Priestley + Associates Architecture

I entered into a standard AIA, percentage of construction cost contract with P&A in November of 2021, specifying a new residential home budget of 1.5M. In spring of 2022, after selecting a builder, P&A came in with plans at 1.8M. It proved impossible to get Mr. Priestley to take direction to reduce costs to our agreed upon budget of 1.5M and our opportunity to build at that time slipped away. In November of 2024 we selected a second builder. After a month of intense, even desperate efforts to site the house as designed in accordance with the P&A siting plan, (including things like hiring additional consulting surveyors, lopping off the breezeway and garage in the original plans in order to shorten the building and flipping the building in mirror image) we ultimately concluded that that the P&A building design and siting plans were unworkable and in error, respectively, leading the home to extend into a road set back, among other problems. Although extensive efforts were made to re-site and or remedy the problem, as described, before frost made pouring a foundation inadvisable, these efforts failed. During these efforts, P&A failed to provide timely and accurate assistance to address the problems. The builder agreed to hold our spot for the spring, but I was unable to get Mr. Priestley to commit to needed adjustments to the plans in a timely fashion. Accordingly, I terminated P&A losing some $90,000.00 in fees paid to date. Adding insult to injury, post termination, Mr. Priestley generated correspondence suggesting that he would be due a termination fee based on his own "most accurate" final construction cost estimates that were as high as 3.7M, more than double our agreed upon budget. In general, P&A failed to be on time, failed to be on budget, failed to design in accordance with both oral and written owner instructions and failed to generate work product that consistently met my expectations for professional level services.

After interviewing several architectural firms we met with John Priestley and his since-retired partner, Richard Bernhard, and we knew instantly we had found the firm who would realize our dream house. The process and interaction was a true collaboration, and we could not be happier with the result. The vibe and flow of the house is cozy, not formal, and several of our friends have expressed exactly that sentiment independent of each other. We are passing on the compliments - thank you, John!

Bernhard & Priestley Architecture designed a beautiful house for us and we are very pleased with the results. They were good at communicating with us and helped us find the right builder for the job. They listened well to our sense of style and needs and were extremely responsive to our desires. We felt they created rooms with a lovely sense of space and great attention to detail. We enjoyed working with B&P very much.

I’ve enjoyed several opportunities to collaborate with Priestley & Associates and have found their design talents to be exceptional. I particularly appreciate the way in which their architecture responds to the context within which it is located and relates so sensitively to the landscape. This integrated approach to design is refreshing! Todd Richardson, Principal Richardson & Associates, Landscape Architects

We had the pleasure of working together with Priestley & Associates twice over the past 6 years. John Priestley and his team provided us with creative solutions for updating our 1910 oceanside cottage and 1920's colonial. They listened carefully to our needs, drafting highly detailed drawings, and were attentive to our budget. Most recently they met a very tight deadline. Beyond the drawings, they demonstrated an excellent knowledge of construction and had a good relationship with our contractor. Highly recommend for new construction and renovation.

Professionalism and talent! Dedicated to their trade and craft. Works respectfully with their clients best interests. Excellent creative team members. Highly recommend.