lee CALISTI architecture+design

Our experience with lee CALISTI architecture+design was great! We purchased a little over 17 acres in the very rural Laurel Highlands in the late 90s as the site for our retirement home. While living in Switzerland we started the planning process so that once back in the States we could start right away. We had a vision for our home - we wanted to live in a barn. The picture was a classic white, batten board clad, Gambrel roofed barn tucked against the woods. We hired a post frame structure company to build the "barn" and now needed an architect to bring our vision to life. We used the Internet to search for an architect who was local and understood the area's weather, building codes and would be open to our quirky design. We found Lee Calisti on Houzz. After a few trans-Atlantic meetings via FaceTime, the "Haus Barn" project was underway. Lee worked very closely with the post frame company to ensure that the structural requirements were met while including the architectural elements. His knowledge of the local Building Codes and due diligence on post frame construction were key to our success. He offered us many design options for review and after some great discussions we agreed on a design to submit for the building permit. We entertain often and needed a dedicated dining room but still wanted an open concept home. Since everyone always ends up in the kitchen Lee designed our kitchen to face the Great Room divided by a 17' island. We have a lovely dining room separated by just two posts. It works perfectly for the way we live. And the view! Lee's recommendations for the windows and doors were spot on. We would highly recommend lee CALIST architecture+design for any project. He is a competent professional who really gets in to your vision. We were very happy with the outcome and love living in our "Barn Haus"! Melissa and James Thompson

Lee is an incredibly talented architect who brings a wealth of experience and dedication to all his projects. His work is not only beautiful but well detailed and built to last.

It is my pleasure to provide the highest possible recommendation for Lee Calisti Architecture. Lee signed on to redesign an exterior cladding system for a new construction residential building in a hi-viz location. The existing system had failed within 1 year with significant water penetration; a completely uninspired design; and a plan that lacked meaningful detail. I met with at least 6 different architects before selecting Lee due to my previous disappointment. No other architect remotely conveyed the passion for design, technical competency, attention to detail, and overall integrity that Mr. Calisti displayed. Lee when on to save the day and this phase of the project. We had several initial meeting to ensure that we shared the same vision & objectives. Lee's tireless efforts generated a novel, cutting edge design utilizing the latest building products & techniques. Moreover, Lee's plan included an abundance of detail & notation that was critical to a highly successful installation. This, combined with Lee's continued close direction and utilization of a very capable contractor, ensured successful completion of this phase of the project on time and within budget. Lee went above & beyond in every respect. For example, lee secured authorization for us to visit another site where a novel cladding product under consideration was being install. Lee also arranged for site visits by MFG reps of building products used to ensure that the install was proceeding IAW plans & specs. These are only 2 of many examples where Lee's extra effort ensured overall success. Above all, Lee's every effort was aimed at advancing my best interest as owner and the successful completion of this project. My only regret is that I did not meet Lee sooner. I could not be happier with the outcome and would not even consider moving forward with the next phase of this project unless Lee was on board!!

Lee’s challenge was to create an art studio to sit adjacent to a 1939 Regency dwelling, landmarked by the Pittsburgh History and Landmarks Association, on a modest budget. By maximizing the visual effects of the topography and siting the new building slightly behind, below, and to the right of the residence, he produced a building that belongs here, modern, clean, new, yet feeling as if it were built decades ago. One comes away from a collaboration with Lee knowing that this individual is thoroughly thoughtful, genuine, honest, committed, and extremely resourceful. Every inch works. Attention to detail, sense of entry, simple functionality, a collaborative communicator…these are some terms that spring to mind when I think of his work. Three years later I am still I awe of Lee, his genius, his passion, and his artistry.

Mr. Calisti has proven himself to be a focused and creative professional dedicated to guiding my family through the entire building process. He was instrumental in helping our family achieve our goals - a house for our lifetime and the next. My wife and I only recommend Lee Calisti to those seeking an architect.

Lee is a very knowledgeable, helpful and innovative architect and designer. Working with him has always been a pleasure and a learning experience. His level of insight and expertise is coupled with a gracious manner of dealing with customers and contractors alike. I highly recommend Lee and his services.

The perfect vision to expand our dream log home was accomplished through our architect, Lee Calisti. Lee is a professional and perfectionist who develops a caring relationship with his clients. My husband and I spent many hours meeting and communicating with this architect in an effort to redefine our lifestyle with the planning of the design and throughout the construction phase. Today we take pride in our completed log/stone expansion. It's a well designed respite. Lee Calisti helped form our ideas into our dream retreat. Without the genius of this architect, our dreams would not have come true.

I hired Mr. Calisti to design an addition for my 100 year-old residence. He had very creative solutions to problems and his work was impressive to say the least. Every detail was well thought out. Lee developed a great relationship with our contractor and was always avaliable to answer any questions that arose on the jobsite. I felt that Lee had a great knowledge base about the newest building concepts and was able to incorporate these ideas into the addittion without affecting the original historic aspect of the house. I highly recommend Mr. Calisti to anyone looking to use architectural services.”