James S. Collins, Architect

We bought a lot on a golf course in an older established neighborhood where the homes were up to 100 years old. The lot was very atypical and posed many challenges from a design perspective. We wanted a design that looked as though it belonged yet had all the modern conveniences of an open floor plan, large master suite, etc. Jim asked us to make a list of things we wanted and he also visited our current house in the same neighborhood that was, incidentally, 100 years old. We asked him to incorporate the high ceilings, the grand staircase, the unique moldings, and the French door look as windows on the front. After that we gave him our wishes for master, entertaining spaces, kitchen, storage, etc and let Jim go to work. The finished plan was everything we could have dreamed of and more as Jim worked seamlessly with our builder and decorator to provide some touches that we didn't even knew we wanted! His pride of authorship was set aside and his only desire was for us to get exactly what we wanted... and more! The whole process was easy and incredibly rewarding now that we have just moved into our new home. I can't wait for Jim to come by and have a glass of wine on the covered porch watching the sunset over the golf course!

I have had the privilege to collaborate with Jim on a number projects. He is a very knowledgeable and talented architect. Jim's body of work demonstrate his thoughtful, creative, unique and timeless talent to his profession. His depth and knowledge about historical architecture and traditional design principles are admirable. It is always a pleasure working with Jim as I find his work inspires mine. I highly recommend Jim to anyone considering an architectural project.

I hired James Collins to design our home because he was referred to us by a friend. Had I known he was such a renowned and accomplished architect I would have been intimidated but Jim was anything but intimidating. When we first started the project, we rode around a favorite neighborhood and I showed him the houses I liked best. I was delighted to learn we both loved the Dutch Colonial style popular during the 1920's. Jim created plans that were true to the Dutch Colonial design in a timely manner. Every detail from the line of the roof, the size of the columns, and even the outside hearth that was floor level, was a beautiful depiction of our vision. My home is greatly admired for the inviting front porch that beckons neighbors to come sit and chat to the long, wide hallways with dark hardwood that inspire every child that visits to run around and around the loop to the front door to the kitchen and back. Most people are shocked to discover our house is almost ten years old. They assume it's been a part of our historic neighborhood forever and that's exactly what I hoped for. I strongly recommend Jim Collins work.