Neumann Mendro Andrulaitis Architects LLP

NMA Architects created a remodel design for a neglected 60's house which was the least attractive property in an otherwise blooming neighborhood. The results are stunning. The new dwelling is concise in its thoughtful layout and creative use of space. All elements are clean, sophisticated yet comfortable, current yet timeless, and uniquely distinctive, The team worked closely with the contractor, landscape designer, and owners through the entire process. Excellent!

Inspired by their portfolio of beautiful work, we hired Dave Mendro and team to design a modern ADU and Studio to complement our Spanish Mission home in Montecito, CA. After the first meeting, we knew Dave was the perfect fit for us. He was a great listener, asked insightful questions, and brought a unique perspective to the project. He welcomed the fact that we had architecture and design experience–it was a constructive collaboration. Our property had a lot of complications but Dave and his team brought positive attitudes and fresh ideas to the table. Everything he suggested was tasteful, well-considered, and detailed. Further, his insight into the permitting process enabled us to breeze through (and even skip a review or two!). We're grateful to Dave for his talent and delighted with the outcome.

Over the years, my company has done many concrete foundations with NMA at the helm. Their designs have always been well thought out and fit into the context of the environment around them. From the beaches of Carpinteria to the hills of Monticeto to rugged coast line of Hollister Ranch, they all have been well planned out with a complete set of clear drawing on their intent for the design of the building. They have a great team of architects and staff that are easy to work with and are open to suggestions to enhance the project.

My experience with NMA was nothing short of exceptional. From our first meeting, through every step of the design process, navigating arduous architectural review & permitting processes, delivering requisite and sometimes complicated construction documentation and details, the experience was always professional and reflective of NMA's immense artistic and technical talents.

We had an outstanding experience with Mary Andrulaitis. She worked magic turning our small property into an exceptionally planned and curated space for our family. Every inch was put to good use in a creative way. In addition, she and her team were a pleasure to work with. We truly can’t recommend her highly enough!

NMA did an extraordinary job mentoring us through conceptualizing and designing a house on what I can only describe as a challenging location. Mary Andrulaitis highly recommended adding our builder to the team immediately, which smoothed both the detailed design of storage – we had a substantial down-sizing issue – and finishing throughout. Discussion of home functionalities with Mary were incredibly important, and, after more than four years in residence have proved to be “spot on.“The design experience was superb. We thoroughly enjoy the results every day.

I used this firm with great satisfaction on a comprehensive remodel 30 years ago. When I decided to move 2+ years ago, I re-engaged them as my architects for a total remodel of a newly purchased residence. Some of the faces have changed, but the quality of their work product and advice has not. They were superb start to finish! I recommend the firm without reservation. Lee Asseo

I am a General Contractor and I just competed a project for one of my clients that was designed by Dan Mendro of NMA Architect and it was a great experience. I enjoyed working closely with Dave and Kurt over the course of the project. They were extremely responsive to questions and problem solving. They use excellent software for details presentation and especially helpful was their App driven 3D program that allows both the owner and the tradesmen in the field to get a clear and understandable picture of the finished product. Great experience and looking forward to working with this team on the next one. Bob Taylor

The team at NMA was amazing to work with. We did a complete remodel on a house on Hill Road, and they helped us from concept to completion. The team was able to draw up three dimensional drawings for us to show our client conceptually what we wanted, which was an amazing tool (big thank you there to Kurt, who listened well and executed drawings quickly!). We really enjoyed working together, we found them to be a good value and they always had their work done on time! Can't wait for our next chance to get to work together! Kindest Regards, Robby Gregory Robert Gregory Interior Design Los Angeles, CA

We had Dave Mendro design a home for us in Hope Ranch. Having never designed a home from the ground up before Dave was a dream to have. He enlisted the help of a builder to help us understand the costs and issues related to our design, and he helped us come up with value engineering ideas that didn't compromise the architecture integrity of what we wanted. He ushered us through the permitting process from Hope Ranch ARB, through the Santa Barbara and Coastal commission approvals, all done in record time. Additionally every time we needed to hire an engineer of any kind he always recommended 2-3 trades we could use, he provided a similar service to us when we were looking for builders. I cannot imagine a more dedicated or knowledgeable architect. He was truly a gem.

I have worked with Mary (NMA) for over a year now on a project on Padaro Lane and she is truly exceptional. Her attention to home detail, budget, and willingness to work with all trades to provide the homeowner with the best possible quality ranks her at the top of my list of architects. Mary is not only knowledgeable in her field; she is very construction savvy and sees the project through from beginning to end as well. Mary is a team player and just a delight to work with in every way. Carolyne Ferguson Carolyne Ferguson Design

Mary and the entire NMA team helped us create the home of our dreams. They listened carefully to our needs and preferences and then translated them into an extraordinary blend of handsome design and good old-fashioned practicality.

The crew at Neumann Mendro Andrulaitis have been wonderful to work with in the construction of the new Lynda Fairly Carpinteria Arts Center. They're professional, they're brave and bold in their vision and their sense of service is second to none.

Our experience with NMA Architects was beyond our expectations. They are highly professional, approachable, responsive and easy to work with. NMA Architects was instrumental in finding the right balance and proportions for all the changes we made. We couldn't be happier with the finished product and hope to work with them again in the near future.

It was an absolute pleasure working with everyone at NMA Architects. I chose them because I loved their designs and esthetics, but the incredible quality of our healthy work-relationship cannot be understated. I was always impressed by their prompt and direct communication, attention to detail, and thoughtful consideration of different perspectives. It was evident they cared about my project and wanted to see it successful. I think they also did an excellent job of managing ancillary factors like personel time, thorough organization of records, samples, invoices etc., and setting/meeting goals. I wouldn't hesitate to work with them in the future.

We hired NMA to design a new house for us. They were extremely knowledgeable and professional, especially in guiding us through the local approval process. Definitely recommend.

Dave Mendro did an outstanding job with my remodel and addition. His design esthetic and meticulous detailing resulted in an extraordinary result.

Dave Mendro and his associates were wonderful to work with during all phases of our major remodel. They took our design requirements and expanded them to developed creative solutions and a beautiful design. They were accessible and incredibly helpful during the planning, design, permitting, and construction phases. I would recommend them without hesitation.

I’ve worked with NMAA on three significant projects since living in Santa Barbara. The projects have seen seamless and consistently exceeded expectations. It’s been a pleasure working with Dave Mendro and his team, and I wouldn’t hesitate jumping in again.

After investing time with another local firm we turned to NMA to take us in a different creative direction. With their thoughtful and innovative planning they created a concept that delivered on our desire for a new contemporary home. Dave and his team carefully evaluated each step of the planning and design process and it was such an enjoyable experience to watch our project unfold from initial concept to a spectacular finished home. We greatly admire and appreciate Dave and his team's creative vision, careful thought and absolute professionalism. They are a dream team that gave us the most incredible dream home!!

In 1996 NMA did a major addition to my home. Again, this year they assisted me with a small remodel project. Working with NMA has always been a pleasure. They know how to listen carefully to client needs and are masters at adapting innovative strategies to challenging situations. They also have a sense of "timeless" architecture which is a special gift in today's world of cookie cutter architecture.

We successfully worked with Dave Mendro of NMA to transform a 1950’s tract home in the Santa Barbara CA area into our wonderful, mid-century modern contemporary dream house. Dave and Sean brought great ideas to the table as well as willingly adopting our ideas resulting in a very unique, high quality product in the Santa Barbara market that met all our desires. Great focus on quality versus price alternatives by NMA throughout the project enabled us to make informed decisions. Also, as would be expected in transforming a 1950’s tract home, NMA was very proactive in developing solutions to deal with unexpected contamination, structural or design challenge surprises. We would gladly work with Dave again if another project should occur.

We at Olsen and Sons Construction just completed another project with Neuman Mendro Adrulaitis Architects, a beautifully designed custom home. Definitely the most creative and professional architectural firm we have worked with.

They have a great reputation for a reason - they are great people and do great work. We have worked with Mary and her team on a few small projects over the years, so when we decided to tackle a big project we called NMA. Mary is a joy to work with, has great ideas - but most importantly I felt like I was a part of the design process. All my ideas - silly or serious - were taken into account. My husband and I often had different visions and Mary was always able to find common ground. Santa Barbara is an especially tricky planning department to navigate, but the NMA team was always one step ahead and able to anticipate challenges ahead. I've recommended Mary to a few friends and they have had great experiences as well.

The team at Neumann Mendro Andrulaitis Architects have been wonderful. Their communication skills of understanding my vision for our home was amazing. They did a beautiful presentation, had creative talent and great attention to detail. They thought building issues through to limit mistakes while doing the project. They were there when we needed them. We now have an incredible home that incorporates the nature around us. I would highly recommend this team of talented people. Christine Duca

NMA was thoughtful, creative, realistic, and a great team of problem solvers! They were excellent partners to have during the entire process. Highly recommend...especially for projects involving coasts, creeks, oaks, butterflies, surfers, relics, and dubious setbacks!

Working with NMA was a joy!!!! What a great team. Not only are they creative, professional and problem solvers, they are responsive and fun to work with. We couldn't have been happier with the outcome of our project, and the process it took to get to completion. We highly recommend Dave Mendro and the gang, and look forward to working with them again.

Having built in the custom home industry for 35 years in both Washington state and California I/we have worked with the opportunity to work with several award winning architects. NMA is amongst the top or at the top of professionals we've had the pleasure of working with. Their genuine care for each project, attention to the smallest of details, cost implications, client and builder coordination has led to highest level of finish, both on time and on budget. David Treadway (Owner) H.D. Treadway Construction

We hired Dave Mendro and his assistants Anna Jensen-Stewart and Christian Hastings to completely remodel our 1957 mid-century modern tract home. Not only were they delightful to work with, but they are extremely talented architects who took our vague and amorphous ideas and transformed them into tangible plans that vastly exceeded our expectations. Dave was very good at employing a collaborative approach, taking our thoughts and coming up with a highly original and creative design. I particularly appreciated that all three architects worked closely with our contractor in devising innovative solutions to challenging technical problems. Dave, Anna and Christian seemed to be knowledgeable about all aspects of residential architecture, from obtaining permits to structural issues to interior furnishings and color palette. Moreover, Dave created an updated "mid-century" look for both the interior and exterior that helped us considerably in making product choices. By adhering to Dave's vision we achieved a consistent look throughout the house that also fits in well with our neighborhood. We have lived in the "new' house for nine months and random passersby still stop to comment on how much they like the house. We couldn't be happier with the final result and are very grateful to Dave and his team for making our remodeling project so fun and enjoyable.

We were looking for an architect who would listen and create a house based on our aesthetic and not just their own. We wanted something modern but that drew on the best of mid-century design and architects like Richard Neutra. We also wanted a true collaboration to create not only a comfortable house that fit our living, but also a work of art that would endure and be celebrated. We got that working with NMA and Dave Mendro.

We hired the firm to design our 1951 California ranch house in Santa Barbara with a spectacular view of the Pacific and Channel Islands. They could not have been sensitive to the site, spaces, and materials. They also could not have been more professional in every aspect of the project. A sheer delight to work with. And the end product is everything and more that we could have hoped for.

I recently worked with NMA and was really impressed with their attention to detail and their thoughtful execution of the client's vision. Their knowledge was extremely valuable when dealing with the city of Santa Barbara. I also felt that they were sensitive to the historic home's scale and proportion when working on the renovation and in the end came up with a really beautiful design. I look forward to working with them again.

As a designer based in London and working on my own new build home in Santa Barbara, I have a unique perspective as both client and design professional in working with NMA Architects. They have exceeded my expectations in every way. They are professional, creative, astute and they are great fun to work with! NMA's collaborative approach creates the ideal environment for delivering a client's vision.

We just completed a remodel which included a 750 sq ft addition and basically improving every other feature of our home. We had a long wish list to complete...higher ceilings, larger common area, maximizing our view, etc...all were achieved and we are thrilled with the results. Dave and Sean were a pleasure to work with and so skilled at balancing their expert opinions with what was most important to us.

I wanted to add a kitchen nook to expand the use of our kitchen and asked Dave Mendro, who was instrumental in the original architecture of our house, to design it. It is now finished and looks fabulous. What we love about it is it looks like it has always been there and completely blends with the entire house. It is a small area with big sunny windows making it a magnet for anyone passing through the kitchen; the family all eat meals there; the children do their homework and lounge about reading; guests wander in with cups of tea and sit with newspapers chatting. It is has become a focal point of the house and my only regret is I didn't ask them to do it years ago.

I worked with NMA to construct a barn style retreat. The rural property, which was far from Santa Barbara, had many challenges and opportunities. NMA creatively located the buildings to maximize the natural attributes of the site, resulting in a superb end product. Form start to finish NMA was a pleasure to work with. During the construction process, they worked creatively with the project builder (RHC Builders from Montecito) to preserve the most important aspects of the design concept, while implementing a few thoughtful changes for value engineering. The result: a fantastic project created by a fantastic team. NMA and RHC are the best in the business and I highly recommend them without reservation.

We hired NMA to remodel the home we purchased as a second residence because it needed significant updating and lacked the configuration we wanted in a home where we would be having lots of guests. In our experience, NMA is a firm with exceptionally talented architects who are focussed on determining what the client wants and then delivering beyond his/her expectations. We thoroughly enjoyed working with them and are extremely happy with the outcome. We highly recommend the services of NMA Architects. The NMA creative process was very effective in helping us define and prioritize our objectives for the remodel. Because we wanted it to be very different from the turn of the century home we live in outside Chicago, we needed to be educated by NMA. We shared magazine photos of homes we liked, reviewed their computer generated and hand drawings and went with them to visit previous NMA clients' homes to allow us to see various architectural and aesthetic elements. This process enabled NMA to understand what appealed to us and allowed us to better visualize what they were proposing for our total renovation. It was time consuming but their patience throughout meant we would have a house we would love. We also knew we could trust them to fight for the elements they perceived to be critical to their design. NMA has a wealth of experience and resources and they are creative problem solvers. NMA collaborated well with our talented team ( contractor, interior designer, landscape architect). They were inclusive in their communications and meetings and were responsive and available to all of us. They created an environment where everyone was encouraged to work to improve the outcome and ideas and opinions were welcomed from all. They were also very good at communicating on a regular basis which helped us enormously since we were in Chicago for much of the time. We were very fortunate to have Mary Andrulaitis as the lead architect, Kas Seefeld as the project manager and Andy Neumann as an advisor. They are all very warm and positive and exhibit real passion for their work. Our entire house was redone and they designed or advised us on every facet of it. We have lived in our house on and off during the past 18 months and it is perfect as a retreat for the two of us, as a destination for our friends to come visit us and as a gathering place for our extended family. Our newly renovated home is flooded with light, seamlessly merges the interior and exterior spaces, is perfectly suited to the property, and maximizes the views of the beautiful environs. It is understated with strong modern lines and a warm palette. It is wonderful for entertaining and it is easy to maintain. We look forward to the time when it becomes our primary residence. We are grateful to NMA Architects for a job very well done.

Attention to detail Creative Wonderful utilization of space Simple yet sophisticated lines Competent staff Timely work process Love the outcome, the light and space

My wife and I hired NMA to design a new family compound on a ranch property as well as a remodel of an existing beach home. The two projects had very different design aesthetics and locations. In both instances, they carefully listened to our design objectives, studied the unique attributes of each site, thoughtfully considered how we would use the properties, and then creatively developed designs that exceeded our expectations. The talented NMA team put incredible attention to detail into every step of the design process. The construction process went smoothly because the architectural plans were very complete and accurate. Their plans carefully integrated the structural engineering requirements with the architectural detailing which is paramount to a successful project. The three principals of the firm, Andy, Dave, and Mary, have created a culture within their firm that reflects their talent and business values. They are dedicated professionals and the entire team is a pleasure to work with. As a developer, contractor or client, I have interacted with approximately 40 different design firms in my 30 year career. Neumann Mendro Andrulaitis Architects LLP stands out as one of the best firms, and I enthusiastically recommend them.

Mary Andrulaitis is an exceptional architect that was a pleasure to work with. My project was different, as my house burned down in a fire, so I wasn't a client looking for the excitement of building a home. That said, from this perspective, I'm so grateful for the opportunity. I lived on this land for many years, so her initial inquiry had me address many things about what I love about the property, and what my aesthetic and daily life looks like. I had a great team, and she worked amazingly well with my contractor. It was joyful to watch as they smiled and laughed through many of the decisions, so there was a lightness to the entire project. She designed the house top to bottom, and worked diligently with DD Ford, my contractor, to keep me on budget. I'm so lucky. I chose the interior fixtures, hardwood, flooring, lighting, wall colors, etc., but it was definitely a collaborative effort, as her opinions are golden, and she designed the spaces, architectural details, design elements and gets all the credit for the lightness and how beautifully the spaces are inside and out. She allowed me a sense of freedom and supported me with all my ideas. One of the best features of my home is the covered patio that she created from her imagination. Here's a story that I can share showing her attention to detail. When my pendant light fixtures arrived, the images I saw in the catalogue were clearly photoshopped, as the wires were heavier and uglier than expected. We were all sitting around the table at our scheduled design meeting when my face dropped and it was clear I was unhappy with my purchase. She decided to guide us all in fixing the pendants and asked my contractor to find a subcontractor to change them, which wasn't an easy ask. All the hardware had to be enlarged, because Mary and I both wanted to keep the look shown in the catalogue. We jumped in cars and with her guidance had them adjusted, and I love them in my space. I have her to thank. What architect does that? Mary Andrulaitis. No detail to small. No question unanswered. She creates beautiful spaces. Her ideas are valuable because often times they are things you wouldn't think of. I am grateful and notice things everyday, like the size of my stairwell, to the island in my kitchen, to the window seats in my living room and bedroom, to the storage ideas she recommended, to my windows and doors! And, she designs inside a budget! I can recommend her because of her talent, kind heart, attention to detail regarding all the plans she has to create, including engineering, grading, drainage, electrical septic, etc. She layers on top of that foundation architectural elements, creating a beautiful structure inside and out with light and passion. Did I also mention she is always on time? She makes you feel important. It is clear she is doing what she is supposed to do and I'm certain I could be the president of her fan club!

We are a couple living in London UK. We had always dreamt of having a beach house and purchased a lot in Carpinteria on which NMA had already done some preliminary work for the previous owner. After a "getting to know you" period conducted at long distance with a few visits we embarked on the design and build in early 2002. NMA assembled a team of contractor and designers, they dealt with the approvals and were a joy to deal with. The process was relatively painless for such a project conducted at long distance NMA kept us constantly updated and consistently had good ideas while being willing to listen to other ideas. There are 4 or 5 features of the house that came about because of this that are just wonderful. 10 years later the house is our pride and joy it has been a source of real pleasure for us and our friends. NMA are a hard working group and nothing is too much trouble for them. Thank you.

We worked Neumann Mendro Andrulaitis on the Kurth project in Santa Barbara. They are very open to new ideas, enthusiastic about their work, and flexible. Their attention to detail and partnership with the builder, homeowner, and suppliers created a spectacular project that met the client's needs and desires.

I used Neumann Mendro for our offices and and working with then again on our home. I am honored to work with them. They are extremely talented and fun to work with.

DD Ford Construction has worked closely with Neumann Mendro Andrulaitis on many custom home projects over the past 30 years. The projects have varied in design and scope, both new homes and remodels. Consistent through every project has been NMA’s commitment to creating spaces and environments that reflect all the building site has to offer. Spaces that take in to account natural light, natural landscape and natural scale that relate to us as humans. As a builder it is very important to work in a collaborative relationship with all project members. The talented team at NMA has always provided direction and input consistently and in a timely manner. NMA Architects blends and balances the desires of their clients, the input of consultants and the needs of the builder in a team environment that allows & encourages design to evolve into remarkable structure.

I have had the privilege to be apart of a design team for a large residential project in which NMA Architects designed the new home. Their entire office is personable, knowledgeable and humble. From the principal architects to the project managers and draftspersons, you feel a sense of devotion, experience, and competence. NMA Architects projects are sophisticated, diverse and distinct.

I am an interior designer and have worked on several projects with Neumann Mendro Andrulaitis. They are the ultimate professionals in every way. They listen carefully to their clients wishes and are able to then transcend these ideas and thoughts into a beautiful structure. Their organization and teamwork makes for a seamless completion of a finished product where every detail has been taken into consideration. They are talented, fun, smart and a delight to work with.

My firm, Leonard Unander Associates, has worked with Neumann Mendro Andrulaitis Architects on multiple projects ranging from a large scale residential compound in Montecito, to a more modest California Ranch home. Andy, Dave, and Mary have a super talented group of professionals in their office and they consistently produce exceptional design in a timely manner. Based on their high quality design, professionalism, and focus on team work, LUA highly recommends NMA. We love working with this team!

As a custom home builder, we are always honored to work with Neumann Mendro Adrulaitus Architects. We have found them to be excellent designers, clear communicators, and extremely professional in every aspect of their work. They always have the client's best interest in mind - whether it's the design, the budget, or the schedule. The two most recent projects on which we have worked with NMA have been complex whole house remodels where attention to detail and the abiliity to resolve unexpected challenges have been essential to the success of the project. NMA met the highest marks in both areas. The outcome: two beautiful, award winning projects with extremely happy homeowners.

We are a high end custom home general contractor specializing in new construction and remodeling of homes and estates in the Santa Barbara/Montecito/Hope Ranch area. Our experience with Mary Andrulaitis and the entire team at NMA Architects on our most recently completed project is quite representative of all of the projects that we have worked on together. We have found their firm to be very professional, extremely detailed oriented, very organized, and very responsive to our requests for information or decisions. Equally as important, the overall communication process that they establish for the project, from their issuance of SKs and SK Logs to Meeting Minute documentation to the resolution of all of the construction issues that arise throughout the course of the project is timely, to the point, with clear documentation and tracking on all of the issues. We use them and their processes as examples whenever we need to provide 'suggestions' to other architects as to how information should be provided for a project. And besides, as an added bonus they are all just great people to work with!

Our firm collaborated with NMA Architects on a large scale project for over 7 years. In every aspect, they exceeded our expectations, and were in our opinion, ideal creative partners for this project. We look forward to the opportunity to work together again soon.