Submitted
by Kelly Ayres on 05/19/2020
5 Star Review by Kelly Ayres
On a recommendation, we commissioned Harry to complete a major kitchen renovation and great room addition. Being a person who loves to cook, the renovation would allow us the space to entertain friends and family while enjoying from the inside the outdoor landscape of our country property.
Harry grasped what we were considering and designed a dream kitchen and great room that far surpassed our expectations and became the heart of the home.
We thoroughly enjoyed the process of shopping with Harry to select building materials to ensure the completed project was a masterpiece. In addition, Harry assisted in hiring a talented contractor who executed Harry’s design on time and budget.
There have been many nights while sipping a glass of wine by the fireplace that we’ve commented on the amazing space that Harry designed. The renovation transformed our house to our forever home.
We tell every person who visits the great experience we had working with Harry and would do it again in a heartbeat.
We knew when we purchased our 2 bedroom semi in Leaside that eventually we would want more space. Loving the neighborhood and not wanting to move, we engaged Harry to help us expand our home. Harry was professional and accountable throughout the entire process. He came up with concepts I never would have imagined and people are always commenting on the great new layout. I highly recommend working with Harry! Construction is always somewhat painful, but Harry guided us expertly and helped ease our stress tremendously.
Submitted by Kathryn Grundy on 05/29/2023
We bought a 30-minutes-by-boat cottage out in Georgian Bay a few years ago, and engaged Harry in 2017 to help us redesign it. We loved the century old cabin in the front, but the 1980's addition at the rear was lacklustre to say the least. It felt like a completely different building and we personally couldn't see how to make the two work together. Harry helped us unblock our mental logjam and he developed an excellent design so that the old and new sections became, almost magically, an integrated whole.
And we loved the old wrap-around porch, but it was screen only. We wanted to make it three-seasons - but not lose the charm of the old cottage. Harry developed a great design for old-style awning windows that are both functional and beautiful. Rather than diminish the old charm, they add to it.
The rest of the building benefitted from Harry's vision. Bedrooms, bathrooms, living spaces were all reconstructed to provide a sense of warmth and style.
The design of the layout was superb, but he helped us with so much more. Selecting a contractor, designing an interior look-and-feel, developing a great kitchen layout, helping manage the kitchen contractor, suggesting great lighting, even helping us pick out appliances. To say he held our hand all the way through this substantial renovation in a tough location is a considerable understatement.
We now love our cottage better than any place on earth. And that's down to Harry's vision and meticulousness in helping us get it done.
Submitted by Doug Wilson on 07/24/2020
Harry Lay is passionate about reviving heritage homes and brings sensitivity and amazing expertise to all his projects. We worked with Harry to completely rebuild the kitchen in our century farmhouse. This wonderful new space has greatly enhanced our enjoyment of our home. It makes me happy each time I open the door!
Submitted by Linda Mcmaster on 05/16/2020
Harry did a fantastic job with our very complex renovation. He brought outstanding creativity, respected the heritage and environment of the site, simplified the planning and permit stages, and kept the contractor on track. He was a pleasure to work with and we are very, very happy with the results. I would happily recomend Harry Lay Architects to family and friends.
Submitted by Stuart Payne on 05/08/2020
