Verified record
Typical Greater Boston range for this kind of work, from regional averages — not a quote from Boston Architects & Builders. Use it to sanity-check bids, then get the real number in writing.
Estimated range
$23,000 – $35,000
Typical remodeling project around $29,000
Boston Architects & Builders is a design-build firm in Watertown that pairs the architect and the builder under one roof, run by principal architect Vahe Ohannessian, AIA — the company says it has worked from Chestnut Hill to Sudbury to Cohasset on custom homes, additions, remodels, and energy-efficient retrofits. The thing that shows up again and again across a decade of reviews, from Houzz in 2016 through Thumbtack, HomeAdvisor and Google more recently, is communication under pressure. In a late-2025 Google review, a client described the team joining a historical-commission meeting outside their scope — Vahe dialed in from overseas at 2 a.m. — while walking the project through permitting and construction. A 2021 Thumbtack review from a client following floor plans described the drawings as thorough and the pricing as competitive with other quotes. Older accounts, dated 2016 and 2017 on Houzz and Thumbtack, describe the same pattern — detailed drawings, budget-conscious suggestions, and staying involved past the design phase into construction. The firm's Massachusetts home improvement contractor registration is active, and its BBB profile carries an A+ grade, though it isn't BBB-accredited. Ohannessian's AIA membership, LEED accreditation, and Passive House training back up the energy-retrofit and custom-home focus the website describes. One thing worth confirming before signing: BuildZoom's own directory listing shows that same home-improvement registration as inactive, which doesn't match what the state registry itself currently shows active — worth a quick check, though the state's own record is the one that counts. This is a firm for a real design-and-build project — a custom home, a major addition, a full remodel — rather than a quick repair, and the reviews consistently describe a single point of contact who stays engaged through permitting and construction, not just the drawings.
I’ll start this review by saying I didn’t know the difference between a great architect and a poor one. I had tried working with a budget friendly architect for my new custom home project, and I can’t tell you how hard it is to get excited about a project when the architect is unresponsive and unprofessional, telling me “I can try to look into it in a few months I have a lot going on”. I had a the complete opposite experience working with Vahe and the team at Boston Architects and Builders. From the first meeting we had when discussing preliminary designs, to the final finishing touches, I can’t emphasize enough how easy the communication has been. The best part was the help we received with the permitting and the construction on top of the designs. It allowed us to feel comfortable focusing on other parts of the project knowing we were in good hands and being taken care of on the permitting side. The knowledge BAB had when it came to the historical commission was very impressive. Even though it wasn’t in their “scope of work”, they took time out of their night to join in on the historical meeting online to help us with the process. Vahe was actually out of country during this meeting, and still joined us at 2:00 AM where he was. The one team approach has been incredibly helpful and efficient and has made the process so much smoother. The end result is better than we could’ve imagined. When Vahe told me at our first meeting “Don’t worry, we have it under control”, that truly played out. I also want to give a big shoutout to Carine, the 2 nd architect I was working with on Vahe’s team. As lucky as I was to have Vahe on our side from start to finish, now imagine having 2 Vahe’s. That’s exactly how it felt working with Carine who went above and beyond including multiple site visits even when I didn’t ask her to, it truly felt like she was treating the project as if it was going to be her home. Overall I can’t thank BAB enough for everything they did for us. One last specific I want to mention was when Vahe called me on a Saturday morning at 6 am and said “As I laid my head on my pillow last night, I thought of a suggestion for the garage that would make it look better.” Knowing that he is truly thinking of his clients even on the weekend is all I can ask for as a client. I don’t think I’ll ever work with a different architect because now I indeed do know the difference between a great architect and a poor one, and this is the best you’ll ever get.
I’ll start this review by saying I didn’t know the difference between a great architect and a poor one. I had tried working with a budget friendly architect for my new custom home project, and I can’t tell you how hard it is to get excited about a project when the architect is unresponsive and unprofessional, telling me “I can try to look into it in a few months I have a lot going on”. I had a the complete opposite experience working with Vahe and the team at Boston Architects and Builders. From the first meeting we had when discussing preliminary designs, to the final finishing touches, I can’t emphasize enough how easy the communication has been. The best part was the help we received with the permitting and the construction on top of the designs. It allowed us to feel comfortable focusing on other parts of the project knowing we were in good hands and being taken care of on the permitting side. The knowledge BAB had when it came to the historical commission was very impressive. Even though it wasn’t in their “scope of work”, they took time out of their night to join in on the historical meeting online to help us with the process. Vahe was actually out of country during this meeting, and still joined us at 2:00 AM where he was. The one team approach has been incredibly helpful and efficient and has made the process so much smoother. The end result is better than we could’ve imagined. When Vahe told me at our first meeting “Don’t worry, we have it under control”, that truly played out. I also want to give a big shoutout to Carine, the 2nd architect I was working with on Vahe’s team. As lucky as I was to have Vahe on our side from start to finish, now imagine having 2 Vahe’s. That’s exactly how it felt working with Carine who went above and beyond including multiple site visits even when I didn’t ask her to, it truly felt like she was treating the project as if it was going to be her home. Overall I can’t thank BAB enough for everything they did for us. One last specific I want to mention was when Vahe called me on a Saturday morning at 6 am and said “As I laid my head on my pillow last night, I thought of a suggestion for the garage that would make it look better.” Knowing that he is truly thinking of his clients even on the weekend is all I can ask for as a client. I don’t think I’ll ever work with a different architect because now I indeed do know the difference between a great architect and a poor one, and this is the best you’ll ever get.
I am delighted to recommend Vahe and his team at BAB. His architectural and design skills are truly outstanding. From the outset, Vahe impressed me with his thoughtful ideas and his commitment to working within my budget—always looking for ways to save on unnecessary costs for me without compromising quality or vision. What stood out most was his exceptional communication. Vahe consistently kept me informed and coordinated seamlessly with all parties involved: the condo HOA board, property management, neighbors, and the city. His proactive approach meant he often anticipated and addressed potential issues before they became problems. This contributed to it being a low-stress experience for me. Despite the challenges of remodeling a small, older urban unit—and my being out of state in a different time zone—Vahe and his on-site team were able to creatively and efficiently expand both the kitchen and bathroom and bring to life my dream of a charming little back bay condo. His professionalism, transparency, and warmth came through from our very first phone call. I immediately trusted him, and he delivered beyond expectations. I highly recommend Vahe, Carine, Luigi and the BAB team without hesitation. Their integrity, expertise, and dedication make them an exceptional partner on any project.
I am delighted to recommend Vahe and his team at BAB. His architectural and design skills are truly outstanding. From the outset, Vahe impressed me with his thoughtful ideas and his commitment to working within my budget—always looking for ways to save on unnecessary costs for me without compromising quality or vision. What stood out most was his exceptional communication. Vahe consistently kept me informed and coordinated seamlessly with all parties involved: the condo HOA board, property management, neighbors, and the city. His proactive approach meant he often anticipated and addressed potential issues before they became problems. This contributed to it being a low-stress experience for me. Despite the challenges of remodeling a small, older urban unit—and my being out of state in a different time zone—Vahe and his on-site team were able to creatively and efficiently expand both the kitchen and bathroom and bring to life my dream of a charming little back bay condo. His professionalism, transparency, and warmth came through from our very first phone call. I immediately trusted him, and he delivered beyond expectations. I highly recommend Vahe, Carine and the BAB team without hesitation. Their integrity, expertise, and dedication make them an exceptional partner on any project.
Amazing experience, And highly recommended. Vahe and his team did a fantastic job on one of the most complex projects in Historic Chestnut Hill MA
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2 changes recorded — last scanned Sep 6, 2026.
Structural carpentry4.8
Reused original moldings on a 1922 home4.6
Handles complex projects3.9
Custom cabinetry3.5
Basement flood repair completed while owners traveled3.0