Rob Rich, Senior Construction Manager:
"I had the pleasure of working with Gary on 901 Jefferson, a 75 unit, mixed-use, high-density, residential project in Old Oakland. Situated on a tight urban site, the project maximizes the efficient use of space while creating light, airy spaces. Gary is not just a fine designer, but also a tactful, articulate, and forceful advocate for the owner during construction. The result is a beautiful, cost effective building completed on time and on budget. I would love to work with Gary again."
Kristy Feck, Oakland Homeowner:
"We just completed a beautiful remodel and had the nicest experience of anyone we know who's done one- so I want to share our team's info with you.
"We used Struthers Dias Architects. They do beautiful work and they are great at listening to what you want out of your space and making sure functionality is central to their design. We originally thought we were going to add a 2nd story addition to our craftsman, but Gary and Theresa came up with a design that used our existing footprint. By changing the configuration of our interior space we were able to go from a 2br, 1 ba to a 3br, 2 ba with a beautiful new kitchen. It was like magic. The house seems more spacious and the flow is so much nicer. It's a great demonstration of their creativity and willingness to explore all the options."
Teresa Clarke, Senior Design and Construction Manager:
“I worked directly with Theresa Ballard Dias on AHA’s Orchards on Foothill senior housing. The long narrow site with two zoning designations presented some interesting design challenges. Her clear communication style and attention to detail made the design process go smoothly and efficiently, and her understanding of the building type and thoughtful design solutions resulted in a final product we are all very proud of.”
Janet Rocha, Fremont Homeowner:
"My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed working with Theresa Dias during the design process for our remodel in 2007. Not one stone was unturned. If we had a question, an answer was provided - always honest and timely. The process was smooth from start to finish. The sharing of ideas and involvement was instrumental to the end results. We are very happy with our renovation! It is a new beginning for our family!"
Anye Spivey, Project Manager:
"Gary’s design and project management abilities were on full display during the development of a 75-unit condo project that we built in Oakland, California. From the beginning, I found his ability to effortlessly balance the developer’s constant conundrum of cost and curb appeal to be tremendously valuable. Additionally, his meticulously developed set of CD’s led to an abnormally low number of change orders during construction. In the end we had an aesthetically pleasing building that was also affordable. Gary will be a vocal and integral part of any strong development team and I would love to work with him again."
Faye Blackman, Project Manager:
"I had the opportunity to work with Gary, the project architect, on a 200-unit, mixed-use condo project in Richmond, located at 12th and Macdonald. Gary’s design ideas and involvement were instrumental in the pre-entitlement phase and in meetings with the City of Richmond. The result was a wonderfully designed project that respected the vernacular of the area and would serve to be the focus and crown jewel of downtown Richmond. During our fast-moving phase of pre-construction, Gary’s effective project management, his technical expertise, and his ability to identify major issues and raise important questions, kept the pieces of the project together and moving forward. Gary is not only pleasure to work with but is very humble and very committed to his work. I very much look forward to working with him again."
Elizabeth Caraker, Senior Planner:
"I had the opportunity to work with Ms. Dias on a Specific Plan/Master Plan for a 65-acre residential/affordable housing project in the City of Watsonville and unincorporated area of Santa Cruz County. The project challenges included a multitude of site constraints a lack of political support. Theresa's strengths during the process included listening to input from a variety of sources (City/County staff, community members, and stakeholders) and assembling the input into alternative design scenarios for the project that met the variety of design principles outlined for the project. Theresa possesses the ability to both think outside of the box as well as understand and translate land use policies and regulations so that projects meet political and regulatory objectives."
Nimone Li-Hardisty, Castro Valley Homeowner:
"It has been great working with Theresa on our new home addition. She listened to what we had in mind and produced the design drawings very quickly and her rates are very competitive. We thoroughly enjoy our new space and have a lot to thank her for."