Daniel M Swain, Architect

Unfortunately Dan is not responsive and didn't respond to my refund request. We had an agreement for a house addition that started Oct 2017 and paid the initial deposit. The money paid covered the initial design effort and "as is" review or assessment. It's now July 2018 and we've had various emails and text messages without any outcome. He or his team has not provided any information, when we setup a time to talk he doesn't call me. We had only ONE phone call in January and Dan had promised to give us an updated plan by the week after (nothing happened). I can't tell if Dan is a talented individual but my experience is just not right. It's a 'take the money and run' from my perspective.

Architect Dan Swain and project manager Gloria Beck helped us with our kitchen remodel in addition to replacing 2 archways that separated our living room and dining room. Without the expertise and experience of the 2 of them, we could not have envisioned all the potential possibilities that our house had. They can answer any question, know the latest trends and pros and cons of each, know how to keep things within budget, know how to move things along and problem solve, have attention to detail and think about things that we never had an idea we needed to think about, have plenty of contacts of contractors, have the flexibility to change plans when we changed our minds about something, are extremely patient as there were times we were very indecisive, know the best places to shop for whatever is needed for your project, and they have a great eye for what looks good! My wife and I were dreading having to face a remodel and all that entails but with the help of Dan and Gloria, it was as smooth as could be expected. I would highly recommend their services, especially for a major project. We are extremely pleased with the final project and pictures will be added soon!

Dan Swain is a very talented architect who completed 2 separate projects for us in the last few years. First renovation involved a total redesign of our master suite. Our space had numerous awkward angles that required clever and creative solutions. Dan had wonderful ideas. He completely changed the orientation of the bathroom, added a large master closet and made the bedroom area much more beautiful. He also helped us choose finishes and colors in both the bedroom and bathroom. He managed all permit related details and was available as needed throughout the entire project. Our second renovation entailed adding a terrace to our upper main living level and creating more liveable space in that same area. Again, Dan designed and coordinated all structural related issues and worked seamelessly with other professionals as needed (e.g. structural engineers and our fantastic contractor, Peter Curlee). Finally, we found his fees to be quite reasonable. We couldn't be more thrilled with the results. We unhesitatingly give Dan our highest accolades and recommend him for any new construction or renovation projects.

I hired Daniel M. Swain to design my kitchen. He was respectful, easy to work with, and very professional. The kitchen came out great (see photos of Oakmore Transitional Kitchen under his listing). He accompanied me to pick out the counters, lighting, and gave me feedback on my picks for pulls and other accessories. This even after I paid him in full. He continued to provide suggestions, especially on aesthetic features of the kitchen. Mr. Swain and the contractor, Peter Curlee, worked well together and both were open to my needs and wants, even when I disagreed with a couple of Mr. Swain's initial design elements. They both accommodated my wishes. After the project was finished, however, I realized the architect was right all along. Listen up: Heed your architect; he's the pro! I do not hesitate to recommend both Daniel M. Swain, architect, and Peter Curlee, general contractor. A dynamic duo!

We interviewed 5 architects and picked Dan. He did a fantastic job of listening to what our thoughts and concerns were regarding a kitchen, living room, master closet, master bath and family room remodel plus a bonus/game room addition. Dan nailed it! Dan's ideas were very thought out - not only from a visual perspective but from a functional one as well. We did not spend much time hashing out different layouts and options. He had reason's behind why a particular idea of ours might not be the best solution and we felt Dan really knew what he was doing. He didn't just go along with what we thought when he knew it wasn't the right way to go. I tried to move the location of the refrigerator two times, and each time Dan explained why he put the refrigerator where he did. He was right - the refrigerator is in the perfect spot! Dan had very good explanations for why he felt the way he did. Dan was also a very practical designer, understanding the costs of construction and how a particular design would impact the bottom line construction costs. Dan was very helpful throughout the entire process, stopping by to check the progress, offer suggestions and was always available to discuss any aspect of the process with our sub-contractors. I highly recommend Dan Swain for all your architectural needs!

My initial meeting with Dan Swain was all I needed to see that Dan was highly knowledgeable and trustworthy, a pleasure to work with, and sensitive to maintaining the architectural integrity of an older home (1920s), while still making sweeping and much needed changes. That was one of his top priorities and one of mine as well. Throughout the course of the design phase of the project, I met with Dan regularly as we discussed and planned what would be done. He was always available for questions (there were many), and patient in explaining what wasn't always clear to a first-time renovator. As we moved into the construction phase of the job, Dan continued to stop by to check in. He worked easily and closely with the contractor (Peter Curlee), and was there with expert advice when code, engineering, or design questions arose. From the start, Dan streamlined the design phase of the project so it moved along on schedule, but in a way that never rushed me in making decisions. No corners were cut. I could rely on Dan's design sense and guidance throughout the project. He took me on several initial shopping trips to give me an overview of where to look and what to look for for light fixtures, counter tops, sinks, stoves, without ever pushing decisions on me. His fee was extremely reasonable given his expertise and experience. The product and process he delivered was worth every penny it cost and more.