Levitch Associates, Inc.

"Master Builder" Craftsmanship for More Than 40 Years

By Maurice Levitch, Ed Levitch and Elizabeth H. Brown

THE DESIGN/BUILD PROCESS

As an architect and contractor, Ed Levitch, founder of Levitch Associates, Inc. in Berkeley, CA, provided combined architectural and construction services decades before "design/build" became a catch phrase. Many, if not most, design/build firms today are contractors who work with a consulting architect. What distinguishes Levitch Associates from other design/build firms, aside from more than 40 years of experience, is a simple strategy: design/build architects work as a single entity.

A successful project begins with good design. Levitch Associates parlays its architectural and contracting licenses into "one-stop" shopping for clients, emphasizing architecture as the project's foundation by developing timeless, contextual designs that meet the client's needs and budget. After preliminary design, Levitch prepares construction pricing and negotiates the construction portion of the project to provide a lump sum price for the work. Levitch then produces construction documents, obtains permits and constructs the project. This approach, while unconventional, combines the best of the traditional roles of architects and contractors. When it comes to quality control, Levitch responds, "Who is best able to control quality in design and construction than the firm whose reputation is on the line as a single entity?" This may be why Levitch wins approximately 75 percent of its new business through referrals from previous clients, vendors and others.

So radical was the idea of combining architecture and construction services, often seen as being at cross-purposes, the American Institute of Architects (AIA) for years declined to accept Ed Levitch as a member because he was also a licensed general contractor! Today, both Ed and Maurice Levitch, Ed's son, are members of the American Institute of Architects, Western Regional Master Builders Association and Better Business Bureau. Maurice is also a NARI Certified Green Building Professional.

HOW IT ALL BEGAN...

Edward Levitch began his working life as a builder, having built the family home in Yugoslavia with his father as a teenager. From 1946 to 1953, Ed worked as a journeyman carpenter, project manager and superintendent in the U.S. and abroad. Through his construction experience he became interested in architecture. Ed completed the architecture program at the University of California at Berkeley and currently holds licenses as both an architect and a general contractor.

THREE GENERATIONS

Ed's son Maurice started working with Levitch Associates as a truck driver, laborer and carpenter over summer vacations. He later worked in the design office as a drafter, designer and job captain. Like his father, Maurice is a graduate of the architecture program at U.C. Berkeley, and a licensed architect and general contractor. As president of Levitch Associates, Inc., Maurice oversees all aspects of company operations, including marketing, sales, design, construction and office administration. Maurice says, "I love the challenge and excitement of juggling multiple projects and pleasing our clients, which our dedicated and talented team makes possible."

Ed's son Jeff is a project coordinator. Jeff holds a Master of Fine Arts degree from the University of Arizona, Tucson. He utilizes his arts background to help clients select colors and finishes, and also teaches at the U.C. Berkeley Extension.

A grandson, Brian, is an office and field assistant, thereby bringing three generations of Levitches to work under the same roof. Two other sons, Joe and Mike, also work in the construction industry.

RECENT PROJECTS

A staff of over 30 design, field and office personnel helps to design and build an average of over 30 projects per year. Levitch specializes in high-end residential remodels and additions, as well as some light commercial work in the East Bay. Ed Levitch declares, "We try to solve challenges with teamwork, outstanding service and a focus on quality."

A Berkeley home addition that Levitch recently completed demonstrates the benefits of an integrated design/build process. The owners of a small home desired an additional bedroom and two separate offices. They wanted to retain as much space as possible on the main floor and preserve recently remodeled rooms while adding a stairway to the new second floor. During construction, the owner requested changes, increasing the size of the master closet and reducing the size of the bedroom, among others. Levitch evaluated and made the changes without delay to the overall project. In a Berkeley kitchen remodel, Levitch had framed the exterior wall. Maurice Levitch notes, "We realized there was a potential Bay view at one corner of the kitchen, so as the architect we were able to rework the design to add a window at that spot, which added about $100,000 to the value of the home. As a design/build firm, we have the flexibility to make those changes quickly."

In a Piedmont project, Levitch reconfigured and remodeled the kitchen, breakfast and family rooms. Bathroom remodeling work included restoring original plumbing fixtures, salvaging and re- using original decorative ceramic tile elements, and adding more functionality with floor plan changes. All of this work was done while respecting the character of the existing home.

The design/build concept that Ed Levitch envisioned 45 years ago has grown into a business encompassing three generations of Levitches. Levitch Associates enjoys an enviable reputation as a well-established design/build firm providing outstanding service and fine craftsmanship.

levitch.com

January 2005 Builder Architect Edition Issue

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