Taneja Architecture & Design

Picking Taneja Architecture and Design was the first step in executing our attic renovation and we could not have made a better choice! We had planned for this dream for about seven years and knew that it had to be perfectly designed to meet our expectations. The scope of the work we had done was rather large. We wanted to create a master bedroom and bath in the attic and most of the second floor was to be renovated as well. It was also important to us to preserve the exterior character of our little Dutch colonial. In other words, form was as important to us as function, and we were willing to sacrifice space in order to have our attic addition look aesthetically-pleasing. Shalini Taneja really listened to us. She not only took the time to find out what our vision was, but she also took time to get to know us. During our meetings, first on Zoom and then later in person, she always brought lots of time and we would chat before turning to business. The third iteration of the design development was the perfect solution to what we were hoping for. Once the design was finalized, Shalini lined up three contractors and came with them to inspect our house and with flawless construction documents that she had prepared. Once construction started, she kept checking in and making sure that things progressed in a timely manner and even accommodated small changes to the design such as a moved door including updated floor plans. Our renovated and new space turned out amazingly perfect and our quality of life in our little house has improved tremendously thanks to Shalini’s vision. In short, Shalini from Taneja Architecture is not only a most competent and skilled architect, but also an exceedingly kind and generous person and we cannot recommend her highly enough.

Loved her thoughtful design for our small space, and going above and beyond to manage our contractor and subs! Our project was a kitchen/dining room/mudroom/powder room remodel. We wanted to knock down the wall separating the kitchen and dining room, and create an open floorplan area that's adjacent to the entry area. Shalini worked with us to first understand how we'd use the space, then created designs that we discussed and ultimately chose. She also recommended lots of subs, including the makers of our beautiful custom cabinets (Crown Point). We did run into scheduling issues with the general contractor, who seemed to have a really hard time scheduling his subs, and monitoring their work quality. One example was - we laid down new flooring in the kitchen but not the dining room, and he didn't even ask the floor guy to match the stains! During the construction process Shalini continued to visit several times to make sure the details were taken care of, and kept a strict eye on the contractors. Can't imagine what would've happened to our project if she wasn't here!

Shalini helped me with two large scale residential projects in NJ. She greatly exceeded my expectations at all phases of the projects. She was always available to answer all my questions promptly and with great professionalism. I wouldn't look elsewhere for my next construction project.

Shalini has been an exceptionally hands-on presence from the planning stage of our home renovation to the actual work in progress. She is quick to return calls, answer questions, and support us in choosing the best general contractor for our project. Her guidance and attention to detail have been nothing short of amazing. She has been a pillar of support both during her in-person visits, Zoom meetings, and other electronic correspondences. We want especially to highlight the time she has taken to meet with our contractors and ensure that our requests can be fulfilled. She is a true client advocate, an insightful professional, and truly wonderful to work with. We DEFINITELY hope she will work with us again for our future projects. Take it from us, she will not disappoint you.

Shalini has been wonderful to work with. She has developed a beautiful floor plan for our home. We have a very odd house layout with an addition that didn’t incorporate into the home’s layout. Shalini was able to take the space and develop new areas for our family and create a balanced first floor. We are so thrilled with her work and professionalism we will be using her for two more projects to come next year. I have spoken with many architects in Montclair and I found that I was being talked at, rather than listened to. We picked Shalini as she came into our home and listened. She is down to earth, smart AND always makes herself available by phone or text. I continue to be impressed by her thoroughness and attention to detail. If you want someone who will help you and partner with you, Shalini is a great choice.

We renovated a completely raw space into a family hang out and play area. Shalini was so detailed and professional. We loved the beautiful built-ins she designed - every detail being so thought out. We also loved her process in making the space look like it was completed with the 1920’s house. It didn’t look like it was out of keeping with the home’s style. Shalini was also very present during the building process making sure that everything was progressing as planned and making on the job decisions when needed, she was really wonderful.

Taneja Architcture designed our garage after it was destroyed in a fire. The Township regulations were not clear on what was required , but she was very flexible and quickly got us a design that was approved. She worked well with our contractor and made certain that our new garage would fall within the homeowners insurance budget. At a crisis time for us, she was calm, patient and reasonable. We would definetly use her again.

We worked with Taneja Architecture and Design on an upstairs renovation. The main bathroom was especially challenging but she provided a design that maximized space and light. She listens to clients and offers excellent suggestions on design and materials.

Ms. Taneja listens carefully to get a sense of your personal tastes in order to create designs that not only fit a person's lifestyle, but provide beauty as well. My very tiny, ugly kitchen went from frustratingly useless to gorgeous and filled with easy to access storage and usable space. She saw space where I couldn't. When we recently sold our home, the kitchen was a helpful selling point.

Taneja Architecture & Design is an excellent service, precise and attentive to detail and to the client's wishes, tempered by a fine aesthetic sense and understanding of context. I'm confident you'll be happy you chose Taneja Architecture.