Testimonials from recent clients and trade partners
“I am the owner at Sticks and Stones Construction LLC and we have had a great experience working with Arocordis Design on a number of projects! In our experience, what truly sets Arocordis Design apart is their collaborative spirit. They foster a partnership between architect, builder, and client. When working with them we solve problems together as a team, sharing insights and solutions to achieve the best possible outcomes. The collaborative approach that they foster creates a positive work environment and leads to successful projects.
Arocordis brings a strong understanding of building science and project costs to the table. Before diving deep into the design, they help assure that the project is financially feasible for their clients. The details are thoughtfully considered to ensure that the plans are practical, buildable, and within budget. Their knowledge prevents costly surprises and makes the construction process smoother for all involved.
We find that drawings and 3D models from Arocordis are accurate and detailed, which is helpful for both budgeting and building. The information provided allows us to confidently estimate costs and execute the construction with precision. This helps ensure that all parties are on the same page.
On a personal note, Stephen Frey (principal architect and owner at Arocordis), is a great listener who values input from both the builder and the client. At Arocordis they creatively design solutions that balance functionality, beauty and comfort. They are always focused on keeping the client's vision and practical needs in mind. The results are spaces that not only look stunning but also work well for those who use them.
It is a pleasure to work with Arocordis and I highly recommend them to anyone seeking an architect who is accurate, collaborative, practical and creative. Our projects together have been successful because of their dedication and skill, and I look forward to working together on future endeavors.” - Greg Wallace owner of Sticks and Stones Construction LLC
Services
Site master planning, 3D architectural renderings, Custom home design, Architectural design services
“Steve was wonderful to work with. He guided us with his design experience and expertise as we navigated putting an addition on our home. Steve presented beautiful options (both 3D computer generated and hand drawn perspectives to visualize the ideas) that helped us narrow in on what we ultimately had built. The new space is designed to capture great natural light, have comfortable flow between and within the rooms, and is perfectly sized for our needs. We absolutely love the new part of our home and feel lucky to have had Steve's help in making the whole process of design to construction go smoothly.” Sarah and Alex H., Montpelier, VT
“Stephen Frey is an amazing architect that did fantastic work designing a home for us in Vermont. If you need someone who will collaborate with you, listen, seek to capture your creative vision, coach you on consultants and the process, site engineering and home design work, he's the right architect for you.” Thomas and Barb B., St. Johnsbury, VT
“Steve has been fantastic to work with. He’s passionate about design and he’s developed great ideas based on our goals. He’s meticulous in his drawings and 3D renderings, so we got a good sense for the end result and we could be confident in our decisions. It’s been a great collaboration and we’re so thankful we discovered Steve and Arocordis Design.” - Scott M., Ryegate, Vermont
“Steve was great to work with. He really listened to what we wanted and put that on paper. He worked with us in person and also virtually using 3D walkthroughs and images to help make modifications and changes in real time. This makes the process very efficient. The final builder's plans were excellent and we have nothing but a strong recommendation for Steve at Arocordis Design. - Matthew P., Danville, Vermont
“Arocordis was the perfect design firm for our project – a modest ranch house renovation on the edge of the family farm with picture-window perfect views of the Connecticut river watershed and farm fields.
What started as a renovation discussion led to a creative rethinking of the New England ranch house design appropriate for the lifestyle choices we are making, creating a simple home that is easy to care for and delightful to live in. Stephen Frey was also the perfect person for the project. He listened to our thoughts about the purpose of the house, our relationship to the land around it, and our long-term plans for enjoying the space.
Steve quickly understood our vision for the renovation and transferred our ideas to a simple but attractive design. He was always positive in our discussions and is always an easy person to have a conversation with. While starting a building project during the pandemic was a challenge, especially with labor shortages, shipping delays and price increases (!!), Steve coached us through these challenges and was always helpful in rethinking some of the original architectural features in order to meet constraints with the existing site and the building process. We highly recommend Stephen Frey of Arocordis Design as a talented architect who is a pleasure to work with.” - Rebecca and Guy, Upper Valley, Vermont
“Working with Steve and Arocordis Design, for our home addition and renovation design, is like working with a expert tailor to customize a suit to fit you perfectly. He listens impeccably and helped us translate our dreams into reality with his design skill and coaching about the process and planning choices.” - Chris B.,
“I had Steve design a home addition for me and I was very happy with the final design. He was always available to answer my questions and implemented my requested design changes promptly. I would not hesitate to have him do architectural work for me in the future.” - Louis H., northern Vermont
“Arocordis Design is an Architectural firm located in Montpelier, Vermont a very skilled, knowledgeable and adept firm in the areas of architecture, design and government relations.
Arocordis Design exemplarly performed the following services:
· Demolition plan
· Government Coordination
· Economic analysis
I would highly recommend them in these demonstrated areas of expertise.” - Paul F., central Vermont
“I recently had the pleasure of interacting with Steve of Arocordis Design for a small home expansion project. The experience was great; Steve provided drawings, 3-dimensional views of the design and easy-to-read specs. Steve is also an exceptional communicator that made the process move forward with little effort. I would highly recommend him for architectural planning on your project.”
Bob W. - central Vermont
“We called Stephen while in the midst of a building project that was moving along quickly. He responded to our call the very next day and despite being a Holiday weekend, made an appointment to meet us at the camp we were renovating. He listened to our concerns and wishes carefully and made some very valuable suggestions. His drawings were delivered within the week and were a good frame of reference for communicating with our contractor. As our building plans we're changing rapidly, Steve was able to adjust just as quickly. He met with us again about a week later and shared his 3D drawings which were so instrumental in helping us visualize the building project. He was flexible when deciding how many hours we felt we would need and could afford. When we had completed the number of hours work we requested, Steve gave us more of his time at no additional charge. He was easy to communicate with, very professional and knowledgeable.”
Laura P. - central Vermont
"Steve was fantastic, and we enjoyed working with him. We wanted to work through two potential future projects: 1) A separate design/work studio away from our main house. 2) An expansion of the existing home to meet our home business needs. Steve was fantastic, and we enjoyed working with him. He effectively guided us to better define the function of each space we were considering and helped us come up with realistic costs for the projects. I felt like it was a true collaborative effort. Having someone there to ask the right questions and help shape an idea into a doable plan is incredibly important. It has been a pleasure working with Steve. We now have detailed plans and a much better idea of what it will take to implement them. We would recommend Steve without hesitation.
He effectively guided us to better define the function of each space we were considering and helped us come up with realistic costs for the projects. I felt like it was a true collaborative effort. Having someone there to ask the right questions and help shape an idea into a doable plan is incredibly important. It has been a pleasure working with Steve. We now have detailed plans and a much better idea of what it will take to implement them. We would recommend Steve without hesitation."
Gerri H. and Happy S. - Roxbury, Vermont"
"I felt like he really listened to what we wanted, he really took the time to figure out what would work for us, considering my significant other's opposite style. For building a relationship with clients, I give Stephen an A++! Level of skill also an A++. We were giving beautiful drawings that completely encompass our vision of a dream home! I would also give him an A++ in caring, community and patriotism. Stephen, took it upon himself to research the Wounded Warrior Project and various accessibility options for us based on my disabilities I sustained while in the military, as well as different options for my autistic son. That really means something! Due to medical and financial reasons, we did not finish the project we started with Arocordis Design, but that's on us. I would absolutely recommend his business to anyone!"
Andrea T. - Burke, Vermont
"We're working toward a dream, and I didn't even know where to begin. Although we are just in the early stages of this process of planning for our retirement property, the Arocordis Design survey helped us (and him) to hone in on our long-term wants and needs. The questionnaire that started our conversation was like an answer to a prayer because originally, I wasn't even sure where to begin; that can be an overwhelming feeling. Steve was great! He kept checking back in, discussing the various stages of the process and the project itself, and step by step, placed us on the path to putting form to our nebulous dreams. We have a long way to go, but I am really grateful that Steve and Arocordis Design will be there with us at journey's end."
Pam Letourneau-Fallon - Northeastern Vermont
Want to learn more about our recent residential project work and how we have helped some of our customers above? Take a look at our section where share example projects. Some have been completed, others are still in various stages of design.