There's something about the classic lines and stately feel of a home by beloved Atlanta architect Neel Reid that says Buckhead. So when the owners of these magnificent residences look for someone to handle their reverent renovation, it's not surprising that many of them turn to a company whose roots are firmly planted in the neighborhood: DeLany Rosetti Construction.
Brothers Joe and Jim DeLany had their own construction firm when long time friend Jerome Rosetti left a family business in Peachtree City to join them, creating a formidable building company specializing in high-end custom homes and upscale renovations in Buckhead and in-town Atlanta. "All three of us are from Atlanta. We grew up in the area where we now work," Joe says.
Although their paths initially diverged, they all gravitated toward the same industry. "We have 60 years of construction experience between us," explains Joe. Jim started his career by building homes before focusing on commercial construction. He now concentrates on managing the firm's renovation projects, which range from simple kitchen updates to whole house renovations. Jerome, who oversees the day-to-day operations of new custom homes, spent 18 years with production builder Ravin Homes and more recently focused on the high-end custom market.
Joe's early experience in commercial construction and broad range of experience in custom home building and renovations prepared him to handle the business side of all the company's projects. That combination of expertise has led to a diversified firm whose projects range from light commercial, such as upscale townhomes, to meticulous renovations that preserve the authentic spirit of a residence.
Perhaps the firm is best known for its spectacular custom homes, which range from $1 million upwards of $5 million. Working in conjunction with many of Atlanta's most respected architects, the company produces estate homes in a broad range of architectural styles. What remains the same is a builder-client relationship based on clear, concise communication and unrivaled quality in construction. "Our expertise is what really sets us apart; our superior craftsmanship and high-end finishes," Joe says. That extends to not only the architectural features that create a distinctive look, but what's behind and inside the walls as well. "We are an EarthCraft approved builder, and we're currently working on the first Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design-certified residential home in Georgia and one of the first in in the nation.
Whether they're using cutting-edge technology or old world craftsmanship, the firm is a proven commodity among Atlanta's elite architects who are very discerning about whom they entrust with their client's plans. While that applies in new construction, it's even more pronounced in upscale renovations, where integrity - both interms of business and architecture - is essential.
"We do many full renovations where we'll go in and literally add a second story, or completely redo the interior. We work with a lot of Neel Reid classic homes from the 1920's as well as the homes of Jimmy Means. We often renovate these homes 100 percent yet still retain the same feeling on the exterior. We maintain the style inside as well, but update the homes with modern kitchens, fixtures and master baths. We sometimes open up the plan because they did tend to have smaller room sizes, but we're careful to keep the same feel, particularly in the moldings and trim."
Their reverence for Atlanta's past and depth of knowledge comes full circle in their new homes. "Our renovation experience definitely benefits our custom home clients, because it gives us the in-depth construction knowledge that only comes from taking a home apart and rebuilding it."
Yet it's their knowledge of the people and the area of which they are such an integral pert that brings clients to them time and again. "All three of us are from here; people know us and know that we have a good reputation. A lot of the people we have done work are lifelong friends or become such," Joe says. Indeed, the principals are heavily involved in the community, giving back in ways that range from coaching little league teams and participating in church activities to involvement in a number of charitable fundraisers that benefit the local community.