--- title: "Balestri Architects — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/balestri-architects-pfvwus-pf~1291979105 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~1291979105.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Balestri Architects" category: ["Architects"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/4b83814103495f96_4924-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "910 Stuart Road, Princeton, New Jersey 08540, United States" latitude: 40.3666 longitude: -74.6408 phone: "(917) 686-8355" website: http://BalestriArch.com rating: 5 review_count: 19 best_of_houzz_awards: 6 followers: 127 last_updated: 2026-09-18 --- # Balestri Architects Original Houzz profile: [Balestri Architects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/balestri-architects-pfvwus-pf~1291979105) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Architects - **Location:** Princeton, NJ - **Serves:** Trenton, Irvington, Ewing, Lawrence Township, Princeton, West Windsor, Somerset, Plainsboro, Hillsborough, Princeton Meadows, Mercerville, Franklin Park, Hamilton Square, Kendall Park, Blackwells Mills, Millstone, Monmouth Junction, Dayton, Twin Rivers, Bloomingdale, Heathcote, Hightstown, Belle Mead, Cranbury, Lawrenceville, Rossmoor, Pennington, Plainsboro Center, Clearbrook Park, Middlebush, Ten Mile Run, Princeton Junction, Hopewell, Kingston, Ringoes, Griggstown, Rocky Hill, East Millstone, Harlingen, Windsor, Pleasant Plains, Skillman, Clyde, Blawenburg, Brooklyn, East Hampton, New York City, South Brunswick, South Brunswick Township, West Park - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (19 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 6 awards (2015–2021), for Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 1,000 Ideabook Saves - Best of Houzz winner - Eco-friendly - 10 years in business Balestri Architects is a complete service architectural design and consultation practice, with experience in residential, commercial and institutional projects. Our services are customized to the specific needs of our clients, and we offer a comprehensive design process that works with the client from initial feasibility studies through final construction. We believe that the value of good design is rooted in its adherence to a strong set of meaningful concepts developed through a deep understanding of our client’s needs. Successful design is also accountable to its community and the environment, and we work to incorporate the latest building practices and technology to fulfill these responsibilities. ### Services Provided - Architectural Design - Building Design - Home Remodeling - House Plans - New Home Construction - Home Additions - Home Extensions - Kitchen Design - Sustainable Design - Kitchen Remodeling - Energy-Efficient Homes - Floor Plans - 3D Rendering - Green Building - Bathroom Design - Space Planning - Pool House Design & Construction - Barn Design & Construction - Basement Remodeling - Basement Design - Site Preparation - Construction Drawings - Custom Homes ### Areas Served - Trenton - Irvington - Ewing - Lawrence Township - Princeton - West Windsor - Somerset - Plainsboro - Hillsborough - Princeton Meadows - Mercerville - Franklin Park - Hamilton Square - Kendall Park - Blackwells Mills - Millstone - Monmouth Junction - Dayton - Twin Rivers - Bloomingdale - Heathcote - Hightstown - Belle Mead - Cranbury - Lawrenceville - Rossmoor - Pennington - Plainsboro Center - Clearbrook Park - Middlebush - Ten Mile Run - Princeton Junction - Hopewell - Kingston - Ringoes - Griggstown - Rocky Hill - East Millstone - Harlingen - Windsor - Pleasant Plains - Skillman - Clyde - Blawenburg - Brooklyn - East Hampton - New York City - South Brunswick - South Brunswick Township - West Park ### Typical Job Cost $300,000 - 2 million We provide free initial consultation visit prior to offering a fixed free proposal for our design and project management services. ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Balestri Architects | | Address | 910 Stuart Road, Princeton, New Jersey 08540, United States | | Phone | (917) 686-8355 | | Website | http://BalestriArch.com | | License Number | NJ 21AI01954000 \| NY 033502 | | Followers on Houzz | 127 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/pages/Balestri-Architects/110266169022974 - Blog — www.balestriarch.com ## Offers Free Initial Consultation _Mention Houzz_ (valid through Dec. 2017) ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Balestri Architects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/balestri-architects-pfvwus-pf~1291979105) - **Website:** http://BalestriArch.com - **Phone:** (917) 686-8355 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - AIA, NCARB Certified - **Best of Houzz:** 6 awards (2015–2021), for Service. **Affiliations** - [The American Institute of Architects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/the-american-institute-of-architects-pfvwus-pf~1350720471) - [NCARB](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/ncarb-pfvwus-pf~1477640315) ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 19 reviews** *Aspect averages:* - Work Quality: 50.0 - Communication: 50.0 - Value: 47.0 ### Reviews **★★★★★ — Floriaan Tasche, Oct. 2024** > Carlo was our architect for a major expansion of our house. His drawings are extensive and very precise, making it easier in discussion with the contractor - it's all there. Carlo is easy to work with, open to other ideas, but does not hesitate to push back where needed, bringing in his expertise/experience to make his points. Would recommend Carlo to anyone that would need an architect for his house. **★★★★★ — HU-49893717, Dec. 2020** > Carlo worked with us on a substantial home renovation as both architect and project manager starting end of 2019 and going through the beginning pandemic. A few concrete observations: > > 1\. His attention to detail is incredible; several contractors we spoke to commented to me that they had never seen the level of specification before. His documents improved the bidding process and helped us get to a good price for the project. > 2\. He is very available. While we certainly didn't expect responses at random times of day (we dashed off many a late-night question), we got them. > 3\. He sets the bar high for others. There were many times we didn't notice an issue that Carlo brought up and saved headaches down the line. Our contractors were generally very good to work with, but on occasion, Carlo stepped in to keep the work high quality > 4\. He is honest. There was a (very, very subtle) mistake on the paint spec that wound up having a decent consequence. He called me and insisted on covering the cost of the redo. > 5\. He is a problem-solver. During the design phase, he proposed many alternatives for our kitchen / bathroom layouts (our home is quite small) to help us maximize space. Could have just done one drawing and called it a day. As the pandemic complicated the job's completion, he helped us prioritize / navigate the remaining things to be done and got us home on time. > > Wouldn't hesitate to call on his services again or recommend to others! **★★★★★ — Maggie M., Dec. 2020** > Carlo worked with me and my husband on a project to enclose our porch. It was a somewhat unique situation that required some creative thinking to come up with a solution. We had a porch that was in the middle of our house - essentially an atrium - that was very beautiful and unique, and let in lots of light on both the 1st and 2nd floor - but it was causing several issues: both weather exposure and privacy concerns. Carlo's solution was to put in a roof of skylights (to allow light in still, and make it still feel like an outside porch) as well as install a new entry door. He was able to come up with several options so that we could pick the one that was the most budget friendly but still met our needs. Carlo was creative, patient, and always explained everything to us in ways that we could understand through this process. Then, due to zoning requirements, we had to apply for a variance as well as get approval from the local Historical Preservation committee. Carlo prepared the presentations and helped us through both of those processes, and we had smooth approvals in both cases. Finally, Carlo helped us with the bidding process - sourcing contractors to bid on the project as well, communicating with them, and evaluating their bids. Once the project started, Carlo project managed the contractor that we ended up going with. He was awesome to work with and I would work with him again on any future project. I would give him 10 stars if I could! **★★★★★ — Colleen Marocco, Dec. 2020** > Carlo Balestri was instrumental in my apartment renovation from the beginning to the end. I would not have been able to complete this complicated project and at such a high level of quality without Carlo's experience, attention to detail, knowledge and efficient approach to project management. The project involved combining two adjacent apartments, a gut renovation, large expansion of the kitchen and bathroom. I am grateful for Carlo's thoughtful design and expert project management during all aspects of the project - especially navigating the city and board approval, bidding out the project and managing the contractor. I would highly recommend Carlo for any project. **★★★★★ — LINA HORNER, Nov. 2019** > We had a great, seamless experience with Balestri Architects designing our new bathroom. Would highly recommend! Our project included taking a very small attic space, extending a dormer to create a room that would hold a small master bath. We had our own general contractor already, but hired Balestri Architects to design the space. Carlo was incredibly detail oriented, kept us in the loop the whole way, and designed a beautifully functional bathroom for us! All work was done within the time frame initially quoted to us, at a reasonable cost. We are very happy with our experience! Even our general contractor hired to build the bathroom commented on how detailed and professional the drawings were- making their job a lot easier as well. **★★★★★ — Alan Momeyer, Nov. 2019** > Working with Carlo is an absolute delight! > > You will not find a more disciplined, thorough, thoughtful, skilled and professional architect anywhere, in my view. As they say, the devil is in the details, and the devil disappears when Carlo is on the job - - he is on top of everything and gives no room for mistakes to occur. > > I'm a veteran at renovating New York apartments, including combining and upgrading them, having completed 7 major projects over the years. I've worked with many different architects, but none as polished and open as Carlo. I won't be searching for any more - - I found the best! **★★★★★ — Melinda Miller, Dec. 2018** > Carlo Balestri was an excellent architect and fantastic project manager for our 2 Bed/2 Bath renovation in NYC. The project would have not have been a success without him! While technically not a gut renovation, it basically was: we removed walls, combined rooms, and ripped the kitchen and bathrooms down to the studs. Carlo was attentive, thoughtful, and precise in every aspect of the project. He put in a significant amount of face time, meeting with us often throughout the project, and he listened carefully to our needs. He came up with a number of creative ideas for our space, including a fantastic hidden niche/secret door for our wine fridge and bar. My background is in research, and I have a hard time choosing anything without thoroughly reviewing every single item in existence. Carlo was with me every step of the way, including providing detailed descriptions of products he had used before and helpful explanations of why one material might work better than another. This is what I needed to feel confident that we were making choices we would be satisfied with into the future. > > Carlo helped us find a competent and affordable general contractor and provided suggestions and support to source parts of the project from specialists. He accompanied us to look at various products and materials and both met and spoke with all of our chosen outside retailers. Each and every time, he made sure that these outside suppliers fully understood our needs, and reviewed contracts and specs carefully, catching many of the mistakes that seem to run rampant on these types of construction projects, based on stories from our friends and neighbors. In comparison, our project chugged along (slower than we would have liked, of course) with few mistakes and very little drama. > > Carlo is also extremely meticulous. Countless times, when speaking with subcontractors and other suppliers, we were complimented on how clear and accurate our architect’s blueprints and measurements had been, and how easy it was to work with him. He met with the GC regularly to review work, and always came prepared with a list in hand of the major and minor issues to be fixed and what needed to be done next. He reviewed all of our contractors’ work with an exacting eye, and often highlighted problems that we had not yet noticed. With each and everyone of these, he made sure that the contractors fixed them to our satisfaction. > > Overall, Carlo (and our very solid GC) made the design and construction of our apartment as easy as I think is possible for a large renovation in NYC. The end result is beautiful and special, and exactly what we wanted! > > We could not be more pleased with Carlo Balestri and would wholeheartedly recommend him for any project! **Comment from Balestri Architects:** > Wow! Thank you so much for your effusive support. I loved working with you on your project. A true collaborative effort that turned out great. **★★★★★ — Eli Halliwell, Nov. 2017** > Carlo is a dream architect - impeccable attention to detail combined with artistic vision and creativity. We have hired him twice to renovate our homes, and he has completed four other major projects for close friends and family - all of whom have been just as thrilled with his work as we have been. I am constantly recommending him to anyone who needs an architect. I recently hired him at work too, to design a new store in a remote city. Simply put, we wouldn't work with anyone else. **★★★★★ — Philip Bradford, Aug. 2017** > Carlo Balestri was very attentive to our needs throughout a complicated apartment combination in our NYC prewar coop. He showed us various designs and listened to our concerns. Renovating in New York City is NOT an easy task. Carlo helped with the design, permitting, choosing contractors, construction and completion of the renovation. He stayed connected until the final punchlist was done. He even helped us deal with a contractor that needed prodding to get the job done. BTW, everyone who sees the final results are impressed by the layout and design. **★★★★★ — David Leach, Dec. 2016** > We found Carlo Balestri through the recommendation of a neighbor. We subsequently interviewed several architects for our project. We retained Carlo based up the recommendation and, most importantly, his aesthetic. Our project was an addition to a mid-century modern of some historical value. Carlo has done an amazing job of respecting the existing home while creating an addition that complements it and is consistent with our aesthetic. > > This has been quite a process and Carlo has been with us every step the way. To say that he is meticulous and thorough would be an incredible understatement. From his presentations to the planning board to his interaction with suppliers, Carlo is prepared and handles each situation with thoughtfulness and integrity. Time and space do not allow me to articulate all of the big and small ways that he has driven this project and made it so much better as a result of his involvement. > > It is without reservation that I can recommend Carlo Balestri and his firm. **Comment from Balestri Architects:** > Thanks for your endorsement David, and looking forward to finishing this project up very soon. **★★★★★ — Caren Gans, Dec. 2016** > Carlo of Carlo Balestri Architects helped me renovate my 2 bedroom apartment. He is a true professional and has the patience of a saint. After meeting with Carlo, he quickly came up with a design to meet my specific needs. From taking down walls, to designing closets and built in cabinets, to researching the correct fixtures and materials, Carlo was there throughout the project to provide guidance and his expertise. Carlo designed a functional space that is also aesthetically beautiful. He was instrumental in getting the work completed in a timely manner. He is detailed, thorough and easy to work with. I would not do another project without him. **Comment from Balestri Architects:** > Caren, > Thank you for your thoughtful review, and let us know how we can help you in the future. **★★★★★ — Claudia Zumbro, Dec. 2016** > We have used Carlo on two unexpectedly complicated projects. One was new construction of a pool and pool house and the other was a renovation of an older house with a lot of structural and design issues. Throughout the entire process on both projects Carlo was fantastic. Working through the design phase with him was a pleasure, he has a great eye and listens well to what you want. He handled the board approval process for us as well, and it was very time consuming, requiring multiple meeting with multiple boards, and he was always totally prepared to address all of their issues and keep the ball moving forward. Construction oversight was likewise complicated but he put our fires as they arose and was very proactive in coordinating subcontractors etc. His attention to detail and his follow through are insanely good and he will deliver everything he promises you, by the deadline. Really a pleasure to work with. **Comment from Balestri Architects:** > Claudia, > Thank you for your review, and enjoy working with you on your summer house project. ## Selected projects - [Westchester NY - Addition To A Tony Smith House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/westchester-ny-addition-to-a-tony-smith-house-pj-vj~1476580) - Location: Irvington, NY - Photos: 26 - Description: Photography by David Leach Remodel and 1,500 square foot addition to an historic 1950s mid-century modern house originally designed by iconic sculptor Tony Smith. Construction completed in Fall of 2017. - [Hilltop House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/hilltop-house-pj-vj~7402657) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 14 - Description: A modern luxury villa situated atop the Princeton Ridge in Mercer County, New Jersey, the Hilltop House is conceptualized as an entertainment house woven into a private retreat. The design uses materials and volumes to form public spaces and strategically connect or shield them from more personal ones. The house is designed as two separate structures joined in the middle by a 30-foot-long glass-pavilion, which acts as the project’s fulcrum. The glass pavilion both connects the two main volumes a… - [Westchester NY - Interior Remodel Of A Tony Smith House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/westchester-ny-interior-remodel-of-a-tony-smith-house-pj-vj~5436370) - Location: Irvington, NY - Photos: 34 - Description: Remodel and 1,500 square foot addition to an historic 1950s mid-century modern house originally designed by iconic sculptor Tony Smith. Construction completed in Fall of 2017. Final Photography by David Leach - [West 23rd NYC - 1 Bedroom Apartment Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/west-23rd-nyc-1-bedroom-apartment-renovation-pj-vj~515949) - Location: New York, NY - Photos: 18 - Description: This project combines two existing studio apartments into a compact 800 sqft. live/work space for a young professional couple in the heart of Chelsea, New York. The design required some creative space planning to meet the Owner’s requested program for an open plan solution with a private master bedroom suite and separate study that also allowed for entertaining small parties, including the ability to provide a sleeping space for guests. The solution was to identify areas of overlap within the pr… - [E90th St. NYC - Pre-War Apartment Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/e90th-st-nyc-pre-war-apartment-renovation-pj-vj~515914) - Location: New York, NY - Photos: 18 - Description: This renovation project updates an existing New York 1920s apartment with a modern sensibility. Replacing the cellular pre-war layout of the central spaces with a built-in walnut credenza and white lacquer side board effectively opens the plan to create a unified and spacious living area. The back side of the full-height dining room side-board screens views from the entrance foyer. The modern design of the new built-ins at center of the space is balanced by perimeter radiator covers and a full-h… - [West Park Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/west-park-residence-pj-vj~5474662) - Location: West Park, NY - Photos: 9 - Description: A unique site offering spectacular views of the Hudson River serves as the “launching point” for this new two-story private residence. Built-over the existing foundation of the original residence, the main living area is re-oriented to the northern and eastern views overlooking the river. A natural clearing in the woods has been re-landscaped with a folding plane of grass to provide a gently sloping yard that integrates seamlessly with the existing topography. The new structure provides a simple… - [Westchester NY - Pool & Cabana](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/westchester-ny-pool-and-cabana-pj-vj~1476573) - Location: Irvington, NY - Photos: 9 - Description: Design for a new modern pool, cabana and exterior amenities on an existing residential property in Westchester, NY. Gray plaster pool with Jet Mist Coping. Italian porcelain tiles, exterior plaster, and custom bronze finish panels. Construction started in summer of 2015. Design renderings by Balestri Architects - [East End Ave. NYC - Gut Apartment Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/east-end-ave-nyc-gut-apartment-renovation-pj-vj~515966) - Location: New York City, NY - Photos: 14 - Description: Working in collaboration with award-winning interior designer, Juan Montoya, Balestri Architects created a modern take on traditional Art Deco motifs to craft this luxurious high-rise residence. The design maintains the existing open layout, employing custom millwork details and subtle changes to the ceiling plane to create an elegant sequential flow to the apartment. The entrance foyer and gallery draws visitors in with a bespoke inlay wood floor, Venetian plaster walls and custom light fixture… - [Westchester County - Farmhouse Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/westchester-county-farmhouse-renovation-pj-vj~515947) - Location: Irvingon, NY - Photos: 9 - Description: Farmhouse Renovation. Built 2014. Final photos pending. Design Renderings By Balestri Architects - [Box1 - Custom Residential Furniture](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/box1-custom-residential-furniture-pj-vj~515946) - Location: Princeton, NJ - Photos: 9 - Description: The Box1 furniture series fuses simple geometries and elegant proportions with purely rendered materials to meet the most basic requirements in a simple statement. Each piece features straight grain, solid hardwood construction with an oil-varnish finish. Table pieces feature matte-finish stainless steel frames and legs. Custom dimensions available upon request. Collaborators: Breakfast Woodworks Wood Fabrication Public Nation Design Stainless Steel Fabrication - [Brooklyn - Prewar Apartment Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/brooklyn-prewar-apartment-renovation-pj-vj~515932) - Location: New York City, NY - Photos: 3 - Description: Low cost renovation of a classic pre-war apartment in Brooklyn, New York. The original floor plan of this one bedroom pre-war unit was simple and efficient, but the space suffered from over 90 years of neglect and poor maintenance. The existing kitchen and bathrooms spaces were gutted and updated with new stone finishes and chrome fixtures. The linear kitchen layout was flipped to allow maximum natural light to the primary work areas. A new glass shower enclosure replaces the original tile showe… - [Westchester County - Stable House Addition](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/westchester-county-stable-house-addition-pj-vj~515936) - Location: Irvington, NY - Photos: 4 - Description: This project provides a new two-story addition to an historic converted stable barn that was once associated with the 60-acre Hamilton Estate in Irvington, New York. The new design continues the unique language of the converted brick stable and Second Empire slate mansard roof. The addition provides a proper kitchen to the ground floor. Large single-pane glass windows continue the existing architecture to maximize interior natural light and provide panoramic views of the adjacent Hudson River. T… [See all 12 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/balestri-architects-pfvwus-pf~1291979105) ## Ideabooks - [ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/33861204/list/ideas) — 137 ideas - [46 Quincy](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/61335027/list/46-quincy) — 71 ideas - [181 East 73rd](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/50547032/list/181-east-73rd) — 40 ideas - [300W23 11H](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/52479205/list/300w23-11h) — 29 ideas [See all 4 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/cbalestri) --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-18.*