Testimonials

Saquatucket Marina

“After providing a preliminary site plan and operational requirements, Tim Sawyer, the project architect, put together a great design that met the requirements and established goals of the Town. When the initial construction bids came in higher than the project budget, the architect remained extremely flexible and innovative in reducing portions of the initial design and suggesting value engineering items to bring the project within budget without compromising the overall scope and goals of the project. Much of this redesigned work remained within the design budget, and extra effort by the architect was provided in the process of receiving approvals from town boards and committees. From start to finish of the project, Catalyst provided superior expertise in the administration of the contract. Establishing a positive and trusted working relationship with Town personnel, Builder, and Structural Engineer, the architect ensured all design plans were followed and when necessary made adjustments to overcome unexpected issues. With a critical eye, the architect inspected all aspects of the construction project and provided detailed punch lists at various times throughout the project to ensure a high level of quality control. Extremely competent and professional, Catalyst provided exceptional architectural services to the Town of Harwich. Saquatucket Municipal Marina is one of the town’s most valued assets, and the landside redevelopment design plan was expertly administered by the project architect has made the waterfront area more vibrant, accessible, and attractive to a broader spectrum of the community.”

– John C. Rendon
Harbormaster, Town of Harwich

Private Home in Mashpee

Todd and Rick and the Catalyst team were extraordinary partners as the architects of our new Cape Cod home.  They brought to the table visionary creative design ideas to match our hopes and desires.  They worked hard to bend our home design to both conform with town restrictions and our requests for view, light, and proximity to the water. They were magicians in making the perfect house design work for us while meeting stringent town restrictions. We could not be happier with the results. 

They listened, contributed inventive design solutions, effectively incorporated our many idea changes, matched us to a builder who was a dream to work with, and produced for us a magnificent result. 

We will be forever grateful. 

– Private Home Owner
Mashpee, MA 

Brewster Woods

Catalyst’s support through an extensive 40B zoning and permitting process, knowledge of DHCD and CBH design requirements, and attention to detail in overseeing construction were critical to the project’s successful completion. Kathryn is one of the best architects we’ve worked with and we appreciate her efforts in building these attractive, sustainable, and permanently affordable homes for families.

– Jon Springfield, Sr. Project Manager
Preservation of Affordable Housing

Crosby Barn at Cape Rep Theatre

They are excellent listeners and synthesizers of complex information, cognizant of the functional needs and criteria of diverse stakeholders, able to resolve competing and sometimes conflicting design goals, efficient in providing alternatives for client review, and true partners in our nonprofit’s efforts to create a new artistic venue–all while operating under a complex set of environmental, historic, regulatory, and budgetary constraints.

– Mary Ellen Ackerman, President, Board of Trustees &
Fran Schofield, Chair, Crosby Barn Renovation Committee

King’s Way Condominiums

For approximately two years we have worked with Catalyst Architecture / Interiors on a series of studies, and improvement projects at the Kings Way Condominiums. In each of these projects, Catalyst Architecture / Interiors has been beneficial in helping us achieve our goals. Catalyst Architecture / Interiors has been a valuable resource in the evaluation, planning and oversight of several recent improvement projects throughout the Kings Way Condominium campus. During our time working with them, the Catalyst team has regularly shown knowledge, efficiency, patience, and responsiveness. I appreciate their ability to provide services on projects of varying size and with various scopes of work. I would not hesitate to recommend them for other projects involving architectural services.

Cape Cod Village

“Let’s start by giving Catalyst a “5” on a 5-star rating scale. Your firm had to deal with myriad governmental regulations and unusual design considerations and did so using creative and efficient strategies. This was no small accomplishment. Catalyst worked cooperatively with our board of directors, staff and the general contractor. The timely responses to our change requests are just one example of the professional competency that we experienced during construction. Even with these changes you were able to contain costs and maintain the integrity of our budget. Cape Cod Village was chosen by the Town of Orleans Preservation Committee as the leading example of how local government funding combined with a nonprofit organization can enhance the viability of a town. During every step of the way, we were impressed with the encouraging, patient and optimistic tone that your staff continually brought to the process. You listened to our vision and joined us in creating a home for some of the most vulnerable and deserving people in our community.

– Bob Jones
President & Co-Founder

Lauren Jones
Co-Founder

Brewster Woods

“Catalyst is an exceptional architect to work with and a key member of the Brewster Woods Phase 1 team. They are responsive, think outside the box, and provide solutions to construction issues, and have gone out of their way to address abutter concerns; meeting with abutters, and problem-solving throughout the project. Their unique abilities as an architect include a humanistic approach in really considering what the outcome of decisions will be and how they will affect the experience of future residents.”

– Donna J. Kalinick
Assistant Town Administrator
Town of Brewster

Cape Associates

“Over the decades we have had the opportunity to collaborate with Catalyst on numerous projects, both residential and commercial in nature. Though the design and construction vernacular has changed through the years one thing has remained constant; the dedication and passion Catalyst has had in performing their architectural services to the highest standard of quality and completeness.

Building the team with quality consultants coupled with their excellent awareness to construction processes and products puts them at the top when it comes to firms having the horsepower and expertise to see a project through to successful completion. From initial design concept to preconstruction services to construction administration and project close-out, their staff brings a level of knowledge and professionalism that is largely unsurpassed here on the Cape. As a builder, these qualities in an architectural firm are considered paramount (and rare) in being able to deliver a quality product knowing that it has been designed with every drop of due diligence possible.”

Rich Bryant
EVP, Cape Associates, Inc.

Miacomet Golf Club

“The new clubhouse saved the 2020 season. The spacious well-appointed dining room and bar in coordination with the expansive outdoor dining patio put our members and the public at ease as we we’re able to create ample space between dining tables. The outdoor patio was a huge success and remained full every day that weather permitted. Nantucket can present many challenges for architects and builders and I’m pleased to say this building leaves no doubt that you were able to overcome these obstacles and produce a building of distinction. The positive comments from club members and the general public are pleasing to my management team and are a statement of a job well done for your team.”

Alan Costa
President NGM Inc.

Terrapin Ridge – WIHED

“We chose Catalyst based on their excellent design, understanding of quality, affordable housing, and their local expertise on Cape Cod. Catalyst helped us select a local team, including a top-notch civil engineer which was crucial to a project that would be going through a 40 B zoning process on land that would require a septic system and early on would undergo a public infrastructure project. Having the continuity of Kathryn throughout was really important as she carried a lot of knowledge of how design evolved and was able to troubleshoot and talk through challenges with a great knowledge of what our overall goals for the project would be. Catalyst was quite helpful with creating a strong and collaborative working relationship with the Town of Sandwich. Kathryn was a true professional throughout the whole process. She helped manage the relationship with the contractor, the construction manager even through the early stages of the COVID pandemic. Today the project is open, occupied and is really a beautiful, sustainable and warm community.”

– Gabrielle J. Geller
Development Consultant

Terrapin Ridge

“Catalyst’s experience and commitment to create well-designed and built affordable housing was a significant factor in the Board’s decision to award the development rights to WIHED. The Catalyst team, headed by Kathryn Giardi, was also very responsive to concerns expressed by the Housing Authority and made every effort to ensure that the design for Terrapin Ridge would be compatible with our abutting twelve units of townhouses. Ms. Giardi also prioritized appropriate landscaping that would minimize the impact of the new housing development to the surrounding neighborhoods. Catalyst’s commitment to this project was instrumental in getting a Certificate of Occupancy and allowing tenants to move into the units on schedule. We would not hesitate to engage Catalyst in any future development projects that the Sandwich Housing Authority undertakes.”

– Paula Schnepp
Executive Director

COLLINS CONSTRUCTION CO., INC.

“They understand the importance of a collaborative approach to pre-construction and construction with the builder. Catalyst always provides quality designs and is open to the input of the contractor, taking feedback and suggestions from trade service contractors when it benefits the overall project. Catalyst is always prepared, responsive when there are clarifications required and willing to work with all project stakeholders. The decades-long relationship that Catalyst and Collins has is a great example of their ability to build and cultivate strong relationships.”

– Rebecca L. Collins
President

Wannacomet Water Company

The finished building is exquisite, and we have been receiving compliments regularly from our customers when entering the space for the first time. The Catalyst team has exceeded our expectations in their thorough attention to detail and their caring patience and prompt responsiveness to our numerous requests and changes. Both Kurt Raber and Kathryn Giardi are professional, easy to work with, and most importantly, extremely knowledgeable in helping us through the complex process of designing and building a municipal building. Catalyst Architects and Interiors has been essential in helping Wannacomet through the complicated and bumpy road of completing a municipal building project on Nantucket. Thank you for making our new administration building a reality.

– Mark J. Willett
Director, Wannacomet Water Company
Town of Nantucket

West Falmouth Library

“With the completion of the West Falmouth Library’s building project, we wish to let you know how successful your work has been. The Addition honors the 1895 building, meets our original objectives, and has received praise from our patrons and staff. Comments about the restoration of the historic building have been very positive also. People are pleased that its character was preserved and enhanced.

During the project, you listened to all the members of the Building Committee, and you helped us sort through our sometimes conflicting expectations and desires. We also appreciate the effective presentations you made to donors and regulators. It was a great benefit to the project to have Maria Raber’s day-to-day attention to the project from beginning to end. She developed the design into a well-coordinated and detailed set of drawings. During construction, she responded promptly to the contractor’s submission and questions.

It is especially praiseworthy that all this was accomplished within your original cost estimate.”

– Charles McCaffrey & Oliver Egleston
   Building Committee Chairman, Vice-President

Cape Cod Children’s Place, Inc.

Kathryn was a true pleasure to work with. Her strengths were many; her communication was consistent and every conversation was followed by an acknowledgment email, She truly respected the fact that this operation had to take place while we were open for business and made sure that the contractor was respectful of that. Staying within budget and reducing costs whenever possible was a priority for us and Kathryn supported and made suggestions whenever possible. Kathryn worked so well with all of our town departments which contributed to strengthening those relationships for our future as an organization. Kathryn was a true professional throughout the whole process…”

“… Our addition is a reflection of the unique character of the Lower and Outer Cape. Kathryn and Tim made this process a lot of fun and we felt totally supported throughout the whole build.”
– Cindy Horgan, Executive Director

Habitat for Humanity of Cape Cod

“… Habitat just heard last Friday that all four of our 2016 Federal Home Loan Bank Boston grants were approved? These grants are incredibly competitive and decimal points in scoring can make the difference on whether a project is funded or not. BLF&R was a key partner in putting together these applications…”

“… the bigger success is the impact you are having on our process, our designs, and our sites. What you do makes a difference. We really appreciate having BLF&R on our team…”

– Leedara Zola, Land Acquisition and Permitting

Cape Cod Village

“…Ease of communication- this is an area where BLF&R truly stands out. Each email, memo, meeting notes, etc. is executed promptly, articulately, thoughtfully and thoroughly. Rick and his team are famous for their level of preparedness for each and every meeting they attend. He is a master of presentation, particularly before town boards, funders, and community groups…”

“… Every single project I worked on with BLF&R was on time and on budget. We seldom had delays and if we did, they were not related to the work of the architect. Rick and his team always worked very closely with the builder to make sure that pricing and scheduling was accurate, and in the event of unexpected costs, they were always ready with ideas about how to make adjustments in other areas in order to stay within budget…”

“… I have worked with them repeatedly because it was always a wonderful experience… It was a real pleasure to work with someone with such high standards, and such a high level of integrity. After working with them once, you may never want to work with another architect again.”

– Gisele Gauthier, Housing Consultant

The Cooperative Bank of Cape Cod

“… We partnered with Brown Lindquist Fenuccio & Raber Architects, Inc starting in 2011 as part of our bank’s rebranding effort. BLF&R completely redesigned two of our oldest branches through top-to-bottom renovations, incorporating what have become “signature” elements throughout our branch network. Their partnership and collaboration not only with bu but also with our advertising agency and FFE vendors resulted in a look-and-feel that is distinctively “The Cooperative Bank of Cape Cod”. Their expertise was invaluable, their responsiveness nearly immediate, and their open-minded approach truly welcoming and cooperative. We continue to work closely with the team at Brown Lindquist Fenuccio & Raber and I recommend them without hesitation.”

– John Fulone, Senior Vice-President

Residential Home

“… Our primary purpose in hiring your firm was to assure that we could build a residence that would be aesthetically pleasing. I think the completed structure speaks for itself. It is what we hoped it would be in this respect. We routinely receive unsolicited comments on the attractiveness of the structure and it’s fit into the neighborhood. Accomplishing the fit was no easy feat given the size of the dwelling relative to other structures in the neighborhood…”

“… The design goal we had was to achieve the look of a traditional Cape Cod cottage that might have been added to over time. We also wanted a 3-car attached garage that would add significant mass to the overall structure. The final design was able to accommodate both these goals extremely effectively, both functionally and aesthetically… We enjoyed working with you and the other professionals in your office. Thank you for your work on our behalf…”

– Private Home Owner
Osterville, MA

CapeSpace

” I have recently opened a shared workspace business in Hyannis… My experience in the shared workspace industry was only in large urban areas, and the Cape itself had virtually no experience with shared workspace. I knew I needed to design a facility that would appeal to this new market and fit in with the local environment… My BLF&R team consisted of Rick Fenuccio as the overseeing partner, Rod Topolewski as Project Manager, and Paula Drury as Interior Designer… Together they helped me transform a dreary former medical office into a light and airy office space at a manageable cost…”

“Paula worked wonders with color and with innovative materials to create a decor I have dubbed “Coastal Professional” People walk into our space constantly and comment that they feel instantly both at home and inspired to get to work… On top of the wonderful job the BLF&R team did with designing my space, they were also a genuine pleasure to work with. They are an outstanding group of talented professionals.”

– Robbin Orbison, President

Town of Sandwich

“… The Town of Sandwich selected BLF&R, and was so pleased with the quality of their work during the feasibility study phase that we later continued our contract with them through the final design and construction document phases, and are now in the process of going out to bid for the construction project…”

“We had a very positive experience, and hope to continue working with them in the future as we pursue other building projects in Sandwich…”

– Douglas Lapp, Assistant Town Manager

Wianno Club

“… We found BLF&R to be very professional, knowledgeable and easy to work with. There was a great synergy with your firm, club management and the various club committees and smooth coordination and cooperation with the interior designer and general contractor chosen. The presentation of various design options during the conceptual stage of the project assisted in ensuring that all ideas were heard and vetted. We appreciated the firm’s flexibility and the fact that you were readily available for meetings including special weekend all-member meetings…”

“… Your constant and timely communication and quick responsiveness was greatly appreciated by all. Your firm showed an ever-present level of organization that assisted with keeping excellent tabs on where the budget was at any given time, and all while monitoring and keeping change orders in check. Your organization in keeping the four separate projects in order through design and construction was extremely helpful…”

– Darin Crippen, General Manager

Private Home

“… The design took ideas stored in our minds and made them a physical reality, truly an incredible feat.”

“Thanks to your firm’s careful preparations, meticulous detail in the sketches and superb representation at all permit meetings, we were able to work easily with each planning committee and were granted our building permits on our first attempt. The feedback we received from members of each committee was all the same, that they wished they dealt with more architects as prepared and thorough as you all.”

“…To speak to the actual design quality of the house, not only are we thrilled with the finished product, but we receive so many compliments from neighbors and passerbys… To say we are happy with the final product and Tom’s work on our home would be a vast understatement. Thank to Tom and BLF&R we are truly living in our dream home, so thank you.”

– Private Home Owner
Duxbury, MA

Housing Assistance Corporation

“I have worked on several affordable housing projects with Brown Lindquist Fenuccio & Raber over the past 7+ years I was with the Housing Development Department at HAC. The three largest projects were all multi-family affordable developments ranging in size from 10 to 40 units.

Affordable housing development is often a lengthy and complex venture with many stakeholders. The knowledge and professionalism of the BLFR team was always “above and beyond”.

Working from a small housing office, I often had questions, issues, and concerns and always appreciated the quick responsiveness and patience of the BLFR team. From the conceptual design process through project closeout, the attention to detail of the entire BLFR staff created projects that were well received by the local community, the many (and varied) funders, and most importantly, the residents who moved in”

– Kate Ferriera, former Director

Centerville Public Library

“Our project included renovation of 3400 sf of existing space and adding 4800 sf of new space to the Library. Brown Lindquist Fenuccio & Raber Architects has been with us throughout the long process of making a dream into an idea and an idea into a reality.The design is beautiful, inside and out, and it fits seamlessly into the village.
Their design and management skills are extraordinary, and they keep a close eye on the project as it is in construction. They also understand the challenges faced by a non-profit trying to raise funds for a capital project.”

– Beth Butler, Director

Cape Cod Sea Camps

“All of us were highly impressed with the overall service you provided throughout the Art Center project. Your prompt response to our questions and concerns throughout the development of this project, during our numerous meetings before and during construction instilled great confidence in the overall process. The final design of the building reflects our original intent and functional needs and aesthetically matches our camp environment. The entire experience was a very positive one.”

– Nancy Garran, Director

Seamen’s Bank

“We feel that through your design efforts and hard work, we have succeeded in creating a landmark building in the Town of Eastham. In addition to the historically-accented design work, your response times, communications, and assistance in every aspect and detail of the construction were all in excess of what could be expected and unprecedented in our experience.”

– John Roderick, President

Hy-Line Cruises

“From first concepts to finished drawings to completed project, exceptional client service was the constant that we greatly appreciated. Staff accessibility was a pleasure. Hy-Line Cruises and our customers are very happy with the Hy-Line Ferry Terminal Improvements. Our tenants and the neighborhood have become comfortable with the new building. The building project was a very pleasant experience, and it was within the budget set forth at the beginning.”

– Marty DeMartino

Housing Assistance Corp.

“Housing Assistance Corporation has been developing affordable housing across Cape Cod for over 20 years, and our experience with BLFR has been among the best. They are extremely professional, highly organized, detail-oriented, proactive with identifying potential problems and their solutions, sensitive to cost constraints, flexible, helpful and fun to work with. They are committed to the cause of affordable housing and of course, they design beautiful buildings.”

– Gisele Gauthier, Former Director

“The expansion and renewal of Dennis Union Church continues to draw raves, even gasps of appreciation. This would have been impossible without your creative, responsive leadership. Of course, this required no small amount of patience from you, what with the competing interests of many boards and committees. I still remember late into the evening, you sketching over plans spread upon the table, as new priorities emerged. You have ushered us into a new era, from a small country chapel into a growing, bustling congregation looking to the future with many more options now possible for us.”
 

Dale Rosenberger, Senior Minister

Dennis Union Church