“…the collaborative design process they used with our group was very clear and supportive. We always felt we were equal partners in the final outcome and that our ideas were taken into consideration every step of the way. Their understanding of the way cohousing works and their ideas about designing space to bring out the best of a communtiy were excellent…I have to say that designing and building a community of this size with this much homeowner involelment was an extraordinary feat. It took patience, skill, long hours in meetings and constant consultation with many different stakeholders. Laura and Mary did all this and more to assure that we had the community we all envisioned. I highly recommend them to anyone designing a cohousing community.
- Marie Silver, resident at Pathways Cohousing
“Every once in a while I get an opportunity to praise the work of people who have made our cohousing design and development process work more easily. I’m delighted to do this for you because your work on Takoma Village was a life saver! I’m still counting my blessings.
– Ann Zabaldo, cohousing consultant and resident of Takoma Village
“Mary Kraus and Laura Fitch did an outstanding job on the programming for our site, common house, and individual units. They skillfully facilitated the design meetings, giving everyone a chance to be heard, but not allowing one voice to dominate. They gave us their opinions when we requested them, but did not try to unduly influence the group. They also successfully collaborated with another architectural firm in order to pull together the design for our common house kitchen. Because of this collaboration I feel we will have one of the most beautiful and functional common house kitchens in the country.. I would recommend them without hesitation to work with other cohousing or nonprofit groups on programming, site, and unit design.
- Diane Simpson, resident at Jamaica Plain Cohousing
“Two Echo’s successful working relationship with Mary and Laura is founded on their deep knowledge of and direct expereince with cohousing and cohousing design, and their ability to lead a group through a process involving many design decisions…The two Echo common house design is practical and efficent; it is sensitive to both the design progam and to our tight budget…When I review the design process for the Two Echo common house in my mind, I am especially pleased that we made the choice to work with architects as well versed in cohousing as Kraus-Fitch Architects.
- Rob Wiener, resident at Two Echo Cohousing
“Sounds like you guys did a great job at the workshop. Thanks so much. I have to tell you that I am impressed with your work…the refinement, and quality of both the experience and product you create.”
- Chris ScottHansen, Cohousing dvelopment consultant, Cohousing Resources
“Here’s our thoughts after six months in our new house: It packs a lot of living into less than 1400 energy-efficient square feet. We love the old farmhouse look outside and the spacious, daylit, functional spaces inside. We got four bedrooms and a finishable basement in an affordably-priced house. The input of Kraus Fitch Architects in the community’s site design ensured that we had a cohousing community that had an intimate, neighborhood feel and aesthetic appeal, and functioned efficiently. We got all the spaces we wanted within a compact footprint and maintained substantial open space on the land.”
—Bill Farkas, a founding member of Pathways Cohousing & Design Committee Chair
“These skilled professionals go well beyond what’s required of the design process for cohousing groups – they care about and respect group members’ ideas and contributions, they lend creative thinking, and offer endless enthusiasm throughout the project – much needed qualities when the going gets tough!”
—Dyan Wiley, Pioneer Valley CoHousing