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.