Matter of Architecture

I worked with Roy Leone, the principal of Matter of Architecture, on the construction of a new townhouse. We worked closely together for well over a year. Our project was very detailed. It involved the demolition of an existing 2 story frame house, and the design and construction of a brand new, 2 story townhouse. Roy is everything that you would want from an architect: he is experienced, professional and very trustworthy. From the very beginning of the project, Roy differentiated himself with his depth and breadth of knowledge - not just of design and construction, but also the New York City building approvals process. Roy listened closely to my requirements and made sure the design reflected by concern. He always conducted himself with the utmost professionalism - from the detail and patience of his explanations to his pervasive punctuality. His drawings were accurate and thoughtful. His office was professional and always provided high levels of customer service. He was highly reliable. He managed the project closely and thoroughly. e interfaced with the other construction professionals seamlessly. I have no complaints about working with Roy. I enjoyed my experience thoroughly. Roy is a superb architect. I would very happily work with him on future projects. I would recommend him without reservation.

We hired Jen and Roy to design an outdoor deck that incorporates planters, outdoor storage, and a beautiful pergola that joins our deck thematically to our garden below. Our deck is truly an extention of our living space. Jen was the lead for this project and she was organized, efficient and always thoughtful. She found talented woodworkers to craft our planters and the modern pergola she designed is just stunning. It brings a "roof" to the space and defines our eating area as separate from my gardening areas. I will use Jen and Roy for any other work I do in my home.

Leone Design designed and oversaw the gut renovation of our Brooklyn brownstone, transforming a dilapidated, sideways leaning old federal into a beautiful duplex that mixes modern elements with the charm and the bones of the original. They were great to work with: attentive, thorough, friendly, creative, funny, and thoughtful. I'd be happy to recommend them for their smarts, their vision, and their company.

We remodeled our 1830s farmhouse and Leone Design Studio helped us turn an old kitchen, family room and study into one large kitchen/great room. What a transformation! Leone Design Studio helped us merge a traditional home with a modern lifestyle. They were there every step of the way. They created a amazing floorplan and helped with everthing from choosing lighting, tile, and appliances, to recommending a necessary support beam. I loved working with Leone Design Studio and wouldn't hesitate to recommend them!

Roy Leone built our dream home for me and my family. He did it on time and he did it under budget. I've referred LDS to my parents, my siblings, and my friends. This firm has my absolute highest recommendation. I am well aware that this is not exactly a profession known for its diligence, efficiency, or timeliness. This makes LDS even more of an achievement. The details: 1. Roy walked around the house we were looking at with us, to discuss what might be done. He was honest, straightforward, and perceptive about the possibilities. On his recommendation, we bought the place and turned it over to him. 2. Roy worked very hard to keep the lines of communication open during the design process. He was very clear about what ideas would fit within budget and what would require a stretch. For the big design ideas that would cost more, he went out of his way to offer a range of options so that we could get as close as possible to what we wanted. Even better, he made us feel comfortable as he taught us about what we might want, and yet -- even as it became clear that our house might, if all went well, become a portfolio piece for LDS -- never once pressured us to accept anything out of budget. He always had a range for us, whether it was in the design of the rooms or in the design of the faucets. 3. We used LDS's construction management services, and it was everything it was advertised to be. Nick lived at that work site every day, always making sure he had only the number of guys he could supervise at any given time, always keeping on guys to get things done and quickly. When there were mistakes made, they fixed them quickly and did not charge us for them. It was very clear to us that Roy and Nick loved this project, and they demanded that the subs treat it the same way. It was a tremendous comfort to us knowing that we had such conscientious supervisors on site at all times. 4. Some things had to get changed midway through. Like the location of the stairs. As always, Roy was upfront and honest about cost and timing. Communication was clear. 5. Houses are never done. Roy and Nick are in our house once every couple months, and Roy is always available by phone if something comes up. The water main on our street is too small, so we sometimes get backup in the basement. Roy will drop by to look at it if there is ever a problem. He will take the time to check out any other issues that have arisen. He or Nick will even change a lightbulb if they notice it's out. It's been YEARS and they are still as focused on making this place perfect as they were on day one. The project is visible on LDS's website as "11th Street Townhouse." Feel free to ask Roy or Jen if you want to speak to us personally.

I worked with Jen & Roy on a gut renovation of my 1,800 sq. ft., 2 bedroom, 2 bath, 35 yr. old apt. in suburban Phila. The results are stunning. WOW is the word most used by guests to describe my "new" apt.! What a pleasure to work with such a talented, creative team who pay attention to every little beautiful detail. Coming home has become a treat!!

My wife and I embarked upon a gut renovation of a Brooklyn townhouse in 2010 and hired Leone Design Studio. Our goal was to create a contemporary, open and connected home within the shell of the Landmarked building. From the start, Leone Design Studio listened to what we wanted and presented compelling options for the design. They perfectly interpreted our ideas for how we wanted the home to work. Once construction began, they were extremely proactive in managing the process (we also hired them to manage the construction) keeping the timeline and budget on schedule. When unforeseen issues arose that threatened to derail the timeline and budget they presented options of how best to move forward without compromising the larger project. The overall experience was excellent and one characterized by collaboration, good humor and excellent results.

Jen and Roy of Leone Design Studio created our dream house out of a home that required a gut renovation. They worked closely with us to design every aspect of the house, complete with a garden-level apartment; a parlor level with open kitchen and dining and French doors opening onto a deck and backyard; a master suite; and a kids' floor on the top lit by a skylight. Jen and Roy created a beautiful, sunbathed interior environment by taking out the central hallways and creating an opening from the roof down to the parlor level. We love our home and feel extremely lucky to have found Leone Design Studio, who realized all of the characteristics we love most about it. Leone Design Studio also acted as our general contractor, which was an invaluable service that contributed to the timely completion of the project and its superior quality.

I worked with Jen Leone on a gut renovation of our Manhattan loft. She has a great design aesthetic and was pleasure to work with. I look forward to the opportunity to work with her again.