What our clients are saying about CENTRO architects...
"My wife and I unreservedly recommend [CENTRO architects] as a full service architectural, renovation and construction enterprise.
As an architect, Fernando Abreu listened to our ideas, created an original concept that worked for our property, and adapted his concept to our reactions to his inspired design. Fernando's attention to detail is exceptional. It included a painstaking itemization for the many elements and phases of our project, yielding an understandable and realistic cost estimate which therefore gave us flexibility in both design choices and commencement of project phases.
Once the project moved from paper to performance, the hands-on management of [CENTRO architects] shone through during the multi-agency permit process when the team overcame unexpected obstacles and kept the permits on track. The construction leaders and workers assembled by [CENTRO architects] have been prompt, professional and polite. Each stage of the renovation process has been proceeding in a timely fashion and on budget and that speaks well to the team's experience and expertise.
[CENTRO architects] has proven itself fair, honest and dedicated to professional service. Self-motivated, Fernando is a great listener, has an engaging personality and a great adaptability - and tolerance - for his clients' wishes."
- Richard Bryers
As an architect, Fernando Abreu listened to our ideas, created an original concept that worked for our property, and adapted his concept to our reactions to his inspired design. Fernando's attention to detail is exceptional. It included a painstaking itemization for the many elements and phases of our project, yielding an understandable and realistic cost estimate which therefore gave us flexibility in both design choices and commencement of project phases.
Once the project moved from paper to performance, the hands-on management of [CENTRO architects] shone through during the multi-agency permit process when the team overcame unexpected obstacles and kept the permits on track. The construction leaders and workers assembled by [CENTRO architects] have been prompt, professional and polite. Each stage of the renovation process has been proceeding in a timely fashion and on budget and that speaks well to the team's experience and expertise.
[CENTRO architects] has proven itself fair, honest and dedicated to professional service. Self-motivated, Fernando is a great listener, has an engaging personality and a great adaptability - and tolerance - for his clients' wishes."
- Richard Bryers
"We cannot recommend Fernando and Monica highly enough. Fernando is a highly skilled, hands on contractor. He has an exceptional ability to devise creative, cost effective solutions for the most difficult problems, large and small. He is extremely conscientious, and the job is never finished until the client is satisfied. What you really are getting when you hire Fernando and Monica is peace of mind for a fair price. When you have moved to a new country where you may not speak the language, understand the construction techniques and processes, or know how to access competent tradesmen, it is hard to overstate the value of that.
- Michael Lawry
- Michael Lawry
"We’ve had two homes since moving to Merida and we’ve had a lot of work done to both. We had some of the work done directly through workers, some through contractors and some through architects. Some of our experiences have been good and some bad, but we’ve never really been completely satisfied with any of our construction teams until now. Last year we hired Fernando Abreu and Monica Starling to do some work on our current home. We absolutely cannot say enough good things about them. They are always on time, Fernando visits daily while the work is being done and if there are any issues he fixes them without a question.
We’ve had architects in the past who would take our money and then disappear with absolutely no oversight of the work. They would also not return calls or emails. Fernando on the other hand is always there, and has always returned our emails and phone calls promptly. If you have any construction needs, from a small bathroom remodel up to a complete home redo, please contact them, you won’t be disappointed."
- Steve & Jill Benson
We’ve had architects in the past who would take our money and then disappear with absolutely no oversight of the work. They would also not return calls or emails. Fernando on the other hand is always there, and has always returned our emails and phone calls promptly. If you have any construction needs, from a small bathroom remodel up to a complete home redo, please contact them, you won’t be disappointed."
- Steve & Jill Benson
"My friends, Mike and Trina Lawry, referred Fernando Abreu to me after already interviewing 4 others to renovate my property in Centro. I was mentally exhausted by this process, but after a bit of nudging from my friends, I decided to meet with Fernando and his wife Monica. I am so glad I made that last effort in the search for the best architect for my build. Of the five architects and builders I sought advice and designs, Fernando had the most comprehensive and detailed prospectus. His plans included utilizing ways to enhance better comfort through increased air flow, as well as energy and cost saving ideas.
Countless people told me horror stories of their building experience and to "beware of unscrupulous builders". I can honestly say that my experience over the last seven months has been an absolute joy. Fernando and his workers are always on the job, extremely helpful and friendly and have made the building process painless. The timeline for this project has been mostly as Fernando promised, with the exception of permitting delays by INAH and the Municipality, (not in anyone's control).
I have referred Fernando to many people for large and small jobs. When I have trouble at my rental, I call on Fernando to send one of his highly skilled tradesmen out. He is always accessible, and has always had someone available in a timely manner.
After reading and listening to others recount their bad experiences of renovating and building in Merida, my expectations were low and I resigned myself to a potentially huge and lengthy struggle. Fernando Abreu and his group have made my experience a delightful adventure. Soon, the construction will be over and I will move in to my newly built home, but my friendship with Abreu's will continue.
Thank you Fernando and Monica for the best experience since my move to Merida! "
- Angela Downing
Countless people told me horror stories of their building experience and to "beware of unscrupulous builders". I can honestly say that my experience over the last seven months has been an absolute joy. Fernando and his workers are always on the job, extremely helpful and friendly and have made the building process painless. The timeline for this project has been mostly as Fernando promised, with the exception of permitting delays by INAH and the Municipality, (not in anyone's control).
I have referred Fernando to many people for large and small jobs. When I have trouble at my rental, I call on Fernando to send one of his highly skilled tradesmen out. He is always accessible, and has always had someone available in a timely manner.
After reading and listening to others recount their bad experiences of renovating and building in Merida, my expectations were low and I resigned myself to a potentially huge and lengthy struggle. Fernando Abreu and his group have made my experience a delightful adventure. Soon, the construction will be over and I will move in to my newly built home, but my friendship with Abreu's will continue.
Thank you Fernando and Monica for the best experience since my move to Merida! "
- Angela Downing
"Not only did he and his crew do an outstanding job fixing the huge mess my last contractor made, but did fantastic work on all my new projects as well. Fernando Abreu was always professional, up front and patient when my plans suddenly changed. Thank you Fernando, you have renewed my faith in contractors!
- Virginia Jans
- Virginia Jans
"Being new to Merida and having numerous projects we intended to complete, we were lost as to who we could trust with our new home. We were introduced to Fernando Abreu by our neighbors and some friends we had made.
Fernando has completed various projects and is currently working a long list for us. He personally visits all clients, listens intently to their needs and offers suggestions based on his knowledge of the local market.
His quotes are timely and professionally prepared. He is available to explain his proposals and completes projects on time and within budget!!!!
I highly recommend him if you require high quality work at a reasonable price."
-Brian + Gwen
Fernando has completed various projects and is currently working a long list for us. He personally visits all clients, listens intently to their needs and offers suggestions based on his knowledge of the local market.
His quotes are timely and professionally prepared. He is available to explain his proposals and completes projects on time and within budget!!!!
I highly recommend him if you require high quality work at a reasonable price."
-Brian + Gwen
"Communication, Reliability, Professionalism are just a few words that come to mind. All you have to do is see the finished product and you're hooked on Fernando and his team. Being a part timer at the beach, I had 2 separate tile jobs and 2 woodworking jobs taken care of while I was away, I had no concerns I knew when I got back and it would be done, done right and if there was a problem, (there wasn't) that it would be taken care of. I have started a list of future projects for Fernando."
-Skip
-Skip
"Fernando provides a high degree of “hands-on” experience and, more importantly, he listens to his clients to ensure that he provides what they actually want.”
-Rick Murphy
-Rick Murphy
"Fernando Abreu has carried out a number of projects, medium and smaller, for me over the past year or more. His work has always been absolutely satisfactory, the workmen nearly always carefully supervised in person by Fernando. It is his 'hands on' personal management practice which is such an advantage and accounts for the high quality results. I have never been disappointed by tasks carried out by Fernando and his team, therefore, I do not have the slightest hesitation to highly recommend him.
-Dr. Maryinez Lyons
-Dr. Maryinez Lyons
"We have been living here in Merida for just under a year. We have a lovely home that was renovated. Once we moved in, it was a challenge to find someone who could do improvements for us that would really take responsibility to follow through. We had continually found that those we hired would always have someone to blame for why something wasn't done right, etc. Finding Fernando Abreu was the best thing for us, an answer to our prayers. He is always on time, stays in communication, has all costs projected up front and follows through to make sure everything that is done meets our approval. He never blames others. Also he speaks perfect English. That is a huge plus as my Spanish is still somewhat limited. We have had emergency situations and Fernando has come here even late a night to help us. He is someone you can trust. He is a man of his word who genuinely cares about the needs of those who hire him."
-Eric Dunn
-Eric Dunn
"Well...what can I say? Fernando is the BEST in Merida!! He can do anything you want from the smallest job to what ever you can dream up! We have used him for many jobs and still going!"
-Angela Thoman
-Angela Thoman
"Fernando is a fantastic Architect/Contractor. I have built or have supervised 5 major projects in Merida and Fernando is by far, the best builder I have worked with. Fernando and his team have worked on both my home and business on numerous occasions, and he is always on time and on budget. Often we have projects at my salon that need to be done within a specific timeframe and Fernando never disappoints. He can actually say this project will take 4 hours and be totally accurate. Sometimes we have to close the business to have work done on the interior or plumbing or electricity (we work in a 130 year old bulding so the upkeep is enormous), but with Fernando he supervises everything is accurate in his quotes for both time and money, and really cares about his clients. We cant recommend him and his team enough. They are fantastic."
-Robert Abuda
-Robert Abuda
"My experiences with [CENTRO architects] and Fernando stretch over 2 years of upgrades to my house. After several disappointing initial experiences with contractors I came into contact with [CENTRO architects] and I have consistently found this team to do everything I would expect from a well respected Canadian contracting and design firm - focused on quality design, expertise in craftsmanship, and a genuine concern for the client and a commitment to "getting it right". This team has consistently brought every job I've contracted them for in on budget and to my complete satisfaction."
-David
-David
"We had Fernando construct an addition to, and remodel, the existing patio of our Merida Centro Colonial home.. Work began in December 2013 and was completed January 2014. It turned out beautifully. We are extremely pleased with the design work, the quality, the pricing and it was completed on schedule. On time, on schedule and on budget .. yes, even in Mexico! We have since used Fernando to do several smaller projects and recommend him without reservation to our friends. Those friends that have had projects completed by him are also pleased. Fernando has become our friend and lifesaver correcting problems from the original contractor. How refreshing to have someone to do our projects that we like and can trust without any hesitation.
-Larry Wilkens/Patti Rogers
-Larry Wilkens/Patti Rogers