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  • "Christopher Arelt worked with us to entirely renovate and remodel our Connecticut home, in a way both visionary and entirely practical. We wanted a crafted, beautifully simple, and serene space inspired by coastal New England, along with an ADA-compliant home that works for young and old, including a power wheelchair user. Chris employs his deep knowledge in a creative, open-minded way, but always with focus, discipline and detail, listening closely to our wants and needs. He is simply great to work with. We are moving toward completion of the project currently, and look forward to enjoying a timeless home for a lifetime, combining modernity, tradition, local influences and a character that is unmistakably our own."

    Stephanie and Ron, Essex, CT

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  • "Chris at Nautilus Architects possesses a sixth sense to know exactly what you want in your architectural design. His keen insight also provides you with options to capture exact direction you visualized for your plans. I highly recommend Chris and Nautilus Architects."

    Paul, Westbrook, CT

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  • "As a General Contractor working in NYC for 20 years, I've worked with many Architects and often directly with homeowners. The smoothest projects, the ones I strive to work on, are those that employ a creative and professional Architect who has both experience and also a passion for good design. Chris Arelt of Nautilus Architects is such an Architect. I have now worked on several projects with him in Manhattan and they have all been successful. The craftsmanship and attention to detail has been possible largely due to Chris' strong sense of design coupled with a quick response to questions and a flexibility that's needed in the Manhattan marketplace. Working in pre-war apartments has many challenges but with smart design and teamwork we have been able to build classic spaces that are truly beautiful and functional. Success is delivering these designs true to its original design intent and with ergonomics often reserved for larger spaces. On top of being a great Architect, Chris is wonderful communicator and a real pleasure to work with. We hope to collaborate again in the near future."

    Joseph, New York, NY

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  • "As graphic designers we have for many years worked with Nautilus Architects on numerous projects and all kinds of designs, from straightforward to highly complex. It is always a pleasure to be involved in one of their projects: they are creative, fun, and experimental, and they are also so open-minded and inclusive in the design process. It truly becomes a group effort, and that yields the best results. We always look forward to the next chance to be involved in a Nautilus Architects project!"

    Phil, Deep River, CT

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  • "I met Chris Arelt of Nautilus Architects several years ago in a LEED course and have worked on many of his projects since. Chris' sense of design, from traditional to contemporary is top notch and his ability to work with his clients to turn their dreams into reality is impressive. He's passionate about his work and is able to blend different materials on projects to achieve a look that is unique and in tune with the clients' vision. As a pre-cast concrete and stone contractor his designs always challenge me and I look forward to working with him on many more projects in the future."

    Dave, CT

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  • "We are a custom woodworking outfit that fabricates and installs fine cabinetry and millwork for projects throughout the Northeast. We have had the opportunity to be involved with a number of projects designed by Nautilus Architects, and it is always a privilege. For one, their designs are consistently inventive and fresh, custom to each project in the truest sense. For another, their designs are thoughtfully conceived and considered down to the finest details, which yields the best possible finished product. Designs by Nautilus Architects rank among our favorite projects and we look forward to many more!"

    Custom Cut Interiors, Old Saybrook, CT

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  • "Working with actual professionals is not always a certainty in the residential construction industry. That is why I have thoroughly enjoyed the opportunities I have had to work with Nautilus. Chris Arelt's designs are thoughtfully focused on the creation of meaningful living spaces, and he carries that same thoughtful focus into executing the project itself. In my experience choosing to work with someone who is passionate about the work and therefore completely understands and foresees the details will almost always save you time and money. That describes Chris Arelt."

    Chris, Landscape Specialties, Essex, CT

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  • "In twenty-five plus years of experience with Christopher as a fellow professional and colleague, I can honestly say I have never met a more talented designer -- and I am comparing him to his Yale classmates as well as professionals on the East coast, West coast, and in the Midwest. Trust him and let his creativity work for you!"

    Mark, CT

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  • "Christopher is an adept architect with an excellent eye for detail. He is an excellent listener and affords clients with flexibility and creative ideas. A consummate professional, always punctual, and a phenomenal problem solver. Would highly recommend for a myriad of design styles."

    Monique, Old Lyme, CT

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  • "Chris worked with us to remodel our home in Greenwich, weaving modern conveniences and our personal preferences into his design while maintaining the historical charm of a Victorian house built in 1887. We were immediately impressed by Chris's natural artistic talent and sharp eye for detail, traits that were a deciding factor when we hired him. Happily, our instincts proved correct as Chris employed his skills at each stage of the project, consistently offering beautifully clever solutions whenever form appeared to conflict with function. As the project progressed, Chris’s passion and the professionalism that stemmed from that were equally impressive. A well-spoken, clear thinking problem solver, Chris was prepared at every turn and was readily available to meet at any time or location to ensure the project’s success. Chris’s professional integrity and reputation have enabled him to forge relationships with many of the top professionals in the industry, ensuring his clients that his creative designs will become reality. We would highly recommend Chris for any project."

    Jeff and Kate, Old Greenwich, CT

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  • "We have worked on several projects with Chris. He is a resourceful architect with fresh and imaginative ideas and a can-do attitude who constantly challenges us in a good way with his designs. Chris’ talents are limitless and his skills run the gamut from modern to traditional. He is meticulous, exceptionally detail oriented and dedicated to the project from beginning to end."

    Kate, West Hartford, CT

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  • "Working with Chris is like working with an artist at heart. Passion, vision, attention to detail, strong use of materials, and the right balance of form and function. With so many options to improve the property (and we explored them all) Chris came back each time with strong ideas, designs, and composition for the multiple buildings on the hill side. We highly recommend Nautilus Architects."

    Regan, CT

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  • "I have worked with Nautilus on and off for a few years on different projects. For this one, I was asked to give a photograph (I am an art photographer) to be used on the wall of the new kitchen. The wall is stunning and the work was immaculate, inventive, and unique. I would recommend Nautilus Architects without a second thought."

    Alice, New York, NY

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  • "We are very proud to have been chosen by Chris Arelt and Nautilus Architects. Chris has an amazing vision for what is possible and his drawings are great to work from. The last project we did for Chris was one of the best transformations we have ever done. Not only was the end result dramatic and beautiful, but the transformation from what Chris's clients bought to what Chris turned it into was just as dramatic. Chris is innovative in his ideas but practical in the field when working through issues with us in order to get the best results for his client. As a builder, we can't wait to work for Chris again!"

    Eric, Branford CT

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  • "We are master stonemasons who pride ourselves on expertise, attention to detail, creativity and customer service. It's our belief that the best projects are those that involve other professionals who share our values. In the architecture department that is certainly Chris Arelt and Nautilus. They consistently designed the top buildings in the region and we always look forward to being involved in the next one. Their level of service to the client, including important regular interaction with the builder and craftsmen, make such a difference in the process and the end product." Marc Evankow Master Stonemason

    Marc, Lyme, CT

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  • "Chris Arelt designed a total interior & exterior renovation for our shoreline home abutting a salt marsh. He demonstrated an expertise in synthesizing our ideas with his creativity, resulting in a remarkable transformation. After developing a vision, Chris successfully navigated us through a number of decisions with the design, contractors, materials, as well as colors. He was always very conscientious of our personal tastes and patiently balanced them with his designs. The finished exterior now blends perfectly with the natural surroundings with amazing views from the inside rooms, and our family & friends love it. We would highly recommend Chris for your project."

    Doug, CT

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  • "My wife and I hired Nautilus to design and build out our kitchen/living room area. We had a general idea of what we wanted, but we are both busy and didn't want it to become a quagmire of decisions for us. They listened to our vision, made suggestions, developed the schema plans (or whatever you call them), and did a beautiful job. Would recommend them."

    Mike, CT

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  • "Chris is a true partner in design. He worked with us on our major house remodel and was pivotal to achieving a combined vision for our home transformation. This was the first time we had worked with an architect and we were uncertain what to expect. Instead of a dictatorial "I'm an Architect, I know best", we were delighted to find he was intensely collaborative. He also makes you feel that you are his only clients, even though he's busy with other projects. Chris is also very adaptable. Instead of having a 'trademark style', he is able to work with many aesthetic sensibilities - which I've witnessed with his other builds. The 'style' he chooses is one that works for you as a client. Of course, the final design is always beautiful and mindful of proportion, flow, materials and practicality. Chris Arelt is a rare talent; highly recommended."

    Michael and Barbara, Old Lyme, CT

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  • "Chris and I worked together for many months to develop and implement the design of my seaside condominium in a renovated factory. His ideas were fresh and creative while respectful of the legacy of the building. My home was simple and open; but details like pilasters, crown molding, hand blown glass panes, wood choices, glass tiles, and so much more made it a sophisticated dwelling. Chris' attention to things like schematics, plans, specifications, scheduling, and production were amazing and saved the day when the project sometimes went off track. And... He's a great guy."

    Jim, Stonington, CT

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  • "My wife and I hired Chris to help us design and build a new home. This was our first time with a new home and the magnitude of a whole house build was intimidating. Chris has made this process as smooth and easy as possible. His designs and attention to detail are unlike anything I have experienced. With any project communication is key. Chris knows this and is always above board."

    Mike, Waterford, CT

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  • "We hired Chris again for two bathroom renovations in 2012. Chris listened to our goals for both projects and brought excellent insights to the designs which greatly enhanced our interior space."

    Bill and Joan, Essex, CT

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  • "From the outset, working with Chris was terrific; he is smart, funny and easygoing. He assisted in selecting materials, educating us along the way on how each choice would interact other elements of the house."

    Jeanie, New York

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  • "Chris Arelt is a grad of Yale School of Architecture, and his knowledge and creativity show in the results of this project. The details and custom cabinetry are superb - he listened to our needs and wants, and got it right! "

    Jack and Claudia, Essex, CT

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  • "After being wholly satisfied with two other design projects on our property - a barn/workshop/potting shed complex and a renovation of our master bath and dressing room, we looked no further than to him to design our new 3000 sq. ft. guesthouse/pool cottage. After an extended period of design refinement which included building in situ a full-scale 3-D mock-up of the cottage's outlines, we built a wholly successful building. As the barn was constructed using the advanced technique of structurally-insulated panels (SIPs) so was the cottage constructed using an equally sophisticated method. In the cottage's case, we constructed using insulated concrete forms (ICFs) which produced an extremely energy-efficient building that is both heated and cooled efficiently using geothermal energy. As modern as the construction technique, the cottage is traditional and interiorly appointed with recovered woods. The cottage has proven to be a delight to all who stay there or are entertained thee. We would look no further than Chris for any other construction project on our property - both because of the quality and innovation of his designs and because of his conscientious project supervision from beginning to end."

    Edna and Michael, Lyme, CT

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  • "Chris at Nautilus Architects posseses a sixth sense to know exactly what you want in your architectural design. His keen insight also provides you with options to capture exact direction you visualized for your plans. I highly recommend Chris and Nautilus Architects."

    Paul S., Westbrook, CT

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  • "From idea to implementing the vision, Chris was totally engaged and helpful throughout the process. I only wish that I had more projects to have the pleasure of working with him again."

    Stephen S., New London, CT.

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  • "Extremely dedicated and hands on approach to all aspects of building and design. One of the few with great vision to see the end result from the beginning."

    Brian V., Germantown, NY

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  • "I have had the pleasure of knowing and working with Chris for years. He brings a vision and an attention to detail to each project that helps elevate it to the next plateau. I've worked with many architects as a mason contractor over the last thirty-plus years, and can honestly say that Chris and Nautilus are at the top of my favorites list."

    Duane P., Moodus, CT.

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  • "The journey that led us to Nautilus Architects began here on this very site. After looking at countless project photos from a number of CT architects, we felt an immediate sense of excitement after seeing the work of Christopher Arelt of Nautilus Architects...we knew we had found someone who shared our love for modern design as well as our zip code (ironically). We have been working with Chris for several months in the design phase of our evolving project and couldn't be more pleased with our experience. We initially hired Chris to help us with a minimal renovation of a 1950's waterfront home in Lyme, CT. As our intentions for the home changed, the design and subsequent phasing of the home's renovation changed with Chris on board every step of the way! We are currently in the final design phase of the backyard portion of our project involving an intricately-designed 500 sq. ft. pool house and pool with construction scheduled to begin this spring. Chris has exceeded every expectation we set for him at the start of this project. We have been continuously impressed with his creativity, design skill, flexibility and openness to client collaboration. Most of all, we have been impressed by his genuine interest in seeing the project succeed-- I can say that he is as invested in this project as we are and has truly been our partner throughout this process. We feel that we are very fortunate to have found Chris and can't wait to see Phase I of our project come to life this spring!"

    Amy H., Lyme, CT.

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  • "We employed Nautilus Architects for an addition to our home. The addition included computer, mud, bed, bath, laundry and exercise rooms built on both sides of our brick colonial. So not as grand as many of Nautilus's projects but we found that Mr. Arelt provided the same level of expertise and professionalism to our project as he undoubtedly does to those larger and more expansive. One of Nautilus's strongest points is attention to detail. We live in a suburb with tight property lines and strict building codes. Extensive care had to be paid to property borders and lines on the exterior and then making sure the interior walls, corners and doorways all fit tight specifications so that we were able to create all the rooms and spaces we wanted. An example of this attention to detail came with Nautilus's recommendations to use pocket doors on many of the entry ways between rooms where a standard door would be more typically used. That made a big difference in not only creating more of an open feeling in the house and addition but on a more practical level made it feasible to move in larger pieces of furniture. A top architect needs to not only have vision but also be able to deal with the nitty gritties of a building project. Mr. Arelt amply demonstrated both sets of skills with our addition."

    Seb and Elizabeth, Silver Springs, MD.

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  • "Chris and his team goes out of their way to deliver every time with their personalized service and attention to detail. I recommend Nautilus Architects to all of my clients!"

    Byron L., Sotheby's International Realty, Essex, CT

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  • "I am partner in a custom architectural metal fabrication company which has worked on several projects with Nautilus Architects. We look forward to the next project. I especially like working with Chris because he understands the materials and processes that are specific to the project. With Chris we do not have to worry we won't be able to make the thing(s) required. I highly recommend Nautilus Architects!"

    Peter K., East Lyme, CT.

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  • "We are clients of Nautilus Architects. But, unlike most of the typical reviews, we are not past but future clients. As admitted architecture junkies and admirers of finely-crafted space and form, we long ago identified this fantastic firm as tops in the Northeast. Their work succeeds on so many levels - it is at once contextual and avant garde, modern and quiet, familiar and new - and these are not easy qualities to balance! Further, and so importantly, as one studies their work, the attention to detail and the thoughtful and adept use of materials becomes evident. The spaces get richer the closer you look! We await the day when the dream becomes a reality: we have found that perfect site and we call on Nautilus Architects to design our Forever Home."

    Ralph F., Princeton, NJ

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  • "I am a general contractor,custom builder on the northeastern shoreline of Connecticut, I have worked with many architects and designers and Chris stands out as not only a great designer but one who backs it up with attention to detail and thorough documentation. As a builder, at the end of the day this is what really matters: someone who backs up their design ideas with thoughtful and realistic ways to build them. Chris is a pleasure to work with and we can't wait to be involved in his next project."

    Gary L., East Lyme, CT.

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  • "I am a high quality custom home builder on the north fork, and I recently worked with Nautilus Achitects on a large scale project in greenport. From initial planning stages of the job all the way through completion Chris Arelt, of Nautilus Architects exceeded my expectations. The amount of thought and effort that they put into every detail of a building to make sure it's just right is simply awesome! The drawings were beautiful and extremely well detailed ( even the town building dept. was impressed). If you are planning to build your dream house and you are looking for an architect who honestly cares about the finish product just as much as you this is your design firm."

    Peter T., Greenport, NY

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  • "Chris performed the architecture design for contemporary home, pool house and infinity edge pool. His design captured focal points, slight lines and outstanding architectural terracing. The attention to detail and design uniqueness from an architectural view point was impeccable. The first phase which incorporated the pool house and pool nears completion. We look forward to working with him on the second phase of the project."

    Peter G., Mystic, CT.

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  • "Extremely knowledgeable and professional. Mr. Arelt helped us to envision a home renovation that was original and outside the box, but extremely attractive and functional. We now enjoy two new art studios and a bedroom that sits high and overlooks the hillside - all expanded renovations from a modest raised ranch. Pretty amazing. Mr Arelt's attention to detail rates high on our list of compliments. Big and small, inside and out, the quality of his design is apparent everywhere you look."

    Brian G., Guilford, CT.

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  • "Working with Chris is a pleasure. I am a realtor and called on him to spend his entire day on July 4 looking at properties with my clients and me. He not only came with us to all four properties but was able to contribute his expertise on the reality of re-building for their needs. I have recommended Chris to several clients in the last six months and will continue to do so."

    Janet P., Sotheby's International Realty, Essex, CT.

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  • "Thoughtful. Creative. Smart. Chris Arelt's sensitivity to integration of the new structural elements into the existing ones was exceptional. It led to some of the most thoughtful and creative approaches to the space that I simply could not have imagined. Collaborative. Flexible. Inventive. As we moved through the project I began to expand my original thinking. Not only did Chris allow that freedom of coloring outside the lines but he embraced it. I was so respectful of his talent and his vision that I even asked him to help me design some furniture. Honest. Accountable. Invested. It's rare these days to find someone that you completely trust on all levels. From managing the project with multiple vendors, keeping them on schedule and on budget, to maintaining the highest level of quality to fulfill the vision, Chris kept it all going with integrity and an air of calm. Yes, I'd do it again. At the end of every project if you can give that answer – yes, I'd do it again – then you know you've chosen the right team with the right leader. Chris was that leader."

    Kate M., Greenwich, CT.

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  • "When we decided to turn our seasonal lakeside house into our retirement home, we interviewed several architects and chose Chris Arelt of Nautilus Architects. We liked his enthusiasm and experience designing lake houses and his local knowledge of our town. He carefully listened to our long wish list and made our 1970's, 1300 sf house into a beautiful, new home with panoramic views and a spacious feel. When zoning laws restricted us to the existing envelope, Chris reconfigured interior spaces to give us the functionality we needed. He used creative and distinctive design elements to make this project special inside and out. The house looks like the perfect lake house and blends beautifully with the outside space. Chris was fully involved in every aspect of the project. He turned our ideas into drawings quickly and made changes as the project took shape. He stayed on top of the project with weekly meetings with us and with the contractor and immediately dealt with issues as they arose by providing well-reasoned options for design or structural issues. He responded to emails and phone calls promptly. His adherence to clean and simple designs resulted in a casually elegant home with many custom design elements such as the custom kitchen cabinets, entertainment center, book shelves, fireplace, moldings and a striking stair and railings. Chris accompanied us to pick out all the hardware, doors, wood trim and exterior stone. He recommended vendors that carried tile and lighting products that would complement the style of the house and he helped with interior and exterior paint colors. His taste is impeccable. Now that we are starting to occupy the house, we are fully appreciating just how comfortable the house is and how it just works for our new lifestyle. The design connects seamlessly with the patio and the lake. Chris did an amazing job transforming an outdated ugly duckling into a warm and welcoming home."

    Joan O., Essex, CT.

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  • After purchasing a home on the Connecticut shore line we started to look for an architect who could help us with a complete renovation. The goal was to create a timeless contemporary interior look and feel that fits our live-style and best captures the water front and it's beautiful views. After a failed attempt with a different firm and after talking to several of Chris' prior clients, we asked him to take over the project. We now know that Chris is one of the hard to find architects who are both extremely creative and skilled designer, able to translate and improve upon the vision of his clients and at the same time has the analytic skills and attention to details to see through all stages a project. Chris is fantastic to work with: he is responsive, fully committed and takes pride in his work. He draws from his extensive experience and always keeps the big picture in mind while covering even the smallest details. Chris excelled in all stages of the project, starting with a beautiful and well thought-out design, to helping us pass a tricky permitting process, to producing extremely detailed contract documents (in our case 27 pages), to helping us select a quality builder that fit our budget, to the contract administration consisting of weekly site meetings with the builder. The results are truly stunning. As such Chris has exceeded our expectation in every aspect. Needless to say, we highly recommend Chris for anyone looking for a full service architect who treats his clients' projects like they were his own.

    Jurgen L., Westport and Noank, CT.

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  • "Chris is working with us on a total renovation of a 1960s contemporary into a modern home. We spent almost 2 years looking for the right project and Chris was with us from the beginning. We were impressed from the start with his generosity in giving us his time and his advice when it was still possible the project would never get off the ground. Seeing the potential and the pitfalls of various projects through his eyes in the early going really helped us choose the right project. We wanted to work with someone who shared our enthusiasm for modern architecture. In central Connecticut, with its abundance of colonial style homes, finding such a person was no easy task. We looked at the portfolios of numerous Connecticut architects and contractors and none of them came even remotely close to demonstrating the creativity, craftsmanship, and flair for modern architecture that Chris' work shows. Seeing his other projects gave me the confidence that if I had no involvement whatsoever, I could return and find an attractive project. But the reality is that form is better when it supports function. In getting there, we have needed to confess all the embarrassing truths about how we live,what we like, and what exactly we are doing in each of those spaces. Chris has always been professional and open-minded and never made us feel uncomfortable about making those disclosures. We have been living in a space so small and cluttered that we haven't had anyone outside of family over in years. Chris has designed us a beautiful great room that I can barely describe in words with an enormous kitchen, breakfast nook, living room seating by a fireplace, and a large dining table by sliding glass doors that take you out onto a deck. We're so excited and proud of his work that we can't wait to have everyone we know (and even some people we don't) over to share it with us. He is literally going to change our lives. We are lucky to have found him!"

    Heather S., West Hartford, CT.

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  • "We completed a renovation in downtown Mystic in April 2013 that was designed by Nautilus Architects. Chris was great to deal with from day one. The attention to detail and the overall feel of the completed project was everything my clients wanted and more. The Home Builders and Remodelers Association of Connecticut awarded Nautilus Architects and Mystic River Building Company a HOBI (Home and Building Industry Award) for Best Remodel in New London County 2013."

    Mystic River Building Company

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  • "Chris was terrific! I needed help in creating a fresh identity for our 1986 contemporary home. This was an extremely small project which Chris treated with the same respect, attention to detail, and design excellence as he would a much larger project. Chris was a breath of fresh air to deal with as a person and an architect. After trying for many years to find someone who could "see" our house differently, Chris quickly turned around great drawings that just nailed the design well above and beyond my expectations...and I expected a lot! I am in the process of completing a great wrap-around deck, with a covered/screen porch combination (yes my screened porch screens are on remote controls), with an open deck with shade sails, and a fabulous pergola. I had been struggling with how to replace our old, money eating, lap siding with something that could still look great, but be maintenance free. Chris came up with vertically installed Santa Maria rain screen wood siding. In the future I will be replacing my front entrance steps with a contemporary ramp designed by Chris. I wanted to make our house more accessible if someone was ever on crutches, or my 125 lb choc lab could no longer climb steps. Talk about a very clever way to incorporate universal design with great design! I can hardly wait to see all of this done! Thank you, Chris!"

    Brenda D., East Lyme, CT.

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  • "We hired Christopher Arelt for a renovation of our kitchen completed in 2010, and were so pleased with the result that we hired him again for two bathroom renovations in 2012, which were also extremely well designed. Chris listened to our goals for both projects and brought excellent insights to the designs which greatly enhanced our interior space. For example, he provided excellent sight lines to a cove of the CT River, as well as a clean, contemporary look that blended well with our 1799 house. He worked with us in all phases of the project, and pleased us by incorporating ideas we formulated together in planning sessions. Chris has superior taste and excellent sensitivity to his clients. It is a pleasure to work with him, and both times we developed a synergy working together that led to a very satisfying, creative result."

    Joan R., Essex, CT.

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  • "We hired Nautilus Architects for a rebuild of a small lakefront seasonal home. The original structure was built in 1950 and was beginning to fall apart. We wanted to expand the home, but were required to keep the original footprint. Nautilus worked with us to design a very modern structure that would blend into the lightly wooded, steeply sloped lot. The three-story, two bedroom home takes advantage of the lake views while still having a private, tree-house feel. Nautilus helped to solve engineering difficulties and budget constraints, as well as fulfilling aesthetic expectations both inside and out. Chris Arelt was very thorough and guided us through the process every step of the way. We would recommend him to anyone looking to build a new home or renovate an existing one. He has talent, vision, and expertise unlike that of any east coast architect."

    Jess K., Moodus, CT.

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  • "Christopher Arelt built a large country house for my extended family in upstate New York. From the outset, he listened to what was a cacophony of voices to distill a plan that would work for all. Working with Chris was terrific; he is smart, funny and easygoing. He provided details, drawings, and all architectural plans. He assisted in selecting materials, educating us along the way on how each choice would interact other elements of the house. We learned to trust his aesthetic vision and his skill in "seeing" what was not yet there. He was particularly attentive to details, insisting on high quality craftsmanship at every stage of construction. He met regularly with the general contractor and subcontractors. The result is a unique house perfectly sited on the property. While borrowing some historical architectural elements and cognizant of the region's architectural legacies, the design is decidedly modern as well. The finished house was featured in regional home design magazines and has gained admiration from neighbors."

    Jeanie A., New York, NY.

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  • "After being wholly satisfied with two other design projects on our property - a barn/workshop/potting shed complex and a renovation of our master bath and dressing room, we looked no further than to him to design our new 3000 sq. ft. guesthouse/pool cottage. After an extended period of design refinement which included building in situ a full-scale 3-D mock-up of the cottage's outlines, we built a wholly successful building. As the barn was constructed using the advanced technique of structurally-insulated panels (SIPs) so was the cottage constructed using an equally sophisticated method. In the cottage's case, we constructed using insulated concrete forms (ICFs) which produced an extremely energy-efficient building that is both heated and cooled efficiently using geothermal energy. As modern as the construction technique, the cottage is traditional and interiorly appointed with recovered woods. The cottage has proven to be a delight to all who stay there or are entertained thee. We would look no further than Chris for any other construction project on our property - both because of the quality and innovation of his designs and because of his conscientious project supervision from beginning to end."

    M & E., Lyme, CT.

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  • "Complete remodel of mid-century home interior. Chris Arelt is a grad of Yale School of Architecture, and his knowledge and creativity show in the results of this project. Ask him for photos of our award-winning kitchen. The details and custom cabinetry are superb - he listened to our needs and wants, and got it right!"

    Jack M., Essex, CT.