Balestri Architects

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.

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!

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!

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.

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.

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!

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.