Testimonials from Contractors and Allied Professionals

Keyan and eMZed deliver outstanding attention to detail, knowledge of the built environment, and the highest level of professionalism. Keyan understands that quality, consistent communication is the key to a successful project. Our clients and project managers are never out of the loop. eMZed knows that in order for our team to provide an accurate bid and project timeline, their construction documents must be well-thought out and complete. We've been able to work collaboratively and creatively to find solutions that got the client what they wanted without resorting to expensive, time consuming details and engineering. eMZed’s great design aesthetic, thoughtful use of space, and their knowledge of building science and energy efficiency truly make them the complete package. Anyone looking to build or remodel would be well-advised to partner with eMZed. They won't be disappointed. — Josh Salinger, Birdsmouth Construction

eMZed is simply the best. Their designs are smart, the level of detail is unmatched and they can communicate. — Tom Champion

We have successfully completed our first project with eMZed Architecture and are currently working on starting another one. We are thoroughly impressed with the attention to detail, foresight and problem solving skills. Most architects have a good aesthetic, and Keyan's is top notch, but he takes it one step further. The planning he does and his anticipation of issues lead to one the smoothest projects that we have delivered and, invariably, our clients save money from his due diligence in the end. He is a team player in every sense and understands the construction side just as well as the design. We look forward to many more successful projects with eMZed in the future and always recommend them to potential clients. — Isaac & Jim, Akos Construction

As a builder, working with Keyan and the rest of the eMZed team is a breath of fresh air. It’s unusual that architects put the level of thought into constructability that Keyan brings to every Design discussion. Whether coordinating the structural drawings with the architectural drawings or finding the right materials and methods, eMZed’s primary objective is to ensure the information provided is accurate and fits the objectives of our projects. All of the projects we build are focused on energy efficiency and we have found eMZed’s expertise, knowledge, and values to be a perfect fit with our projects. — Ryan Nieto, Green Canopy

I've worked with eMZed Architecture on many single-family home projects, including their own home / office space, which achieved our highest tier of Earth Advantage Home Certification: Zero Energy. They understand the importance of focusing on the building envelope first, and the value of carefully designed mechanical systems, including fresh air ventilation systems. They also recognize the importance of 3rd party inspections, performance testing, commissioning, and building certification. — Ryan Shanahan, CPHC, PHIUS+ Rater, Zero Energy Certifications Manager

I just reviewed your ADU plans and I can honestly say it is the only project I have ever reviewed that had all of the information required. (I have no say in the appearance of the buildings that I review, but it is quite lovely too.) I just wanted to tell you that the Life Safety Review was pretty amazing. — Portland Plans Examiner

I'm happy to give you a thumb’s up on the quality of your plans. I've been estimating plans for 16 years and have seen over 11,000 of them in that time. Your plans are very well thought through as well as completely detailed, makes it easy to take off and build. It's all there and that goes along way for a good clean project for the builder and their subs. — Scott, Plans Estimator

The quality and service each and every client receives from eMZed supersedes any that I have experienced. From the conception of an idea to the finishing touches they will have explored every option to make every project the best it can be for their clients. As a contractor their plans are a pleasure to build off and their ideas inspiring. — Levi Kropf, General Contractor

The value of a good architect cannot be overstated. In addition to a supply of inspiration and ideas, a good architect will anticipate major construction challenges, design with budget in mind and act as an ongoing problem solver to the end of the job. I have had the distinct pleasure of working on projects with both Alexia and Keyan and have seen first hand how they take these principles to heart. They are committed to generating a good design and seeing it through to its successful completion. Often invisible to homeowners is the level of depth and detail architects go to in crafting a vision for their clients. With eMZed I am appreciative of just how complete and thoroughly detailed that vision is. When I get a set of their plans I know I'm going to be reading them for a while - but I also know the project is going to go more smoothly as a result. Architects face the constant tension between form and function. I have been truly impressed with how Alexia and Keyan strike the balance between making sure the design is practical and functional, yet creates a space that is a pleasure to be in. This balance doesn't just happen, it comes from experience, patience and a passion to get things right. — Mark Swinth, Tapwood LLC

Having worked with various architects and firms over the years, it's very refreshing to experience the level of quality, attentiveness to detail, and communication that eMZed brings to their projects and clients. From a contractor's point of view it means that many of the details often overlooked by some designers get given full attention, eliminating many of the headaches and speed bumps from the building process. I fully appreciate their ability to both design and explain their design in enough detail that not only can I build what they've designed, but I understand their reasoning and ideas behind it as well, making for a much more thorough and holistic undertaking. Couple all of that with the quality and all-inclusiveness of their design approach, and their great ideas on use of space, and it's easy to understand why they're first on my list when referring clients. — Paul Johnson, Carpentry and Remodeling

I recently had the pleasure of working with eMZed to build an ADU in NE Portland. They communicated well with our clients, and worked with them to conceive a project that met their needs. The result was exquisite. Keyan is fluent on the latest green building techniques and materials, and speaks intelligently about what does and doesn't make sense. I was particularly impressed with an elegant stairway solution that resolved tricky access problems where new met old. The attention to detail made it easier for me as a general contractor to both bid and build. When things came up during the construction process, as they inevitably do, Keyan problem-solved in a timely and helpful manner. — Erik Brakstad, Brakstad Builders

Since 2005, RMJ has collaborated with eMZed Design on a variety of projects including whole house remodels, dormers additions, and kitchen and bath renovations. Their ability to find creative design solutions to difficult problems is unsurpassed. We highly recommend eMZed to all our clients. Speaking personally, my wife and I were so impressed with their timeliness, professionalism, and design sensibilities that we hired them to design the remodel of our own home, and we're absolutely thrilled with the results! — Rick June, RMJ Construction & Development, Inc.

Working with Keyan was truly a great experience. I was most impressed with his thought processes and the attention to details that went beyond the shapes and dimensions shown on the drawings. His level of experience and talent were very evident. As a seasoned contractor who cares about the fine details of the project, it was great to read the underlying subtle details, and be able to follow the train of thought that he had, making the drawings easy to execute. His dedication, level of detail, understanding of the construction process, and his concern for the project, exceeded any of our expectations and made our project a real success. — Eduard Valik, iBuild PDX

Not only do you design beautiful buildings...you also create functional blueprints that are easy to build off of! You designed an amazing plan that was really fun to build. I honestly don’t think the project could have gone any better! — Mitch Powell, The Powell Group

Just wanted to compliment you on the Lake Oswego Garden House. I was just down there the other day - it is an absolutely beautiful house. I believe it is going to stand the test of time as a "forever" appropriate and attractive home. — Paul Johnson

Keyan is a true pleasure to work with and is thorough, responsive and communicative. He brings a unique ability to work with the homeowner and contractor as a team, ultimately providing a better product and experience for everyone involved. — Gregor Mitchell, The WORKS