Testimonials

Bob & Marsha W., Harwich, MA

In the uncertain world of home construction and renovations we wanted to share the outstanding experience we had with ERT Architects Inc – Erik Tolley. What a pleasure it was working with such a straightforward, engaging and thoughtful professional. Our project included: demolishing half of our 1840 farmhouse (while leaving the other half standing!), creating a new kitchen, full bath, family room, a garage with a room above and a basement. As you might imagine, we entered the project with much trepidation. Although soon after our first meeting with Erik, we understood that we were in good hands. He listened closely to our vision of the house, asked a lot of questions and the result was that he came back with a plan that we absolutely loved. He incorporated the design of the addition to perfectly complement our existing structure. If you’ve seen some of Erik’s projects, you already know he has a gift but equally important is his attention to detail. His emphasis on elevations, light and functionality are some of the numerous reasons we love our home. Our builder really appreciated this aspect of Erik’s work. He commented on how it made his job so much easier because of the detailed plans he was working from. We would highly recommend ERT Architects for any new build or renovation without hesitation.

Bob & Marsha W., Harwich, MA

Bill H., Great Island, MA

We couldn’t be more pleased with ERT Architects. We started with an older, single-level ranch-style home and did an extensive remodel to modernize and expand the interior living space and maximize the views of the waterfront location.  Right from the start of the process, Erik listened to every detail that we were looking for and captured it perfectly in the design.

Erik was able to retain the intimate feel and character of the original home, while creating a more modern, comfortable living space perfect for our family to gather and for entertaining. Erik’s design gave us the best of both worlds – high ceilings, lots of light and open spaces that maximize the view of the cove – along with some quiet, cozy space for relaxing.

Erik was always responsive to questions, provided helpful and thoughtful input, and was timely with design updates. We absolutely love the way our home turned out and couldn’t have asked for a better experience.

Bill H., Great Island, MA

Win M., Chatham, MA

When we decided to move forward with the design of our new home, we met with Erik and discussed our project. It was challenging to deal the zoning and conservation issues related to our property and achieve the goals for the new home. The design work would be done remotely as we were living 800 miles away for 9 months of the year! Erik did a terrific job of designing and adjusting the plans with only emails and the occasional phone call. We had some unique design challenges related to pieces of furniture that we were committed to use. Upon completion of our home, they fit perfectly in the space provided.  A bonus along the way were referrals he made relative to kitchen design, appliance procurement and hardscape work on the property.  We were fortunate to be referred to him early in our process and it ended with the home we love.

Thank you Erik

Win M., Chatham, MA

Sean C., Chatham, MA

I’ve had the pleasure of working with Erik and ERT on two houses.  One a total new build, the second a ground up renovation of an 1870 home.

We came to Erik with some pretty strong ideas of what we wanted with our new home – and Erik was able to seamlessly incorporate our ideas with what made sense architecturally.  Erik took the time to understand what we wanted, why we felt what we wanted was necessary, and then came up with house plans that incorporated our needs with what made sense from a budget and structural point of view.

When we decided to do a second home that was a renovation, Erik demonstrated his flexibility in coming up with a design that fit our ascetic and budget, while keeping it within the historical requirements of the town.

Erik and ERT are great partners that have demonstrated the ability to work under various requirements and still produce unique plans that meet a highly demanding client.

Sean C., Chatham, MA

Shelley J., Dennis, MA

I have enlisted the expertise of Erik Tolley several times and he is our go-to Architect on Cape Cod.

He is well known and respected by so many for not only his architectural skills, but his character.

Erik put us in touch with a contractor to take on a very big project and whenever questions arose, Erik was always available for clarifications.

This project involved a 1907 cottage renovation, removing an addition and adding a proper foundation for a new addition with a second story-meanwhile attaching it to another addition that would remain. This was not easy design project, but Erik’s expertise made it all possible. Erik was always responsive to our ideas and met with us as often as needed to feel comfortable with the design. ERT Architects, Inc has been a valuable resource for all our design needs, as a licensed realtor & homeowner I cannot recommend him enough.

Shelley J., Dennis, MA

Chris D., Chatham, MA

I have used ERT for several of our new homes as well as remodeling projects. Attention to detail and communication is key to our building philosophy. Erik takes the time to understand each of our unique projects and guide us through every step. With all of the building codes constantly changing ERT keeps our vision in mind while considering all the necessary regulations. Erik’s willingness to help our subcontractors understand the finest of details allows us to build the highest and most beautiful quality homes. We have several new projects on the horizon and ERT has worked side by side with us to make sure our designs are not only aesthetically pleasing but also satisfy all state codes. We absolutely will continue to use ERT and highly recommend them.

Chris D., Chatham, MA 

Jon and Eleanor Anderson, Wyckoff, NJ

This is to provide a reference for Erik Tolley of ERT Architects, Inc. Erik was referred to us by a reputable contractor on Cape Cod and we interviewed him along with several other architects. We initially approached him with the intent to do some renovation and expansion of a smaller summer cottage. It had been our understanding before meeting him that we would be restricted as to the extent of any renovations and probably would be prohibited from building a new house on the property because of zoning regulations.

Erik provided us with some options for renovation but encouraged us to consider a new house. On his own he researched the Town’s regulations and discovered that based on grandfathering, we had the option of building a new house.

Erik then sat with us to define what we wanted in a new house, drew up some sketches, and presented us with a concept that was right on target. Since we live off Cape, He helped us with the bidding process for the selection of a contractor and provided a third party objective review during the nine month construction phase. Our experience with Erik was positive. Beyond being creative, we found him to be responsive to our questions and needs, and very easy to work with overall. Erik designed a home for our family which has met all of our expectations. The house regularly draws positive comments from visitors and friends alike and even from “passers-by.” His interior designer, Barbara, was also very helpful in developing ideas for cabinetry around the fireplace and in the master bedroom and, as with Erik, was responsive and pleasant to work with.

Accordingly, we are happy to endorse Erik without reservation and would be happy to respond to any inquiries relative to his work on our home.

Sincerely yours,

Jon and Eleanor Anderson
Wyckoff, NJ

Bob and Ann Bartholomay, Nazareth, PA

In the summer of 2006, we found a waterfront house for sale that was two doors from our very good friends. The house was a disaster, but the property was fantastic. We decided to buy it. Around the same time, ERT was designing the renovations of two other houses on our street.

We liked the ERT designs, met Erik Tolley, Liked his architectural portfolio of past projects and his approach to design, and decided to engage ERT for our project.

Erik worked with the 1972 construction and designed a renovation with raised ceilings throughout most of the house. Erik turned a vinyl sided, ugly structure with seven sliding glass doors in to a handsome, traditional Cape Cod design. When the existing attached garage was determined to be too structurally unsound to save, Erik developed a work around design within a few days that improved the roof lines, replaced the garage, and created a bonus room on the second floor.

Barbara, ERT’s interior designer, assisted with the selection and design of ceramic and marble tile, built-ins, lighting, plumbing fixtures, and paint colors. Both Erik and Barbara were open to our personal ideas and were never condescending, no matter how lame our ideas might have been.

At the end of our project, we had a house that we were very proud to call home. We also have a new friend in Erik Tolley.

Bob and Ann Bartholomay
Nazareth, PA

Anthony P. Facchini, Springfield, MA

Our family really appreciates your diligent work effort, attentiveness, and assistance in moving our project forward to completion. I know you had a very busy schedule, but you went out of your way to assist in many unanticipated ways, including but not limited to, obtaining the building permit. The level of customer service that our family received was extraordinary.

As you worked with our family, it became obvious you had the experience and knowledge to get the job done. It was worth everything to know that we were in such good hands. I have been fortunate to work with some outstanding people over many years, and you certainly rank up there at the top. Our project wouldn’t have succeeded without your assistance.

I want you to know that I will highly recommend your architectural services to friends, family, and anyone looking for an excellent architect as well as a solid upstanding person. You stand out from the pack in intelligence, initiative, ability, and determination. Thank you so much for going above and beyond what you had taken on.

Very truly yours,

Anthony P. Facchini
Springfield, MA

Ida and Tom Fiala, West Yarmouth, MA

We want to thank you and your team of trained professionals for you recent design of our addition.  From the time that we conveyed to you what we were trying to accomplish to the end of the project was a most pleasurable experience.

Through our meeting with you, on site and in your office, your boundless ideas of form and function and sensitivity to our desires have created a fabulous living space.

The addition blended so well with the existing dwelling that it looks like it was always part of it.

Again we want to thank you so much for making it a pleasant experience.

Sincerely,

Ida and Tom Fiala
West Yarmouth, MA

Al and Marie LaGreca, Hingham, MA

We want to give a sincere endorsement on behalf of Erik Tolley and his staff at ERT Associates, Inc.

Erik has been our architect on two houses.  One, new construction of a contemporary Cape in South Plymouth and the second a ranch rehab in Hingham.

The house in Plymouth required extensive engineering design work as it was very unique construction.  Erik was involved in every aspect and was always available when we needed his guidance.  He worked very well with the construction crews and also with the town officials.

He is responsive and kept to the schedule.  We would surely recommend him and use him again for future projects.

Sincerely,

Al and Marie LaGreca,
Hingham, MA

Jen Perini and Jim Cunningham, Tiburon, CA

We want to take a moment to thank you for the all the fine work you and your staff did for us in the design of our home on Bass River in Cape Cod.

From the very beginning you recognized the emotional significance of this project to us, and you collaborated on each and every decision accordingly. From the first conceptual sketches to the final interior touches on the house, your advice, input, and creative solutions (to some very tricky problems) were excellent. We appreciate how you were always available to us, and were extremely patient with our last minute questions and requests for adjustments.

Without a moment’s thought we would recommend you and your firm for any architectural design project that might come your way.

Again, many thanks for a wonderful collaboration. We absolutely love our new house and expect that generations of our family to come will  do so too.

Warmest Regards,

Jen Perini and Jim Cunningham
Tiburon, CA

Roger and Kathy Sullivan, West Dennis MA

We are thrilled!!!

Kathy and I thank you and Barbara very much for the time and effort you put in to making our concept come to life through the design you created.  More importantly, we were pleased that you took the time to listen to the ideas that Kathy had envisioned and researched over the many, many months.  Being so attentive was a principal factor in the successful outcome.

As you know, we were concerned about the exterior lines of the finished product.  Your architectural experience and awareness of great Cape Cod designs have made our home look as though the addition was always there, so well does it blend in to the rest of the house.

We love the space, the layout, the light, and how our entire home seems to have opened up.

The proof is in the eye of the beholder, though.  Even our neighbors comment on the number of cars that regularly slow down to admire our home as they drive by.

So, thank you again for a job well done!!!

If we can speak as a reference for any of your prospective clients, we would be pleased to do so.

Best regards,

Roger and Kathy Sullivan
West Dennis, MA

Samantha & Jerry Orinick, Orleans, MA

Erik Tolley and his colleagues have a keen understanding and great appreciation for the vernacular of historic homes in the setting of the small coastal Cape Cod community where we spend our summers.

Aware of this, my husband and I approached Erik to talk about our home which was in need of some TLC and updating for our expanding family. Erik was enthusiastic, listened attentively to our needs and style preferences, and during our meeting came up with a plan that we had never considered but which was genius, marrying old with new.

Without altering our 1890 house, he designed a beautiful new addition that sits on the same footprint of an old dysfunctional addition. This new space includes a new kitchen and family room with a master bedroom and bath on the second floor, connecting to an office space over the garage via a glass bridge.

Erik and his team were easy to work with, met deadlines, and we really appreciated the open lines of communication with them. The team works to understand your style and design priorities and then works with you to find pieces that you love and which work in your space.

I would recommend them to anyone for an architectural or design project, whether small or large.

Samantha & Jerry Orinick
Orleans, MA

Jennifer and Greg Bowen, Chatham, MA

We are so pleased with our experience with Erik Tolley and ERT Architects. We approached Erik five years ago for a great room addition and to add an upstairs bathroom for our over 100-year-old house in Chatham. It was just a cold call from an advertisement in a magazine. Erik displayed the utmost professionalism and was always there for us during this adventure. He provided drawings which were exactly what we envisioned. We passed the approval from the historic society without any issues. He supported us during our zoning committee meetings and throughout our approval process. We were delayed starting the project because of COVID.

Once we were able to start the project, Erik led us to a great choice in contractors. The project started and was completed on time. Everyone in our family is so pleased with the outcome. We are so happy we chose ERT Architects to help us on this journey.

We would highly recommend ERT Architects.

Jennifer Bowen
Livermore CA

Greg Bowen
Trumbull CT