The problem with pella is their poor performance numbers; high air leakage and not so good energy star numbers. Builders know absolutely nothing about windows and nothing about energy efficiency.

I love working with Pella windows. I like the look and feel and they are easy to install.
I do not like that the warranty on the wood is ten year, we see it rotting just either side of that mark. If they would up the warranty on the frames to twenty years maybe we could believe them that they took care of that issue.
Then as has been stated is the lack of high performance. Try to find or get the actual air infiltration test for the model you are looking at, not a pass/fail but the actual test result to compare to other windows that are less than .09 .
If you do not like vinyl then fiberglass might be worth looking at.

Thanks for the info - I appreciate it. LOL...not exactly the glowing reviews I was hoping for, but helpful.

What would you recommend as an alternative to the Pella Architect.

We're struggling with this decision!

The pella architect air leakage rate is much higher than .09 ,thats one reason why i dont like it.

Marvin Ultimate is a great one.

Maybe throw a Kolbe & Kolbe in that mix for a comparison but you can't go wrong with the Marvin Ultimate.

It's my understanding that Pella still uses a rolled form cladding on their sash which I consider to be inferior to extruded aluminum like Marvin and Kolbe use. I've never been impressed by their looks or technical specs. Kolbe you might get a little better price on than Marvin, depends on the dealer. Def look into those options.

Pella is still a roll formed on their cladding.

If vinyl will not work for you and you want a wood interior I would look at InLine fiberglass.
They can do any exterior color and a red oak laminate interior.

theWindowNerd...