Client Reviews

"When my husband and I decided to embark on the journey of building a custom home on a lot we had previously purchased, we hired Jim McCalligan for his expertise. I'm an Interior Designer and, although I wasn't too familiar with the Santa Rosa/Sonoma area at the time, I saw the benefits of using Jim over the others we interviewed. We chose to work with Jim because of his brilliance and meticulous attention to detail. Being in the industry, you have no idea how important this is when building the home of your dreams. He and his team answered every call and were always there to steer us in the right direction. There was never a moment where we doubted our decision. I highly recommend using Jim on your next project, hands down!" - Joy Moulton

"Jim designed a 1,100 square foot addition. We had already fired one architect when we interviewed Jim; Jim stood far above the many others we interviewed in his enthusiastic sharing of his ideas and vision at the first interview. He embraced all of our ideas about materials and came up with an elegant and simple addition which transformed our property. He also helped us through the contractor bid process and we eventually used one of his recommendations and were very satisfied. He sheparded the project through the permit process with very little in the way of glitches or additions. He met deadlines, his work was on budget, and he was very easy to work with. Having interviewed at least 8 architects, and wasted a couple of months with the first one we had to fire, we feel like we have a good basis to say that Jim and his team are excellent." - Dominique Bayart

"We enjoyed working with Jim from our first meeting. Ideas seem to come quickly to him and we were always impressed with his ability to find a new solution when some impediment occurred. We are thrilled with the end product of our collaboration with him." - Hallie Beacham

"I can't recommend architect, Jim McCalligan, more highly. We contacted him just days after our 1890s farmhouse burnt down. He was immediately responsive, reassuring and confident that he could design a new house for us that would incorporate the spirit and nuances of our beloved century-old home. Within a few weeks he had produced a set of drawings that incorporated relatively minor changes (enlarged windows, built in cabinets, a changed wall here and there) that transformed our former home into a stunning and beautiful new farmhouse. Jim ushered his plans thru the county permitting process and we were permitted and rebuilding four and a half months after the fire. He and our contractor, Brian Evans, worked easily and efficiently together. Throughout it all, Jim was gracious, good humored, patient and available." - Wendy von Weiderhold

"This was our first experience with building a custom home and we were new to the area. We talked with several builders and architects in the area who felt the lot had some difficulties. After we sat down with Jim and talked about some ideas it became clear that his imagination and character were what we were looking for. Jim and staff took us step by step through the sometimes confusing permitting process with little to no involvement. He exceeded our expectations(which were way higher than our budget) and as I've come to learn added many details and designs that don't typically come with what we contracted for. There was never a time where Jim wasn't there to answer any construction questions or detail changes. We still get a thrill a invited friends and family to our home." - Mike Pinoris

"JMA has provided architect services for three homes we have built over the past 22 years. The most recent being completed in 2011. The homes have ranged from a Victorian farm house to contemporary ocean front homes. We have found working with this firm a very satisfying experience from project conception to build-out. Homes ranged from $250,000 to more than $1,500,000." - Wayne Cornelius

"After the devastation of losing our home in the Tubs Firestorm of 2017 we were just able to conduct everyday life and navigate through the insurance maze. Jim had built the home we lost and contacted us to start thinking about putting architectural plans together. His encouragement was exactly what we needed to move forward. This will be the third time he and his staff has designed a home for us. We are always fascinated to ‘watch’ his brain design and develop plans. His understanding of space and structure from all angles; inside, outside, and around is amazing! Jim and his staff prepared our drawings as promised and were timely in response to our questions. The plans are of high quality and complete allowing them to be quickly processed through our building department. He is gifted in his craft and equally enjoyable to work with." - Elizabeth Bowers

"My wife and I hired Jim's firm to design and draw our home in Sebastopol. We are extremely happy we went to them. Jim's use of glass and space is incredible. I have been around construction my whole life and have played designer a little on other homes but we are so glad we went to a true professional who has the kind of experience, imagination and vision that Jim has. His price was very reasonable for the quality product that he delivered - way ahead of his proposed schedule we might add! The house went together smoothly exactly as drawn! We would whole-heartedly recommend Jim and his firm - they were a joy to work with all during the process. He gave us great tips and recommendations on interior design too... " - Tom and Jessica Carreiro

"Jim and his staff did a great job designing a new wing to help us take advantage of a previously neglected river view for our Russian River home. We now enjoy dining in a room surrounded by windows that bring-in the redwood-forest and the river below. He also recommended top craftspersons to implement the design. We still have more to do (an office over a new garage), and look forward to completing the project. Jim has also been generous and helpful with other architectural questions which have come up regarding our home and our business ventures. He's top-notch!" - JoAnn McCabe

"James designed our dream house that after years of delays we are building. After a couple of interviews asking us questions and getting to know what we wanted he was able to design a house better than what I could imagine. He made the process fun and rewarding. Jim made several trips out to our property and was able to best utilitize the views, the sunlight and wind to create a house that is both beautiful and functional. We are looking forward to moving in and choosing Jim as our architech was a great decision." - Joyce Suzuki

"We have used Jim McCalligan on four projects, two new construction and two complete remodels. Jim is a talented, hardworking and conscientious architect. He is creative and open minded about all styles of architecture. Jim was receptive to our ideas and masterful in incorporating them into plans and final construction. He is a delight to work with and we highly recommend him. Our contractors enjoy working with him as well. He is surrounded by a professional and competent staff. We look forward to working with him on our next project."