Client Recommendations and Testimonials

Cutler Residence (click on images to enlarge)

Re: Quentin Parker

My wife, Jeannette, and I worked closely with Quentin for a number of years. First, he guided us through an extensive remodel. After 6 months of construction, when it was nearly complete, the house burned to the ground in the ’93 Malibu fire. Luckily, we had been building and were able to start re-construction within several months. I can honestly say that without Quentin, we would not be where we are today with our wonderful house.

The reason you hire an architect is for his design vision. Quentin’s vision and sense of space are second to none. Your architect is involved in the fundamental decisions as well as all the infinite details. Building is a dynamic process that naturally evolves. We could always count on Quentin’s input and design decisions to be right… not that we always agreed! But in the end, in every case, Quentin’s design sense was proved right.

Quentin, I really want to thank you for all your help over the years. I can’t tell you how many people come into my house and immediately want to know the architect’s name!

Robert Cutler
TEL: (310) 456-5325
robert.cutler@attglobal.net

 

Siegel residence, exterior

Siegel residence, interior

To prospective clients of Quentin Dart Parker, architect,

Recommendation & Testimonial

Quentin came aboard as our project architect while we were having our initial discussions with our neighborhood architectural review committee. Living in an exclusive, upscale area where prevailing ocean views are the premium focus, it was critical for us to find ways to meet the program goals of our remodel, while at the same time working within the framework of the very strict neighborhood C.C.& R.s of the Pacific Palisades Tract 9300.

His presentation and negotiating eloquence was of certain benefit to the project determinations made by the review committee. As most homeowners discover, the process of remodeling can be a very frustrating -and completely overwhelming- experience. His duties as our agent and architect included design development issues, construction permit documents, and the review and design conformance of job progress and contractor invoices. As construction manager, he often found alternative methods of design and construction- before these costs for construction modification spiraled out of control.

Although Quentin’s resume was heavily contemporary design oriented, he also succeeded in adapting stylistically to the nearly 70 year-old Craftsman-style home, and found many unique solutions for our particular layout needs. His designs were easily synchronized with my wife’s specific requirements as an interior designer.

When one of our neighbors proved intractable regarding “his” ocean view encroachment, Quentin found ways to make the necessary adjustments. Working together we were able to maximize our wall space for our art collection, while opening up to our ocean and mountain views. Quentin’s expertise provided the basis of the agreement we eventually were able to reach to extend our second story and more than double the floor area of our existing home.

Another significant challenge occurred when our geologist found bedrock at 17 feet (as opposed to the original geologic report of bedrock at 5 ft. below grade). Quentin found a way to make the best of what almost became a project nightmare. The massive underground structure required for foundation stability was turned into a wonderfully finished-out basement addition of almost 1,000 sq. feet. In the 20 years we’ve lived here, his commission remains indistinguishable and seamlessly integrated into the original design. Most house guests are amazed that this floor plan was any different than as it now exists.

Quentin worked with us every step of the way in this extensive process, and guided us through the inherent difficulties of contractor and sub-contractor contractual obligations with great skill and negotiation ability.

We highly recommend Quentin without reservation to anyone willing to work with a highly educated, talented, and good-natured Harvard educated architect.

Alan Siegel
Julien Hart Siegel, I.S.I.D.

 

 

Bedrosian residence, exterior

Re: Testimonial on Quentin Dart Parker, architect
To prospective architect clients,

We have known Quentin Parker as a friend and a neighbor for almost 20 years. During that time, we have had the benefit of his architectural services on three separate occasions:

1. Our first experience was the remodel and expansion of our Malibu home about 15 years ago when we needed more space for our growing family. The scope of the work was about 1100 sq. ft.

2. After we lost our home in the 1993 Malibu wildfire, Quentin designed our new and larger house, bi-level, 4400 sq. ft. on the old site with extensive new foundations and pile caisson slope stability measures.

3. Most recently, he designed a new pantry and remodeled a bathroom within the existing footprint. Working with Quentin on these projects and having access to his professional opinion on numerous other occasions has given us a unique opportunity to judge his competence as an architect. First of all, Quentin is a professional in the best meaning of the word. Not only is he extremely competent, but he is also creative and imaginative. The superb quality of his work results from his uncompromising standards and his thorough supervision during and after construction. We recommend him without qualification.

Dr. Edward and Mrs. Patricia Bedrosian

 

Gruman residence during remodeling

Dear Quentin,

Just a brief note to thank you for your brilliant architectural services and much-needed project management. When I bought my current fixer home, I decided to engage your services after a successful experience I had with you on a prior home.

Although I was confident I was doing the right thing with my purchase, I had no idea of the architectural solution. You consulted with me to gain an understanding of my goals before going to work -- budget, living needs, design/style preference and return on investment. It was truly a collaborative effort. Even through some expected disagreements, we were able to reach solutions that satisfied both of us -- and you weren't willing to compromise your design integrity just to satisfy my sometimes unreasonable whims. Much appreciated.

As for the final product, I couldn't be happier. Your ideas and design for maximizing the usable space and value of my home were extraordinary. I know it was a difficult challenge to retrofit the new construction into the existing house, but you succeeded in creating a seamless solution.

Thank you so much,

Steven Gruman

 

Additional references:
Mr. Mike Rotolo TG CONSTRUCTION Inc. 119 Standard Street El Segundo, CA 90245-3833 Work: (310) 640-0220 x 5906 Work fax: (310) 640-2907 Mobile: (310) 505-3052 bpaxson@tgconst.com mrotolo@tgconst.com	Mr. Jeff Davani POLYHELP Gen. Constr. Work address 5355 Blanco Avenue Woodland Hills, CA 91367 Work: (800) 581-7117 Work fax: (818) 346-2714 Mobile: (818) 602-8436 Work 2: (818) 410-0369 E-mail: natashaari@aol.com
Mr. & Mrs. Richard Gerstein BEAR LIGHTING Work address 3021 Airport Avenue #105 Santa Monica, CA 90405 Work: (310) 397-8600 Work fax: (310) 397-8688 Mobile: (310) 780-1111 E-mail: bearbulbs@earthlink.net	Mr. & Mrs. Glenn Ricard Ricard Construction 438 Almar Avenue Pacific Palisades, CA 90272 Work: (310) 573-9910 Work fax: (310) 573-9962