John Halsey Architect RA

We deciding to bring on an architect after we realized our home improvement project was going to be a large one. We found John on Angie's List and were impressed by the number of highly rated reviews which touted his responsiveness and capabilities. After reaching out via his website contact form (over a weekend!), he got back to us within a day and scheduled a visit to talk about our project. He was very accommodating in working around our schedules. His initial visit did require a nominal fee ($90), but it was then applied to our contract. We explained our project to John, which includes a two story addition, with a family room on the first floor (including a new fireplace and chimney) and large walk-in closets connected to our bedroom on the second floor. In addition, it involves expanding our master bathroom into the old walk-in closet, as well as creating a complex deck and patio area in the rear of our home, including a roofed-covered section and a built-in gas powered grill. We only had general ideas of what we wanted, but not how the pieces would come together, and weren't even sure if we wanted the addition to go forwards or backwards from our current home structure. In the very first meeting, John brought some great ideas to the table and we knew he was the right person for the job. Because we were unsure of which way would be best to layout the new addition, John was patient with us and worked through two different sets of plans, in order for us to see how the ideas would play out. He worked with the town to understand our options for setbacks, variances, and zoning. He made recommendations, but also listened to our thoughts and reasons and worked them in as best he could. He likely had his own ideas about what was the best way to go, but allowed us to come to the same conclusion after several revisions. What was really great is that he clearly cares about style and look/feel. He knew our home was a Victorian and wanted to make sure we didn't deviate from that feel. He didn't just create boxy shapes, but figured out how to make elements and rooflines flow into each other and create visually appealing connection points. He also made sure we were considering important value points, like windows, wall space, ease of entry, ceiling height, etc. He truly cares about the quality of the end result. The fact that he had opinions and would push back on us sometimes is actually really important, as he is the expert on understanding how designs can turn into a finished product. We worked through 3 iterations of both sets of plans before we decided to go out the back, instead of the front. He then worked through 4 more iterations with our feedback. John was great about understanding that feedback and ultimately if there was a place where we didn't want to compromise, he built in exactly what we wanted (as long as it wasn't a poor architectural decision). The 3D exterior mockups were super helpful in letting us visualize everything. The end set of plans is something we are really excited about. In the second phase of work, John worked on all of the details around construction, which is key for not only providing what is needed to the building departments in town, in order to get permits, but also for getting bids from contractors. As this phase drew to a close, John provided a couple recommendations for general contractors with whom he regularly works with. We ultimately ended up selecting one of his recommendations and have been happy thus far, ideally breaking ground within the next few weeks. The cost of the build portion of this project is about 20% more than we had originally budgeted for, but we did add some features in along the way that were admittedly expensive (covered/roof portion of the deck, patio, and chimney/fireplace). From start to finish, the planning phase of this project took about 2 months. Considering how many revisions we had, that could have been a lot longer, but John was very responsive to feedback, with often a 48 hour (or less) turnaround period after receiving the feedback. That includes brainstorming through the structural complexities of our requests. As for continued work with John, he has been great, even after we have finished up with the planning phase. He offers additional availability for a nominal cost if we need him for any significant time to help with the build phase, but in the meantime has been really helpful and responsive with providing additional information to our GC. I would definitely recommend John for any size architectural project!

John was great- the reason I ultimately hired him was because he responded to all my emails answering questions before I decided to proceed with our project. I appreciated how he always got back to me quickly either by phone or email, and the blueprints were done efficiently. He guided us throughout the whole process and even offered referrals to contractors. His fees are very reasonable, and he is a fully licensed architect. Would hire again in a heartbeat!

Job ran smoothly because johns plans were clear and easy to follow. And if I had any questions at all calling John was always an option .. highly recommended!!!

The town (Montvale, NJ) was very specific in what it wanted in terms of plans. John needed to make follow up calls to the town and work with the the building inspector to clarify certain issues. John was always prompt and willing to take the time to speak with me to help me through the process. We haven't gotten the permits yet, but we expect to do so.

John did a great job in translating my words into plans for a modern looking portico. He responded to my need for a quick turnaround. I really appreciated how available he was to questions from me, the builder, and the town. Great job!

Everyone loves the new bathroom, lots of light, plenty of storage. John really listened to our needs. Also, in addition to the design and detailed blue prints, John went the extra miles in helping us finding a great local contractor who did an excellent job for us!

We're still working together but so far it has been great.

John is great to work with. Very responsive and professional. We're still working with him for our renovation we had to delay by a year due to timing issues. He's reassured us that he will continue to work with us on whatever we need when getting permits. I would definitely recommend him to anyone looking for an architect. He listens to what you want and also offers great ideas and alternatives.

Mr. Halsey was very prompt in responding to us. He always make sure that our concerns and needs are met. We really like his professionalism, and attention to details in creating the plans.

John was very easy to work with. I felt very comfortable having him in my home. I was new to the renovation game and John gave good advice and in the end delivered just what we were asking for.

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I would definitely recommend John to others. We look forward to working with him on all phases of the design and construction. He is very knowable and well informed of local ordinances.

He was very professional, very nice, very courteous, on time, and very accommodating. The project turned out to be too expensive, not anything he did. Since he was the architect, he didn't know how much the project would be. When we did all the tabulations, we decided it was going to be too expensive for us. It seems to be at that time I thought it would have been better. The purchase price for the Big Deal was excellent. For the amount of time that he spent, that was a great value.

Things have gone very well. John was very thorough in his work. He has a great eye for detail. He stayed in constant communication with me and made sure that what he was doing was pleasing and acceptable to myself and my family. He listened to and understood my needs very well. This is a new experience for myself and my wife and Mr. Halsey allowed us to be very comfortable and was very open to our imput and he also encouraged it!

In a word-excellent. Mr. Halsey displayed a degree of competence and professional that is not seen often enough. Everything went smoothly and without any real gltiches. The area Mr. Halsey had to work with was divided into three small awkward spaces. He had the vision to see their potential if redesigned into a single, multi-purpose space. He completed timely and thorough plans for the remodel and was always available for consultation. Using his design the contractor was able to complete the project without delay and without additional costs. We are very pleased with the result.

We would definitely use Mr. Halsey's services again and would recommend him to others.

I contacted John through another service provider. We met late last year and I told him what I envisioned as an addition to my home. He was on time for all appointments and showed me interim plans along the way. He helped me with building department concerns, specifications and obtaining workmen. The project was completed in early March.