Client Testimonials
“This firm does excellent work. They were very responsive and listened to our ideas - but
also delivered creative/elegant solutions that we had not considered. They have
collaborated extremely well with us. Highly recommended.”
– Eric U
“We had no idea! Never having built anything beyond a Legos train station, we were not prepared for the enormity of our undertaking. We didn’t know what we didn’t know about architecture. More importantly, we didn’t know what we wanted for our Southern California home. We thought we wanted an ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) because it was all the rage.
Mark Grisafe drew up the plans, and we were aghast! Really? That much detail? Every teeny element was crucial, meaning inches, feet, walls, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, stairs, footings, ceilings, floors, etc., ad nauseum, had to be perfect. (We were newbies.) Months later—it all takes time, and it doesn’t pay to rush—we were finally ready to rock ‘n roll after several iterations, and then the enormity of actually adding a NEW STREET ADDRESS to our home gave us huge pause. We decided it wasn’t what we wanted after all.
LONG STORY short and after another run at the plans we had a set of drawings for a remodel (not an ADU) we liked. Detailed. Over the top. Really. But what we wanted. The county quickly approved the plans. And the rest is history.
THE BOTTOM LINE:
We were thrilled with the final project. It. Is. Beautiful. All the sweat, blood, and tears were worth it. Pages of flat, paper drawings magically (haha) became three-dimensional with our great contractor's help.
Owner Mark Grisafe was professional and patient as we slogged through the process like recruits trying to arm-crouch through basic training muck. He also arranged for required safety rulings with a capable structural engineer and later a quick and helpful consult with a solar engineer when we were choosing among solar companies. To a person, the staff at Grisafe rchitecture, Inc. were courteous, competent, responsive, and good humored—even when we were stressed to Mach-level twelve.
If we were to do it again (however, I think we’re done here), we’d choose Grisafe Architecture, Inc. in a heartbeat. Thanks for a beautiful remodel. We hope you come back to this website for before and after photos. We are overwhelmed at the moment...moving back in, as it were.”
LONG STORY short and after another run at the plans we had a set of drawings for a remodel (not an ADU) we liked. Detailed. Over the top. Really. But what we wanted. The county quickly approved the plans. And the rest is history.
THE BOTTOM LINE:
We were thrilled with the final project. It. Is. Beautiful. All the sweat, blood, and tears were worth it. Pages of flat, paper drawings magically (haha) became three-dimensional with our great contractor's help.
Owner Mark Grisafe was professional and patient as we slogged through the process like recruits trying to arm-crouch through basic training muck. He also arranged for required safety rulings with a capable structural engineer and later a quick and helpful consult with a solar engineer when we were choosing among solar companies. To a person, the staff at Grisafe rchitecture, Inc. were courteous, competent, responsive, and good humored—even when we were stressed to Mach-level twelve.
If we were to do it again (however, I think we’re done here), we’d choose Grisafe Architecture, Inc. in a heartbeat. Thanks for a beautiful remodel. We hope you come back to this website for before and after photos. We are overwhelmed at the moment...moving back in, as it were.”
– Kathryn A
“I prefer local businesses when looking for services or goods. Mark Grisafe, Architect, was
a great choice. He has lived locally and his office is just off of Lakewood Blvd., in the
Douglas Park area. He was easy to work with on the design. I had specific needs and wants
in mind and he fulfilled very well. My home was built in 1947 and I wanted to add about 6
feet on to the front bedroom that had maintained the original features over the years. Mark
presented options and I am happy with the bay window option that I selected. With the
additional 6 feet, a modest walk-in closet was added as well as a bathroom with a large
walk-in shower. I have dreamed of a large porch across the front of my home since I
purchased it in 2000. I now have a beautiful porch with sitting space and an entrance to the
remodeled guest room. The plans were completed in early 2019 and construction began in
August of 2019. Work was completed as we entered the time of the Pandemic. I was
thankful to have the beautiful front porch area to meet with friends in a comfortable
setting. Thanks, Mark and staff!”
– Darlene M
“Mark Grisafe recently did an exterior home remodel for us which is absolutely beautiful. We continue to receive numerous compliments from neighbors and friends. Because we were so pleased with the result, we have asked him to do an interior remodel and landscape redesign as well. We are converting from traditional to modern interior design. Based on our request he has designed some unique spaces, such as an outdoor room, a model train layout and an aviary. We are also planning to "green" our property with solar panels and drought-resistant plants. Given the large scope of the project, we have decided to tackle the construction in phases. As Phase One nears completion, a new and exciting aesthetic is unfolding! We are impressed with Mark's professionalism and exceptional talent. He has patiently and good-naturedly seen us through periods of indecisiveness and design changes. He is personable and an absolute delight to work with. We look forward to his on-going work on our project and would not hesitate to recommend him to others."
– The Tiegs
“Mark Grisafe met the challenges of working in a historic district and delivered a beautiful home. He listened to our thoughts and designed just what we wanted: a home that was both aesthetically pleasing and functional. Additionally, he was a pleasure to work with and always friendly and open to our thoughts. I would recommend him to anyone looking for an architect."
– Lisa L
“M Grisafe Architects is talented and persistent in their trade to provide sound advice for a project. That persistence does not interfere, however, with their ability to be receptive to ideas and input from those they are designing for. In addition to a cooperative effort between all parties involved (my wife, me and MG Architects) in my project MG Architects, in particular, took a very complicated addition and flawlessly made it appear as if it was the original structure. I have received countless compliments regarding how beautifully the old has been married to the new. This point was one of the most important to me. MG Architects listened closely and well exceeded my expectations. When the dust settled on the Malatesta project this year it was clear that M Grisafe Architects performed above what is required on all fronts. Thanks for a great job!"
– Brent M
“Original, consultative and dedicated all three qualities we can say that MG Architects illustrates when taking on a project from start to finish. Even after we had hired our contractor, MG Architects would stop by the house to monitor the project and provide instrumental feedback. Their dedication to their work is illustrated to us every time we open our front door and see our New Home! Thank you MG Architects!"
– The Newkirks
“We had a general idea of what we wanted in a remodel. MG Architects listened to us and then created a design that was exactly what we needed and more beautiful than we could have imagined."
– Laura A
“Working with M Grisafe Architects has been an absolute pleasure. Specifically, we found that their professionalism, creativity and attention to detail made them easy to work with and an ideal project partner for the Alpert JCC. In addition, their excellent follow-through and overall responsiveness to our questions, requests and changes ensured a very positive outcome for our project. We would not hesitate in turning to M Grisafe Architects for our future projects or recommending them to others. "
– Jeffrey R
“I have worked with Mark Grisafe on several projects which included the design, permitting and construction of tenant improvements. In each case I have been impressed with both his professional ability and concern for his customer. His design work is excellent. He has established, or is able to establish, good relations with various levels of City government which enable him to obtain rapid approvals in a cooperative permitting process. Finally, and perhaps most important, he is unfailingly available to meet with City officials, contractors, tenants and landlords and contributes constructively to a process which can at times be frustrating. I can recommend him without reservation, would be happy to do so at any time and shall use his services in the future."
– Gary L
“I have worked along side of Mark Grisafe many times on numerous types of projects. He and his staff are very honest and easy to work with. If you are looking for an architect who is straight forward, will give you the suggestions you need, and make sure you meet all city requirements he is your guy! He is worth the cost. Whether you have a commercial or residential project, he and his staff is with you every step of the way. Grisafe Architecture is ready and willing to help you with any of your commercial or residential needs!!!!!"
– Nicole R
“I used Mark Grisafe Architect for my project recently. I highly recommend him for his tenacity, professionalism and creative sense of the project. I will definitely be consulting with Mark again for our future expansion."
– John C
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