TESTIMONIALS
“If you are looking for a company whose standard of excellence, uncompromising work ethic and dedication to perfection defines its essence, then LUA is the right choice for you. Working with the entire team was an absolute pleasure. We could not be happier with the results.”
Eric and Ann Capogrosso
“My wife and I are very happy to recommend LUA to anyone looking for a top-notch contractor in Santa Barbara. Our home was not straight forward to build, but Leonard and the team did a fantastic job, always organized and transparent. We particularly appreciated the long-term commitment of a local builder with multiple generations and deep connections to the community. You simply will not find nicer people.”
Mr. & Mrs. Barker
“My wife and I selected LUA, Inc. through a competitive bidding process and after three years working together pre and post construction, I couldn’t recommend them with more enthusiasm and conviction. This was our fourth construction project and I can happily say (after some hard lessons learned) that working with LUA, Inc. was our most predictable and enjoyable home building experience. Leonard Jr. and the team now manage our home and that too has been fun, seamless and outstanding.”
Scott and Helen Graves
“LUA paid great attention to detail and collaboration with our architects, and their follow-through ensured a wonderful project. Their personal devotion to the client was remarkable – going above and beyond professional expectations.”
Blackbird Architects
“AB design studio had the great pleasure of working with the Leonard Unander team on a modern beach house. Their professionalism and attention to detail made the construction of this complicated project smooth and seamless. The level of team work and collaboration exponentially contributed to the project’s success. We look forward to our next opportunity to work together.”
Clay Aurell – AB Design Studio
“My husband, Fred, and I recently completed an extensive renovation of our Montecito home, and I cannot recommend our contractors, LUA, Inc., highly enough. We interviewed three top builders for our project and easily decided on LU. The construction took place largely when we were on the East coast, so it was essential that we be kept apprised of the progress project, and also that there was as little negative impact as possible on our neighbors. Throughout the two year building process our neighbors went out of their way to sing the praises of our LUA team. I heard that the street had never been kept in such pristine condition, and our guys often pitched in if a neighbor needed a hand with a small task. We appreciated the multi-generational nature of the firm, and the relationships that the Unanders have with all their subs, and their ability to produce the finest finishes and highest level of detail. Not only did the Unanders adhere closely to the initial budget, but we were actually finished ahead of schedule. We have lived in our new home for a year now, and the Unanders have been very responsive in the ongoing maintenance of the property.”
Stephanie and Fred Shuman
“We recommend the Unander team wholeheartedly and without reservation. They just finished building our home at 447 Lanai Road, a large three-building project that involved extensive hardscape and landscaping and significant challenges. The team’s attention to detail, determination to please and insistence upon quality was extraordinary. They worked seamlessly with our architects, engineers, designers and construction manager. Every element of our project was executed with great skill and integrity and uncompromising focus.
We feel indebted and grateful to the entire Unander team, from the leadership of the firm all the way to the folks who tidied the site each day. Every one of them consistently treated us and our project with the highest respect and as if the project was their own. We consider them friends and couldn’t possibly be happier with our experience or the final product, or have more confidence in any firm.”
John Frank and Diann Kim
“We’re so grateful that we’ve been able to work with LUA on our house. It started as a renovation and turned into a rebuild and we love it! LUA was always incredibly professional and innovative from start to finish. They took our vision and transformed it in a way that exceeded every expectation. Building a house is a very personal experience and they have been with us every step of the way. We can’t wait to make and share memories in our beautiful new beach home!”
Peter Benedek
“It has been a tremendous pleasure to work with LUA on my home. Their skill, professionalism, quality and attention to detail is amazing and I have been incredibly pleased with both the process and the result. Moreover, whenever any changes were needed, they have been tremendously diligent. I would unreservedly recommend them to anyone building a home in the area.”
Richard Pollack
“I’ve had the good fortune to work with Unander Construction on more than one project, and without a doubt, they’re simply the best of the best. Thorough, knowledgeable, responsive and completely professional, Unander Construction builds beautifully crafted houses from top to bottom. Whether it’s a remodel project or a full ground up, every question is heard and no detail is overlooked.
They’ve all made my job so much easier. I’d consider myself lucky if they could work on every one of my projects.”
Elizabeth Dinkel
“LUA did a phenomenal job on our home. Their attention to detail was second to none. Always willing to work with us to make changes and come up with new innovative ways to solve problems without breaking the budget. Their documentation at each stage was excellent and always complete and detailed. We couldn’t have asked for a better general contractor. I would highly recommend them to anyone looking to build a new home.”
Thomas Smead
“We are pleased to say that from first impression through the two-year building process with LUA, it was one of the most pleasurable experiences relating to home building that we’ve had to date. With backgrounds in design, real estate, and building, we were quite frankly looking for perfection. We were not disappointed with our expectations of the LUA team and the various subcontractors that they brought to the experience. They introduced us to new concepts and materials, were organized, working in a timely schedule, and were cost conscious. During what can be a stressful process, they were a pleasure to work with and can be truly trusted to deliver not just a completed project, but a HOME.”
Eric & Nina Phillips
“We have built &/or remodeled over 15 high end homes in 3 states (California, Hawaii, & Washington). Nobody compared to LUA in terms of quality & attention to detail. If you have high standards & you want to be assured of the best possible outcome, there is really no other choice.”
Rowland & Mary Hanson
“We chose LUA as the builder of our dream house because we were impressed by the family nature of the firm, their long experience in Santa Barbara, their good relations with the best subcontractors, their attention to detail and their integrity. They worked closely with our architect and our owner’s rep early on the project, which enabled significant cost savings via value engineering. They never deviated from the best building practices. The quality of the work and professionalism of the supervision and management was superb. We are extremely happy with the finished product, Villa Ravello. We cannot recommend LUA highly enough.”
Floyd Bradley
“From the very beginning stages of digging and waterproofing our basement to the finish tile, Quality Work at the best “cost/value” relationship possible has always been the method of operation. Our experience with their billing process, accounting system, planning, bid tab process has been excellent. As a final note I must comment on the LUA moral compass and their level of personal and business integrity without blemish.”
Mark & Cathy Zoradi
“LUA, Inc. is a professional organization of impeccable integrity. They provide a finished product of the highest quality as a result of their willingness to work closely with their clients.”
Linda & Doug Wood
“We are so pleased with your work and want to say thank you for all your efforts. We were always informed of what would be happening, when there would be noise, when they needed to get in the house, etc. – thanks for your clear communication. The cleanup was amazing every single day and the finished project was beyond our expectations.
Gayle & Pam Beebe
“In my over 30 years of practicing architecture in Santa Barbara there is no contractor that I would rather work with than Unander Associates. Their quality and care, their attention to detail, their extraordinary efforts to please their clients and their determination to create beautiful enduring architecture is without equal. From my very first project working with Leonard Unander in 1987, our projects together have been a joy. Even when things get difficult and challenging, Leonard and his team always take the upmost care in resolving issues and ensuring a positive outcome. Each and every one of their clients receives truly extraordinary service.”
“I cannot more highly recommend Unander Associates!”
Brian Cearnal, AIA, LEED AP | Cearnal Andrulaitis LLP
“On behalf of Leonard Unander Associates, Clint Unander managed the remodeling of our new home in 2009 following the loss of our previous home in the Tea Fire of November 2008. Clint proved to be supremely well organized, an outstanding manager who responded immediately to any requests and could always be counted on to follow through. He has an excellent eye for detail and a real pride in quality of workmanship. And equally important, he has a pleasant and easygoing manner that makes him a pleasure to work with. We were also very pleased with the general contracting services provided by Leonard Unander Associates. The company’s records were always precise and current, subcontractors were all first rate, and billing was fully backed up with all relevant documentation. We would recommend both Clint and Leonard Unander Associates with enthusiasm.”
Benjamin J. Cohen & Jane S. De Hart
“I have had the fortunate opportunity to collaborate with LUA on more than one project, each has been an exercise of superior quality, conscientious decisions, and management clarity leading to beautiful results.”
Mark Shields | Senior Project Designer, DesignARC
“I have been fortunate enough to work with LUA on numerous custom residential projects and they are consistently my premiere choice when it comes to choosing a general contractor. From the on-set of each and every project and throughout the construction process, every member of LUA is dedicated to being part of the overall team. They diligently work with the clients and designers to ensure that the project is run as smoothly and seamlessly as possible. This type of dedication makes the often daunting task of building a home, a delight. Their attention to detail and craftsmanship are bar none and I can say without a shadow of a doubt, that when I refer LUA, my clients will be in the best hands possible and that the end result will not only be beautiful, it will be exceptional. There is no one else I would rather work with.”
Bree Medley | Bree Medley Designs
“I have known Leonard since first moving to Santa Barbara in the late 1970’s, and was fortunate enough to retain him on a rather unique master bathroom addition and remodel at my own house. Over the last 30 years, we have worked closely with LUA on at least a dozen very exceptional projects. I would consider their work to be the gold standard in the arena of high profile residential construction. Their overall integrity coupled with attention to quality, detail and stellar service support their fine reputation.”
Gregory K. Van Sande | Van Sande Structural Consultants, Inc.
“LUA, Inc. is well known in the Santa Barbara and Montecito communities for their integrity, attention to detail, and passion for their work. Their financial stability, coupled with a 40 year track record of satisfied clients, makes them one of the very best.”
Andrea Borgioli, Vice President & Sr. Investment Manager, Wells Fargo Private Bank
“Our firm is the oldest and one of the largest in Santa Barbara. We have worked with many architects, general contractors, and owners on high end residential projects. There is no question that LUA, Inc. is one of the very best. The quality of work, professionalism, and approach to problem solving consistently exceeds expectations of their clients and win them well-deserved praise. We would highly recommend them for any residential project.”
Christopher E. Haskell | Price, Postel & Parma LLP
“While living in New York at the time, my wife and I interviewed many general contractor firms before ultimately deciding on LUA, Inc. We were looking for a company that had an excellent reputation in Santa Barbara for delivering a high quality custom product with a focus on detail. It was also very important to have someone we could trust given we were 2500 miles away while our project was being built. And, we really wanted a firm that was known for keeping the construction site clean and would be respectful of our neighbors during construction. We were thrilled with the results!”
Tom Kenny & Susan McMillan
“Having worked with LUA on several projects, I find that their level of craftsmanship, attention to detail, and integrity to be of the highest standard. Each member of the staff is eager to accommodate not only the client, but the designer and architect as well. LUA understands that each project is a team effort with the goal of producing a well built and beautiful home for the client.”
Chris Moore | Chris Moore Interior Design
“I couldn’t have imagined a more pleasurable experience than working with LUA. With absolute devotion to both the client and their craft, they provide the highest level of service, and yet also find a way to meet and exceed the demanding expectations of the highest quality residential details. They are at the top of our preferred contractors in Santa Barbara, and not surprisingly have made the experience of building a new home a pleasurable one for many a client.”
Domiane Forte | Principal, Forte & Associates
“RPM Architects has found Leonard Unander Associates to be simply the best general contractor in the Santa Barbara area. They are extremely competent, trustworthy and work at the highest level of their trade. They successfully translate our designs into reality to the great satisfaction of the owner.”
Robert Peale Mehl | RPM Architects | www.rpmarchitects.com
“Their attention to detail was exquisite. They have all been a pleasure to work with.”
Mrs. Dorothy Roberts
“In over 40 years of practicing interior design I have never had a better experience with the contractor than I had on the Lilac Project with LUA. Your complete attention to every aspect of the project and your team spirit and willingness to jump in and try to solve any problem (no matter if it was your problem or not) was a revelation to me and the people with whom I work. Your attitude and ability was also evidenced by all your amazing subs. Leonard, it was a JOY working with LUA…I congratulate you on being one of the very best. You deserve all your great success.”
Patti Skouras | Patti Skouras et Fille
“Stonemark has worked for 3 years with LUA, Inc. through all phases of a new, large major estate project. As we served as the Owner’s Rep, we know their team very well. From early pre-construction to post-construction closeout, they exhibited an uncompromising commitment to quality and craftsmanship. Their flexibility in performing whatever was needed for the project and level of service to the client was unparalleled in my experience. I highly recommend them and look forward to working with them again.”
Bart Mendel | President, Stonemark Construction Management
“We wanted someone with a creative vision that would translate our dream into a functional and aesthetically pleasing home that was built with attention to detail. We will always appreciate the hard work, ingenuity, honesty, craftsmanship and care that Leonard put into making our house a beautiful home.”
Mr. & Mrs. Nagler
“Our new home is a modest contemporary; smaller in scope than a typical LUA project. Even with our scale and design, there was enthusiasm and attention to detail with every aspect our project. The team lived up to a reputation of being first class in service and execution, and stood firm in the belief that the highest standards are nothing less than acceptable. Working through the design build process with LUA gave us the assurance that we were making smart decisions and the result is a home that we love. Family friendly service is rare in todays world, and we have the best of the best in our own community.”
Andrew & Cindy Bermant
“Working with Leonard Unander Associates made a difficult renovation project into an enjoyable experience. The attention to detail and craftsmanship of everyone who worked on the house have resulted in a home we love.”
