HomeMy WebLinkAboutVOCH Marcham Hall Zwigard references.pdfReference checks for Todd Zwigard AIA
regarding his proposal for Marcham Hall renovation
May 2, 2011, Bea Szekely
The questions asked are underlined; the three respondents are identified in the answers to
the first question; then initials are used.
Tell us, please, about our project; what did Todd do for you?
Oskar Bynke (OB): at Hermann Wiemer Winery
Todd did two projects for Hermann Wiemer Winery, one inside the barn 25 years ago;
then two years ago he designed he renovation for a building between the barn and the
warehouse – a corridor with glass from floor to the roof, wih tanks in between. It’s all
white; “gorgeous.”
Hunter Millington (HM): home renovation in West Hampton Beach on Long Island
Todd designed the renovation of a small beach house bought in 2000 -- two story with
three bedrooms that needed exterior and interior work. HM had known Todd through a
friend and heard about the quality of his work. He gave Todd a picture of what he
wanted, and in just a few weeks Todd responded with a proposal that has transformed the
house. Todd helped the Millingtons “realize their dreams” with a beautiful renewal of a
home; kept “oldness with transformation to modern and elegant building.” Todd came in
under budget and on time, was always there.
Fraya Berg (FB): New York City apartment house lobby and entrance renovation
Two years ago, “we renovated a landmark 1800s in NYC,” that had served multiple
purposes and is now apartments; he designed the renovation of the lobbya nd entrance.
FB had known him for years.
What were the highs and lows of his work?
OB:
Highs: Todd is a very fine professional. His ideas are on a high level. He worked with
Hermann Wiemer Winery’s Mennonite builder very well and gave great guidance; using
local labor was a goal and helped with the cost. Todd was fairly quick; his ideas
appealed. Responded very well to their needs. Concepts were fine for the clients who
tend to be opinionated.
OB:
Only low, and only a minor one – we had to get an engineer in for a concrete wall which
was a little bit more expensive than originally anticipated; that might not have needed to
be done at that level of cost, but because of savings in other bits of the project, there was
no budget overrun.
HM:
Highs: Todd is very smart and was very patient in conversation. He was flexible
regarding changes in the project with pricing and no pushback; a very nice person; unlike
anyone else “I’ve done work with before.” Even keeled and warm person; sees what you
see in looking at a project for planning.
HM:
Lows: Todd is fastidious – that is his worse characteristic. Attention to detail might be
seen as excessive. But this is part of his telling you what you need to consider and his
bringing issues to light, so that nothing important was overlooked.
FB:
Highs: Todd introduced the use of interesting materials that saved money, suggested tile
instead of stone, for example. Worked hard on color matching. This was step one of a
larger project to be done in the future when funds permit, and Todd worked hard to use
just the funds available at the time. Very good at explaining without being too technical.
Developed the plans cooperatively with the clients.
Lows: his move to Aurora took place mid-project.
Anything you wish you had discussed or found out before you signed on with him?
OB: No. He is very humble, a “gentleman”; knows issues and wants the client to be
happy with the result. Will let you know cost up front.
HM: No. “I talked with three or four architects before I met Todd.” He appealed to me
because his is so learned. He could take visioning two or three levels deeper in planning
conversations.
FB: No, not that I can think of.
Was the work completed on time?
OB: yes
HM: yes; the contractor was another problem and so was working with the municipality
of West Hampton Beach; Todd was very patient.
FB; yes, Todd’s work was. Snags occurred in the work itself once the construction began.
Todd was able to work with the contractor to solve the problem.
Did he work well with your professional staff?
OB: yes, including good relationship with Mennonite builder
HM: yes, the local contractor immediately recognized Todd for his qualities and
knowledge and got over any anxiety about working with someone from NYC.
FB: Yes, “we have a building manager”; Todd and he got along fine.
Would you rehire?
OB: yes, we already have; “I would have him build a house.”
HM: yes, in a heartbeat
FB: yes, if he were in the city. Leaks in the building lobby were solved, in addition to
aesthetics.
Anything else you care to tell us?
OB: No, he’s “a brilliant man”
HM: No
FB: No, he’s a really nice guy