Makoto Takashina ArchitectTESTIMONIALS
Testimonials by our clients, professionals, governmental officials and contractors who we have worked with...
by CLIENTS / OWNERS
"We enjoyed working with Makoto. From the start, we noted his sensitivity to our family’s needs. Makoto spent his initial hours listening to our dreams, examining our grounds and helping us to define our goals.
Years later, we continue to receive many compliments on the appearance, quality and practicability of our home."
Orlando and Marinda Lobo, Client
"Makoto Takashina designed a very special home for my parents. My father was in a wheelchair, so it was important to have wide hallways and a handicap-accessible bathroom. Mr. Takashina placed the home on top of a hillside overlooking the bay, with grand windows that allow sunlight to sparkle on beautiful wooden floors. The great room and kitchen are one blended area that creates a lovely space for reading or entertaining. Each room has vaulted ceilings and natural light.
The home gave my parents tremendous joy and comfort. It was a pleasure to work with Mr. Takashina and his design was flawless.
Deborah Santana, Author
"We absolutely LOVE living in this dream house. We have been here almost 6 months and still I am pinching myself -- it is as if I'm in a dream. Everywhere I look, the beauty of nature nourishes me. And that is to say nothing of the elegance, simplicity and beauty of the design of the house itself."
Patty and Dennis Burke, Owner
Dear Mr. Takashina:
As the Realtor for the owners of a home you designed, I wanted to drop you a note and let you know what a great response I received for my recent listing in Marin County. I attribute this not only to accurate pricing, but to the wonderful architectural design you created.
It seemed that everyone who walked into this house felt there was something special about it, though they may not have been able to put that feeling into words, I think I can.
The classic contemporary design was still fresh and appealing though the house had been built years ago. The simple lines and light and spacious open floor plan created an easy flow throughout this home which had unanimous appeal. Perfectly situated on a rather challenging lot, the walls of glass bringing the outdoors in and took full advantage of the spectacular bay view. Your wonderful design created a nurturing and tranquil environment for all to enjoy, and I don't believe in my 19 years in real estate, I've ever seen so much enthusiasm for a house.
In a down market, we received 5 offers and it sold for well over the asking price. Though it was built with handicap accessibility in mind, only one of the potential buyers had a need for it for this reason as the husband of the couple was confined to a wheel chair. Thankfully it is this couple whose offer was accepted, though all the other buyers were very disappointed their offer was not accepted.
Thank you for designing such a beautiful house for me to sell!
Kindest Regards,
Colette Battaglia, Realtor
Mr. Takashina was able to to provide us a wonderful design of two-unit condo. in Noe Valley district of San Francisco. The design was unique in that it was able to create a "single-family in a condo" atmosphere. Each condo. has its own separate entrance on opposite end of the 25-foot wide lot with features such as: large bedrooms, cozy study, great living room that opens to a state-of-art kitchen and comfortable main bedroom with a sitting room facing a warm fireplace. Each unit has plenty of natural lights and small details such as: built-in bookcases, decorative niches are prevalent throughout the unit.
We are very happy with Mr. Takashina's design.
James C. Tsao, Property Developer, Client
"Excellent work. Would use Makoto again for other projects.
Well worth the money spent."
Elizabeth Wilson, Client
"He is very detail oriented. He is there from start to finish."
Rachel Helmold, Client
by GOVERNMENTAL OFFICIALS
"We were very impressed with him at the interview... The design Review Board has changed since then; it is now more effective than before, and receiving very good response. ... The planning Commissions is considering giving more authority to the Design Review Board.. "
Lawrence Mulryan, Mayor, City of San Rafael
"Dear Makoto, ... San Rafael is fortunate to have such an accomplished professional to serve on their board..... "
Helen Sause, Project Director, Yerba Buena Center,
San Francisco Redevelopment Agency
