Recommendation Letter
To Whom It May Concern,
I am pleased to provide this letter of recommendation on behalf of Research and Academic Architecture (RAA), led by James Wickline and Reza Agahian, who served as the design build construction manager for Sip & Guzzle in Greenwich Village, NYC.
As ownership, our aim was to create a space that is not only operationally sound, but culturally resonant and architecturally distinct. RAA played a critical role in translating conceptual ideas into a fully realized environment. In multiple instances where design intent was not fully detailed, their team stepped in to work closely with ownership to clarify, define, and execute design tasks with precision, a collaborative effort that is especially evident in our speakeasy inspired atmosphere that defines the Sip + Guzzle project.
Throughout construction, RAA's ability to solve problems in real time was critical. When certain design elements were not readily available in the market, RAA took initiative to design and fabricate solutions in house or through their network. Their adaptability was particularly valuable given the number of refinements and changes that occurred as the project evolved. From a purely managerial standpoint RAA managed and controlled project schedule, trade coordination, and quality standards, while being attentive and sensitive to owner priorities. The result is a unique hospitality space that has recently received recognition as top bar in the U.S.
Based on my experience, I would strongly recommend RAA for any project requiring a combination of design sensitivity, execution, and hands on construction management.