Harmoni Designs + Build

My husband and I recently purchased a summer cottage in Vermilion, OH. 2 garages are also on the property. Harmony Designs helped us integrate one of the garages into more living space for summer guests. Martin Johannessen listened to our ideas and incorporated his knowledge and artistic vision into a plan that is both aesthetically pleasing AND functional. Along with the new plan of the existing garage we also worked together to create a pathway design that connects both the existing house and the new/old garage space. Most of all my husband and I were impressed with how Martin listened and was able to incorporate and embellish our ideas. We are looking forward to the upcoming building of our project.

Excellent company to work with from start to finish! We had a back porch addition built and couldn’t be happier with the quality design and build.

Working with Martin at Harmoni Designs + Build was the best contractor experience we've ever had. From the beginning, Martin was very transparent and clear with setting expectations for how the project would run. He was incredibly flexible with us as we finalized our design and then later identified some additional changes. He offered great design insights as we were choosing tile and other features of the remodel. He was very communicative and I was always updated with the status of the project. The finished remodel exceeded our expectations. Really a great experience.

Very responsive and on point. Always knew what the next steps in the project were going to be. Helpful, reliable, professional.

My wife and I contracted with Harmoni Designs (HD) to assist us in planning and executing a complete remodel of the condominium that we purchased in Cleveland Heights. We could not have been more pleased with its planning and execution. As for planning, all the work was specked out in detail so we knew the cost of every single item being executed. We received a copy of the plans for posterity. HD took care of obtaining all permits needed. In addition, in the execution of the remodel HD made several cost-saving suggestions, helping us achieve what we were hoping for while not sacrificing quality products or work. Most importantly, however, for us was the general contractor responsibilities that HD shouldered for us. Being retired and elderly and not totally versed in a remodeling challenge, HD, through its owner Martin Johannson, needed the assistance of a "general contractor" who we felt was looking out for our interests. Martin handled that role extremely well. We would highly recommend HD to anyone considering a fairly extensive remodeling project. Total cost came in right on budget.

Martin and his team at Harmoni Build were really helpful guiding us thru a large kitchen remodel. Martin was always available to us to answer questions. We had a clear understanding of the cost and process the entire time. His team was professional and personable. I highly recommend working with Harmoni Build.

Harmoni Design was a pleasure to work with. I have built two homes and an apartment before and they are the best I have ever worked with. They were easy to communicate with and the quality of the work was superior. I would recommend them without hesitation.

Professional, exceptional quality, excellent customer service, and attention to detail. We have been very happy with all work that has happened under Harmoni! Excellent electricians and painters. Thank you!

Harmoni designed and built a magnificent two-story garage with office space on the second floor for us. Martin integrated traditional details to match our 100-year old house with a contemporary plan for the interior office space. Martin and Diana provided professional, even exceptional management of our project from start to finish; attending to every detail, answering every question. We could not have been more pleased and we certainly would recommend them for any design / build needs you may have.

Martin did a great job managing his team. The trades moved seamlessly from dry wall to tile to cabinets, fixture and plumbing. He was interested in the homeowner's feedback. Additionally, his record keeping is detailed and meticulous. Everything that has been done is noted. He asked for payouts exactly as planned. Although he may not be the cheapest contractor out there, perhaps this is where you say that you get what you pay for. The peace of mind and end product were worth every penny!

We chose to have Martin Johannessen and Harmoni Designs remodel our for a kids bathroom This was the second time using Harmoni Designs. Again, Martin and his construction team exceeded our expectations with design and implementation. Martin completed our bathroom remodel in 60 days. Again, the final product has exceeded our expectations. The design is modern, bright and has a great flow with alot of storage. The space is high end, functional and easy to maintain. We highly recommend Martin to others!

We engaged Martin while working rebuilding our home after a house fire. Our 1923 Shaker home had a lot of character and quality original craftsmanship. We met with multiple architects and selected Martin because of his clear communication, friendly demeanor, and his confidence that he could bring modern upgrades while preserving the feel and quality of an original Shaker Home. The scope of the project included redesigning the entire first floor as well as the bathrooms on the second and third level. It also included some significant structural changes that were required to bring the home up to modern code. Martin got to know us and our goals very quickly which helped to minimize rounds of change without rushing the process. He made suggestions that we would have never considered that made our home more environmentally efficient and ensured that the builders had specifications that prevented them from cutting corners. Martin connected us with a designer to ensure that electrical and lighting were considered early in the process which made it possible to have an efficient build. Martin participated in design reviews with the city and our general contractor to ensure that code and quality expectations were documented and followed. Having an independent architect was extremely valuable when we had concerns during the build. Martin told us that it was his job to clarify and ensure that the designs were followed when there were disagreements and he resolved multiple issues by meeting with the contractors directly. Having Martin as an advocate for our interests was more valuable than we knew when we originally hired him. For this reason alone, it was well worth it to have someone with Martin’s experience in older homes and with managing contractors involved during the build process. The final design that Martin created was elegant, efficient, and provides the benefits of a modern home while maintaining all of the original feel that we loved in our home. Martin was flexible and attentive while working with us and transparent about costs. Our build process was complicated further because of the insurance process but Martin was able to help us meet tight timelines and stick within budgets. Martin is an experienced professional who brings the confidence required to ensure quality results. He never rushed us and always had good ideas when we were stuck. He worked well with our other contractors, advocated for our wishes, and helped us understand potential budget implications when we made changes. Martin was also willing to meet and discuss questions or concerns throughout the process. Billing was straightforward and matched his estimates for each phase as we worked together. We would certainly recommend Martin to others and have already done so multiple times when people ask us about our home.

There were so many times that we breathed a sigh of relief that Martin Johannessen was in charge of our project. He dealt with changes and emergencies without hesitation. He designed our addition in a way that it looks as if it has always been a part of the house, noticing details in our 100 year old home that should be replicated in the addition. He found extremely skilled contractors and supervised them so that the project was finished on time. When a contractor was unable to complete the job, he quickly found a substitute. When we needed to select fixtures, etc., he made excellent recommendations. Martin is low key and joy to work with. We won't do another project without his being a part of it. The overall project was more expensive than we anticipated, but it was worth it to have a high quality job done.

We were directed to Martin through the Beard Group to design our kitchen remodel. Martin was very practical, thoughtful and easy to work with. He listened to my ideas and was able to draw up the design that I envisioned with all the necessary details. He also provided alternate options that showed a range of possibilities for the space. He designed and helped to implement a kitchen and mud room that my family and I love to cook, entertain and eat in.We would not hesitate to recommend Martin to friends or hire him again should we ever have another remodel project.

I love the patio and addition which Martin created. I had never worked with an architect before and had no specific plan in mind. Martin listened to my description of features that were important to me, such as light and a feeling of space. He helped clarify my thinking, drew sketches and plans until I was seeing what I was feeling. Martin was easy to work with, punctual, and available for consultation, especially when the contractors ran into unforeseen structural problems. The final outcome is great!

We came to Martin with hopes of putting a front porch on our house. During our first meeting, Martin showed he understood our needs and soon gave us the preliminary drawings. His work was excellent and together we figured out the best path for this project. We appreciate that Martin was able to assist us even during the construction phase. We strongly recommend Harmoni Designs for anyone looking to improve their home. (Note: One picture is BEFORE construction)

My wife and I hired Martin to design a two-story addition for our cape cod in Pepper Pike. We had several needs, including a greatly-expanded kitchen, a new mudroom, and a new second floor master suite. Martin patiently took-in our "wish list", listened to our concerns (both budgetary and stylistic), and gave us many practical tips and pointers along the way. Throughout our discussions, Martin brought the insight of his experience and expertise as we talked through various options and considered potential challenges (e.g., a large oak tree near the house that we want to save if possible). The designs that Martin produced are outstanding! They strike the perfect balance between our logistical needs for more space, while blending-in perfectly with the existing overall style and feel of our house. It doesn't look like an addition. It looks like it was always meant to be there. Long story short - he nailed it! In addition to being beautiful, Martin's designs are also very detailed - not just with respect to the various updates and thoughtful touches that he added to the project, but also in the "nuts and bolts" construction specifications. Because they are so detailed, Martin's designs allow the homeowner to more accurately determine their true project cost, which is an invaluable insight early on in the project. Equally important, Martin is also a very nice guy who is genuine and easy to deal with. My wife and I have really enjoyed working with Martin, and we couldn't be happier with his designs. We highly recommend Martin and Harmoni Designs for your next home remodeling/design project.

Martin Johannessen provided thoughtful, creative, advice and solutions for my remodeling project, and was always mindful of my goals for the project. He was efficient and timely, and unfailingly courteous and helpful. I have and would in the future recommend him without hesitation.

“Extraordinary” would be the one word to describe our experience with Martin. The project was a rather difficult and challenging remodel of a 70’s-era home that desperately needed to be brought into the 21st century. From our very first meeting with Martin we knew we had found a very special architect, because above all else, he listens. It was clear to us that his goal was to translate our ideas into a beautiful reality. During the course of the design (including its many interim revisions), Martin was invariably easy to communicate with, always patient and happy to hear and incorporate our ideas, and, ultimately, truly gifted in creating a plan that gave us everything we had originally wanted and more. When the final design was finished and his intricately detailed construction plans were ready for submission, Martin went the extra mile to present the project to our local architectural review and zoning commissions on our behalf. We couldn’t have asked for a better design experience, and cannot recommend Martin enthusiastically enough!

My husband and I bought a home that met many of our needs but not necessarily our wants. We hired Martin Johannessen/Harmoni Design to help us get our thoughts on paper and start the process of designing our vision. Martin was fantastic. He listened to our thoughts and ideas and guided us on the best way to execute. He is extremely talented, creative, reliable and was a pleasure to work with. He kept in contact with us throughout so we knew where we were in the process and what to expect as far as next steps. We feel lucky to have found Martin.

It had always been my dream to live right on the lake, but when my husband & I first met Martin we had no idea if our rehab project was in any way realistic. He came highly recommended, was Danish, & we knew we wanted a Scandinavian masonry heater to be the center of the house. Perhaps it would be a good fit… but the place had been vacant for two years! Fast forward to now: the place is even more beautiful and cozy than I imagined… all thanks to Martin’s leadership (and supervision of construction). With his great listening, creative, and communication skills, not to mention Scandinavian feel for natural materials, he made my dream a reality, within budget. We can’t count the compliments we’ve gotten from guests on the way the whole thing works together, and fits our natural lakeside setting. And, the best part is, we get to enjoy it every night. -Kirste L. Carlson

We had a large but awkwardly shaped and outdated master bathroom in our 1920's Shaker Heights home. There were various options for what could be done, including moving walls and doorways, which I could not have figured out without Martin's help. Martin listened carefully to our preferences, as well as to my ideas of how to configure the space. He explained to me which of my ideas would work and which would have been out of proportion, and came up with a better design I hadn't thought of. He prepared drawings of several options, from which we chose the one that best fit our needs and budget. Throughout the project he was polite, responsive and pleasant to work with. I would definitely hire him again!

We contracted Harmoni Designs (Martin) for a second time for the design of a new three car garage and the surrounding driveway and landscaping. Like most projects in older homes, there are lots of technical details that need to be worked through. Ours included issues of drainage, a zoning variance along with aesthetic design. The goal of the project was to create a new garage that was compatible with the character of our 1920s era Tudor style home. Martin took us efficiently yet creatively through a couple of design solutions to get this right. We wanted it to be functional for our lifestyle second to the aesthetics. Once we tackled the main concept of the garage, Martin stirred a new idea that we had never considered before and that was to create a connecting pergola to unify the house with the garage. As with our other project with Harmoni Designs, Martin called upon his experienced crew and his talented Amish craftsmen to bring the pergola design to life while creating this unique structure. Today, we are able to park our three cars and have extra storage space to house our seasonal sporting equipment. We are very pleased with the outcome and look forward to growing the garden around the pergola next spring.

My wife and I hired Martin Johannessen from Harmoni Designs to help us conceive and construct new bathrooms in our aging 1920’s era Cleveland Heights home. We wanted to create two new bathrooms; one a beautiful master bathroom, and a second a bright and functional bathroom for our teenage children. Martin worked with us through the entire design process from conceiving the new layouts of the bathroom to choosing the materials for the surfaces, the fixtures, hardware and colors. Homeowners like us have ideas but need guidance to know what is technically and financially possible. He has a great way of working with clients to clarify their vision. For example, there are so many options concerning tile. A trip to the tile supplier might make you overwhelmed and may even push you into scrapping the entire project altogether. However, with Martin’s expertise he guided us in choosing compatible and aesthetically pleasing materials to meet our vision. In the end we are very pleased with the design and build services that Martin offered and we are especially appreciative of the personalized service. It was fun and rewarding to feel we were a part of the creative team and to see our vision realized.

In April 2012, we hired Harmoni Designs to serve as architect and design adviser for the extensive remodeling of our kitchen, as well as the adjoining breakfast nook and butler’s pantry. Our goals were to: — increase our food preparation and storage spaces — upgrade the usefulness of our work surfaces and appliances — improve lighting and temperature consistency — upgrade the appearance of our kitchen consistent with the look of our 1920’s home. We considered Harmoni Designs based on strong recommendations from a general contractor and a real estate agent, both of whom are prominent in the Cleveland Heights area. We were impressed by the architectural education and design experience of Harmoni’s President and Director of Design, Martin Johannessen. We also found him to be a pleasant but business-like person with whom we could work effectively. We initially hired Harmoni Designs to determine architectural feasibility for anticipated structural changes and to help us coordinate and establish a budget for the project. As work on the project progressed, Harmoni also assisted us in selecting aesthetically pleasing building materials and dealing with the suppliers of those materials. This assistance proved invaluable in dealing with the suppliers of our cabinets and our granite counter-tops. Harmoni Designs demonstrated an uncanny knack for resolving what we thought were unsolvable problems that would limit our potential for meaningful kitchen redesign. One example was Martin Johannessen’s idea that we reconfigure the lower portion of a stairway that enters our kitchen directly from our third floor. This permitted us to create space for much-needed design flexibility within the kitchen. Martin also determined that we could remove a large section of a weight-bearing kitchen wall with less cost and less support in our basement than we originally anticipated. We cannot think of a single aspect of our experience with Harmoni Design that left room for improvement. The results of our project exceeded our lofty expectations, and we have received “rave” reviews of our remodeled kitchen from several friends, neighbors and relatives. Martin Johannessen was pleasant and professional in all of his dealings with us. We would strongly recommend Harmoni Designs to anyone who is considering a kitchen remodeling project. Leonard and Cynthia Ringenbach

Martin both designed and acted as construction manager for a major renovation of our kitchen, family room, and living room. His ideas were creative, but took into account our preferences completely. He helped us visualize what the project would look like and worked with us every step of the way. He watched the budget of the work, kept all of the trades on schedule and insisted on the highest quality work from all involved. He also helped with selection of materials, colors, and similar design issues. We cannot say enough about the good experience we had with Martin. We are always complimented on the project and we frequently comment on what difference it has made to our home and the use of the space. We are happy to recommend Martin without qualification.

Martin was easy to work with as well as invaluable for highlighting many of the details that would have been overlooked by other contractors. This project was sizable, involving knocking out three walls as part of an entire kitchen/living area remodeling. I would hire him again-if my wife can convince me to ever undertake another project of this magnitude.

From our first meeting with Martin, wherein he not only listened, but HEARD our wants and needs and was able to realistically adapt them into the space we had, all the while adding his own design aesthetic, we could not have been more impressed. Ours was a large residential renovation which took several months to complete and along every step of the way, Martin has exceeded our expectations. An amazing result and a thoroughly enjoyable experience every step of the way. We have referred Martin to several other friends who likewise have been thrilled to have had him transform their homes. We cannot recommend Harmoni Designs highly enough!

Martin Johannessen and Harmoni Designs was wonderful to work with -- start to finish. He developed an overall design concept and then worked through successful execution of the a total renovation of a 19th century farmhouse into a working office for a financial company. He developed creative and cost effective solutions to the many challenges presented by the project. The end result is stunning and inspiring, as well as being a productive office space. I would highly recommend his services!

Martin was fantastic throughout the process. He had a vision that he communicated and was very collaborative in working with me and my staff. He understood that I had a budget and we were able to stick closely to the budget and still create a fantastic space. The only overages were caused by things that you could never have known about the 1840s farmhouse that we were renovating. I would recommend Harmoni Design highly to anyone looking for a creative out-of-box architect.

Great design, great use of materials, got more than we hoped for in fit, finish and overall appearance. And the space is really well done in terms of both usability and pleasure of use. The master suite and bathroom are the showpiece of the house.

We hired Harmoni Designs to design our lake home in Northen Mn. Every meeting was conducted with precision, professionalism and efficiency.. Our home design exceeded our expectations with respect to lines of vision, energy and space efficiency, and respect to the land. We were impressed with the technology for long distance design meetings and were always pleased with design work. We plan to begin work with this company on our next home soon. We are 100% satisfied clients of Harmoni Designs.

I have known Martin in a professional capacity since 2001. We initially worked as colleagues at two different mid-size architectural firms over a 2 year period. Martin first came to my attention as a highly skilled Drafting Consultant who was working on some of the more complex projects in the firm. When I moved on to a different company and was asked to recruit new talent, the first person I thought of was Martin. Martin eventually came on board at the new firm and carried a significant project load from day one, allowing his new employer the luxury and financial windfall of billing out a very large and complex luxury multi-family housing project with a modicum of actual manpower. After I founded my own firm, I again recruited Martin when I needed help to complete my own multi-family housing project on a very tight timeline. I gave Martin one of the most challenging technical tasks, that of cutting wall and building sections through this five story building. Martin rose to the challenge and delivered accurate, technically sound work on time and on budget. I knew from past experience that I could count on Martin and he did not let me down. It has been wonderful watching Martin grow his architecture firm into a highly-sought after practice. Martin's attention to detail and craftsmanship shows in all of his projects. His background as a Danish carpenter with many years of architectural practice gives Martin a unique design perspective that other architects simply do not have. I would welcome the opportunity to partner again with Martin in the future.