OUR APPROACH
Historic and Architectural Integrity
We believe that respecting and learning from the past is the best way to move forward. We thrive on the fact that our projects require integration between past traditions and modern living. Ranging from a remodel of an 18th-century Back Bay Townhouse to a house addition for a 16th-century Winchester farmhouse, our projects all share the core principle of building upon the existing conditions. We aim to accomplish this by highlighting a property’s most significant architectural details and making the stories of the home’s past a part of today’s narrative.
Holistic Approach to Architecture and Interior Design
We believe that there is no one point where architecture ends and interior design begins. Thus, we create synergies between the exterior, the interior finishes, and the unfixed items such as furniture and art. Sometimes, it is the furniture that echoes elements in the architecture, whereas other times it could be an antique item of furniture, owned by the client, that inspires the architectural design.
Functionality
When the design is a straight-forward reflection of the client’s wish list and needs, that is when real beauty is created. We spend time getting to know our clients, and we ask detailed questions during our research process, to ensure that our work is tailored to their lifestyle. We thrive on creative problem solving as a way to generate original and client-specific designs.
"Israel-born Dana Arazi Levine has amassed quite the following since establishing her Boston studio in 2017—and it’s easy to see why. The pro’s schemes showcase an impressive blend of architectural training and killer interior-design instincts, resulting in spaces that feel both timeless and contemporary."
- Boston Home Magazine
OUR PROCESS for beautiful, thoughtful, and perfectly executed homes:
1. Research
Before we put pen to paper, we make sure to do our homework. Thorough research helps us to effectively identify both problems and opportunities, which we later address in our design.
This research includes:
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Historic research.
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Interviews with clients to understand their project goals, stylistic direction, and wishlists.
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Survey of the existing conditions (building, site, climate, furniture, and art).
We then analyze the amassed information to clearly define the project scope and budget.
2. Design
Building upon our conclusions from the research phase, we begin with the design process, which breaks down into two main steps:
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Schematic Design: Conceptual design that outlines the main ideas. We usually present 2-3 schemes for clients to choose from. This step includes floor plans, 3D models, furniture layout, and the initial selection of materials and finishes.
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Design Development: After identifying our optimal design scheme, we take a deep dive into the details. We finalize our materials selections, draft detailed elevations, and specify any custom elements in the project. We then compile all of this information and drawings into a set of documents that you can present to potential builders for accurate pricing purposes.
3. Execution
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Drafting of highly detailed drawings (known as construction documents).
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Creation of a purchasing schedule for all fixtures, finishes, and furniture. *We offer assistance with the purchasing process, which includes access to our ‘trade' discounts.
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Once construction begins, we perform weekly site visits.
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We supervise all installations, including fixtures, furniture, window treatments, wall treatments, and artwork.
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Add on: we add our final styling touches with the addition of accessories and decor items.
This phase is all about taking a project from paper to reality, and it includes the following key steps: