Ileana Schinder, PLLC

I knew when I bought my house 7 years ago that it would need some very serious updating. When I was finally in a position to renovate I realized that I needed an architect. I completed some research for architectural services and realized that my project was either a bit too small for the firms or the architect was way too expensive considering the size of the project. Fortunately, about mid-way through my research, I recalled reading an email that Ileana posted on the Eckington Yahoo group. I am so grateful that I remembered seeing her post. Ileana was indispensable to my renovation project. I renovated the kitchen and the main bathroom of the house. The photos are posted in Ileana’s project portfolio on Houzz as well as on her website. The house is located on V Street. The kitchen was a closed off galley kitchen that had seen better days and the tiny bathroom had absolutely no storage. Ileana discussed what I wanted to accomplish for both spaces and she set about designing the spaces based on my ideas and goals as well as incorporating her expertise. I appreciated how she transformed both spaces of my home but also the thoughtful way she guided me through the entire design and construction process. I decided to work with a contractor that completed work on my home the year before. I think he has had his fair share of bad experiences with architects so he was slightly apprehensive that I was bringing in an architect for the kitchen and bathroom renovation. Ileana has a warm and pleasant personality so, as it turns out, Ileana and the contractor developed a friendly, healthy and collaborative working relationship. I hired Ileana for construction administration and that was probably the best decision I made. It is an additional expense but it was worth every penny. I have a busy job and I knew that I just would not stay on top of the details. My project started in July 2015 and just a few weeks later I was unexpectedly packed off to Texas for several weeks of work. Ileana kept the project moving and the contractors on task. We had a weekly meeting with the contractor and Ileana produced a weekly report. The reports are a great resource and I referenced them throughout the project for items she recommended or tasks that required completion. It was very reassuring to know that Ileana was here in DC keeping my project moving while I was in Texas. Ileana and I worked on a design for my basement as well as the kitchen and bathroom. I proceed with the renovation of the kitchen and bathroom only due to budget. I hope to be able to proceed with the basement renovation in 2017. I will be hiring Ileana without hesitation. Ileana is a gem. She is thoughtful, responsive and a great listener. My new kitchen and bathroom have made a huge difference in how I use and enjoy my home. I am looking forward to working with her on the basement renovation. I simply can’t imagine tackling that renovation with anyone else.

- Dian Stevens