after our home while it was empty and under construction. He chose subcontractors who exhibited the same care and attention. Howard is a thoughtful designer and creative thinker who was able to translate our vision of a larger family space and year-round sunroom into a realistic design that fit with the detail and period of our home and yard, and accommodated specific furniture pieces such as a large antique corner cabinet. His approach to design allows him to accommodate his client’s tastes, and work through the obvious and the subtle, from moving walls that create functional spaces to installing recessed lighting that transform a passage way into a gallery. During the course of his work, Howard enthusiastically helped us uncover hidden details in the older parts of our home, restoring old radiators to see their original relief work, and refurbishing pocket doors that had been unworkable for decades. He also was enthusiastic in leading us through the less glamorous aspects of our remodel, which included removing aging insulation, upgrading air conditioning, redirecting ductwork, re-hanging doors, replacing old windows, and re-routing a laundry chute. In all of aspects of these projects, we appreciated Howard's ability to maintain the "old home" character of our house while updating the home to include modern conveniences such as electronic systems and balanced HVAC. As a general contractor, Howard took a strong personal interest in ensuring our satisfaction with every detail of construction and in managing costs. He was meticulous in reviewing the work of his subcontractors, visiting our house nearly every work day for the duration of our projects. He handled licensing and inspection matters with ease, managing the required applications in a professional manner and applying a personal touch with neighbors when needed. In sum, Howard is a talented architect and highly competent general contractor who combines his technical skills with a keen appreciation for the human element involved in all of his projects.

Howard has worked on four renovations for me, the first as the architect, and the subsequent ones as both architect and builder. For the first project, where he designed the addition, he was regularly onsite to check the builder's progress. He submitted very detailed and itemized budget proposals for all the projects for which he was architect/builder. For the last very intensive renovation, he built temporary walls so that I could live in my house during the renovation, which was just wonderful! He was a pleasure to work with, and I was also impressed by the professionalism of his construction crew. I heartily recommend him as both architect and as architect/builder.

We hired Howard Katz Architects LLC , to help us with a large multi-phase renovation project. The primary objectives were to improve circulation, amenities, provide strong connections to the landscape and remedy chronic water penetration issues. This was a very challenging project which was broken into two phases of work. As the Architect for the entire project and General Contractor for Phase 1, he listened carefully to all our requirements, and together, we explored a number of design solutions. It was a pleasure to collaborate so creatively with a very experienced professional. Howard was patient, attentive, very meticulous and detail oriented. In addition he was accountable throughout this process and the avenues of communication were excellent. Howard was able to integrate the new with old, in a way that was visually exciting, but also seamless. His work has profoundly enhanced our enjoyment of our home and the outcome totally exceeded all of our expectations. We would highly recommend Howard Katz Architects LLC as a design /build company.

Howard Katz has done a number of projects in my house, garden, and condo over the past 15 years. He has a fantastic sense of design and the highest standards of workmanship. His subcontractors are outstanding as well. In addition to being a perfectionist, Howard is extremely easy to work with. I have always been totally pleased with his work.

Howard built our new deck-- and had to tear out the old one before he could do so. We collaborated seamlessly on the design and materials selections which resulted in a truly special (and high-end) finished product. He really pioneered a new look using zero maintenance materials. Couldn't be happier.

Howard Katz did a masterful job designing and building a large addition and an expansive outdoor living area to our home. The 20’ by 40’ addition serve as our family room and features 16’ ceilings, hard wood floors, and an entertainment center which includes an HDTV projection system with a 12’ retractable screen. The roof of the room serves as an outdoor deck accessible from two bedrooms. Howard also designed and built us a two-level outdoor Ipe deck which includes a built-in gas grill, hot-tub, and koi pond with a waterfall. He also built attractive brick walls and sidewalks around our property. He was easy to work with on the design and he completed the project on time and on budget. His crew was courteous and kept the site clean during construction. Howard also took responsibility for all the local and county permitting, including approval of the project from the County Historic Preservation Commission. We highly recommend Howard Katz for architectural and construction work. Byron and Mary Anderson