Rhode Island Architecture Firm
Thomas Lonardo and Associates, Inc was established in 1991 and is a nationally recognized and award winning architecture, interior design, and planning firm based in Cranston, Rhode Island. Since its inception, TLA has been committed to providing our clients personalized service, combining a clear design vision with quality construction documentation. TLA’s portfolio is testament to our corporate philosophy clearly evidenced by the extent of repeat clients which we serve.
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Reviews
the project
Architectural Services for Real Estate Company
"It started out well but then went downhill quickly when we realized they did not have our best interest in mind."
the reviewer
the review
The client submitted this review online.
Please describe your company and your position.
I own a real estate investment company that purchases properties for to rehab and sell or keep for our own portfolio.
For what purpose did your company hire Thomas Lonardo & Associates?
I hired Thomas Lonardo as the architect on a 36,000 sf former nursing home to convert it to 50 residential apartments
What were your goals for this engagement?
The goals were to have Thomas Lonardo design an affordable conversion as well as prepare applications for the zoning change.
How did you select Thomas Lonardo & Associates?
I did a google search and had seen some of the projects he had done locally
Describe the engagement in detail.
I hired Tom to draw plans and provide a rendering of the proposed project. It started well except for the fact that the City only required the rendering for the zoning application yet Thomas continued to draw and design the proposed project. The attorney consultant on the project and my project manager both told Thomas to stop drawing as we should not draw anything or waste any money until the City approves the project.
Thomas not only ignored the direction of stop drawing, He went ahead and designed a building that will cost 4 times what it will be worth. When I asked him to draw the rendering for the City he submitted a $5000 bill for a rendering he only charged $800 2 months earlier. He also then quit the project in the middle after I paid him over $20,000.
What were the terms and the value of the lease?
What percentage did Thomas Lonardo & Associates take in commission?
It was a contract which he was paid for in full and then he asked for an additional $5000
What was the team composition?
I worked directly with Thomas
Can you share any outcomes from the engagement that demonstrate progress or success?
No success. Had I done a public record search ahead of time, I would have found previous lawsuits and litigation that would have kept me from using Thomas Lonardo and Associates.
How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?
Poor workflow. I sent emails and they were ignored
What did you find most impressive about this company?
It started out well but then went downhill quickly when we realized they did not have our best interest in mind.
Are there any areas for improvement?
Listen to the paying client as to what they are asking for
The team's work started great. However, it quickly went to unpleasant when the vendor did not follow the company anymore. In the end, Thomas Lonardo & Associates suddenly quit in the middle of the project. They can improve their communication and listening skills.