Why hire Matthew Smetana:
- My
designs will stand out above others.
I am an “Out of the Box” thinker, always seeking the most Aesthetically pleasing, unique, functional and cost
effective solutions. My designs
will add significant value to your project.
- I have
designed several projects that have been published and have won awards.
- I am
well versed in most styles of Architecture from Country English to
Contemporary and anywhere in between.
- I have
2+ years hands-on experience in construction working for other Contractors
including Framing, Concrete, Finish work, Roofing, Painting. This gives me a far better understanding
of the construction processes and techniques.
- I have
been General Contractor and builder on 1 small and 2 large additions, as well as 1 new 4,500 s.f.
house, and a large multilevel deck.
- On my
own projects I have installed the electrical, plumbing, some framing,
flooring(tile & wood), paint, roofing, all types of house wiring,
trim, Rain Escape, Cabinets(made & installed), Stair & exterior
railings, Footings, Doors, Flashing, and many other finishes so I have an
in depth knowledge of all the trades.
- Contractors
are always happy to work with my drawings because of their completeness,
and accuracy (many builder references available if needed)
- I have
a lot of training and experience in energy efficient design and systems
(My house uses Geothermal Heat, Spray foam insulation, Solar Photo Voltaic
system, and
natural cooling & passive solar heating) I am also in the process of becoming
LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) certified.
- My
designs will add a significant amount of value to your home / business
compared to other architects, or homeowners / builders drawings. I have worked on several projects where
the owners’ only objective was to maximize their profits to sell their
home. I always advise clients on
the best options for resale value.
- I have
a 95% success rate with Planning and zoning boards. I do a thorough zoning study prior to
drawing to make sure my clients know if any variances are required or to
avoid variances all together.
- I have
a great repor with any building department I’ve
worked with, and have never had a problem getting a drawing thru the
zoning or building department. I am
a member of the SWCEO – Sussex Warren Code Enforcement Officials
organization.
- I
include in my services complete structural design, Pre-construction
meeting w/ contractor, and on-site framing review for compliance with
drawings prior to other trades work being installed. This helps minimize
added time & cost due to builder omissions / changes / errors.
- I do
the design work on my projects. I
don’t sub it out to less qualifed people.
- I am
fully insured, but have never been sued.
- I do a
thorough check set prior to releasing construction drawings to ensure the
completeness and accuracy of my drawings.
- I have
designed homes for clients in New Jersey,
Pennsylvania, South
Carolina, Virginia,
Aruba, & Colorado
- I have
extensive interior design experience.
- In my
own house I have integrated several cost saving measures to improve the
aesthetics in the construction process for minimal expense.
- I am
currently working on several design patents for multiple applications
- I am
proficient in CAD — computer aided design. I have designed my own toolbars
and applications to expedite the design & drafting process. I can
model your project in 3D if needed. I have also developed several
spreadsheets to expedite many of the repetitive processes involved in
designing a building including spreadsheets for: impervious & building
coverage, building height & avg. grade. energy
calc’s, % to remain.
- I can
quickly make a 3D model using your drawings on cardboard for better
understanding of your project
- I come
out to your building to do the field measure and draw it on my computer
there, so I can see any unusual relationships and figure them out on site
versus hand-drawing it on site and then going back to the office to piece
the puzzle together. This way I can he sure the house is documented
accurately so major errors are avoided.