Coastal Life Design

Our experience with Coastal Life Design was excellent and we give them an unqualified recommendation. CLD did a to-the-studs renovation of our late-70's beachfront two bed/two bath condo, one with excellent bones but that presented significant challenges that would have stymied most general contractors. We knew the moment we walked into CLD's studio that Sondra and her team could convert our complex vision into a stunning reality. Sondra's turn-key design-build approach to project management was the secret sauce. We have completed six major residential building and remodeling projects in PA, NJ and MA, and know how unseen obstacles can present major time delays and significant budget overruns. Our HOA has a tight off-season construction window, and we had a hard stop on December 15. CLD's team met with us in January to discuss our vision, which they brought to life in three-dimensional computer renderings. When they encountered several fixed structural roadblocks using methodical investigation, CLD modified and tweaked the plan and met our budgetary and time constraints. Overseeing this from 1300 miles away in Boston, distance was a concern for us, given the time and expense of travel for meetings with CLD. Employing web-based technologies, in-person meetings were kept to a minimum. Cris rapidly secured required permits and a rigorous but attainable project schedule was drafted, with a series of hard completion targets built in. All town-mandated inspections were scheduled and passed like clockwork, thanks to Steve's excellent relationships with his subcontractors and his ability to creatively solve problems. We needed to approve only two minor change-orders for highly unusual and unanticipated structural issues they encountered. Cris regularly updated us on progress, sending phone images we requested after demolition and during several stages of reconstruction for future reference. He coordinated timely delivery and installation of new appliances with GE- the final stage of the plan- on December 14th. He even accurately allocated space for an under-counter wine fridge we had in storage but for which we had no make/model number. The punch list was minor and flawlessly executed by Steve and Ryan in just a few days. That's the value experience brings to the table. Our community's HOA board told us stories about other owners' stress-filled experiences renovating their homes. Our experience with CLD was easy and collegial. Sondra worked her magic in design and project/logistical planning. Cris executed the plan flawlessly. Steve managed the project so well that our HOA president and property manager commented on how respectful the team was and how effectively and efficiently the project ran. Rounding out the experience, Janet and Debbie in administration were also a joy to work with. As Sondra is fond of saying- no drama!

Sondra Okada and her team of talented designers and contractors are among the finest design/build firms in the Sarasota/Bradenton/Venice area. The level of quality, fit and finish is top grade and inventive without being dated or "of the moment". Coastalife Design creates timeless yet relaxed living environments suitable for the area's lifestyle.

We recently worked with Jennifer Strohl at Coastal Life Design to remodel the kitchen in our mobile home with her suggestions for new cabinets, sink, counters, backsplash, and flooring plus appliances we chose ourselves. As a walk-in, we felt lucky to have gone there since the total experience was very positive for us. Jennifer came up with useful design changes to improve the efficiency of our tight spaces, and we are delighted with the beautiful and functional results. Besides being very professional, she was easy to work with and responsive to our needs and questions. We were also very satisfied with the overall process and impressed by the project manager and the quality of the various workers employed on our project. Once started, the timeline was clear and the work went smoothly.

Sondra at Coastal Life Design was a pleasure to work with. Never working with a designer, I was a bit intimidated, but she put me at ease right away. She listened to every want and need that I suggested, then she went to work. She helped us with floor plan for our furniture, paint colors and even went shopping with us to make sure that we picked out the correct fabrics for our new furniture. She had custom pillows made to accent our Livingroom as well. After working with Sondra, we now consider her a friend. Go ahead and pick up the phone and call her, you won't be sorry. She is a wonderful person to work with. Working with her really wasn't work, it was fun! She always gets back to her clients and wants them to be happy with her services. Give them a try and you will see for yourself.

Sondra from Coastal Life Design has superb knowledge to guide you to all the right choices for your updating. She will go above and beyond to oversee the service providers do their job correctly! I am Monica Newcomer, a Coldwell Banker realtor, I feel confidence in her to recommend her to my clients. I want happy clients!

Sondra at Coastal Life Design did an OUTSTANDING job with our home remodel. From the very beginning to the very end she was professional and very talented. She took the time to listen to me about my design desires and nailed it at every turn. She not only listened, but she actually incorporated all of my ideas into the project without arguing. This was no small job! We gutted the entire house, from top to bottom: floors, kitchen, bathrooms, driveway, landscaping, paint, trim, furniture, rugs, fixtures, etc. Sondra and her team delivered a high quality job on our multi-million dollar beach home and I would use her again without hesitation. I would highly recommend Sondra and her team to anyone who is in the market for a high quality professional remodel. Thanks Sondra!

Sondra did a great job on my kitchen. It couldn’t look any better! She helped with the whole process and always responded quickly.

We were very pleased with the results of our new bathroom and the total new floor and appreciate the professionalism and attention to detail. The design and colors were lovely. We look forward to working with Coastal Design on future projects.

Coastal Life Design provides excellent service that exceded all my expectations. Everyone on the team is very professional. Jennifer Strohl, who handled my account, has great ideas, is easy to work with, and very experienced in handling large, complicated remodling projects. She has a an excellent network of licensed subcontractors who performed their duties in a professional, careful manner. Jennifer's site manager, Bob Meehan, kept the project moving forward and supervised day-to-day work in the house. I definitely recommend Coastal Life Design for remodling projects of any scope and size.

We had a great experience working with Jennifer Strohl at Coastal Life Design. She was very knowledgeable from the first meeting at her studio and coming to our home to design our beautiful master bath. The project took about 8 weeks to complete as the room was completely gutted. I would definitely recommend Coastal Life Design.

Kitchen was gutted and rebuilt. Project included flooring 3 areas, raising ceiling, removal of popcorn + more. Took 8 weeks, not surprising considering scope. At 8 weeks project was COMPLETE and I am thrilled. Coastal Life begins new project for me tomorrow (6/25/18). I know the job will be done on time and to my satisfaction.

Sondra and her creative team at Coastal Life Design are the people to call if you are looking for a creative or comprehensive remodel. I recently photographed a home that featured three new baths and a redone kitchen. Needless to say, the homeowners were thrilled with the results.