John Henry Architect, AIA is eminently qualified to assist the Owner in the
planning and conception of the Custom Residence and to direct every critical
aspect of the design/ construction process in order to preserve the integrity of
the design and thus investment value.
Mr. Henry offers professional design services nationally and worldwide,
supported by a comprehensive architectural background and experience in varying
styles and sites.
Background:
Architect John Henry is offering Premium Design Services for the first time
on the Internet. This 'cyber-design' advantage is available to those who wish to
start the planning and design process without committing to a Full Services
contract. Here you may interface long distance and via phone, e-mail, fax, etc.
by submitting your 'wish list' per a Design Questionnaire and receiving a
Schematic Floor Plan and Preliminary Elevation for study and a base to continue
into Design Development and Construction Documents. You may continue to develop
the design from this point with Mr. Henry or take the initial product to a local
draftsman or architect.
John Henry has designed starter homes from 1200 square feet to luxury estates
ranging from 10 – 60,000 square feet. Based in Orlando Florida and Austin
Texas, Mr. Henry holds a Bachelor of Environmental Design and Master of
Architecture from Texas A&M University. He is licensed in Florida and Texas
and is a member of the American Institute of Architects. He has won numerous
regional awards for his highly original period style work. The architect weaves
function and aesthetics together to achieve a "timeless work of art, a
World Class Design." His clients, peers, and members of academic
institutions applaud his work and writing. (See Recommendations
)
Mr. Henry can provide under most city, county, and state statutes PRELIMINARY
and SCHEMATIC designs and Design Development drawings to Clients located in
nearly all of the United States. Certain exclusions may apply to deed restricted
communities or others governed by private covenants. Mr. Henry works with
several prominent associate architects and designers in a collaborative fashion
depending on the scope of the project. Complete or traditional services,
including interior architecture, specifications, and contract administration is
also available under a full services contract. See Services.
For additional background information including Awards and Citations, a
Client Listing, philosophical statement and approach to architecture, and a
compendium of works designed to date, please order Portfolio
on CD/ Books page.
"The same materials and expense thrown away on an ugly, ill
proportioned building, if guided by good design, would produce an elegant
building, and this is why the architect is brought into requisition, to treat
the materials placed in the architect’s hands so as to give an expression of
beauty to the simplest form." -- George Palliser, 1878
The Architect: John Henry
Working with John Henry, Establishing Services,
and the associated Fee Structure. Even though opportunity for expression is boundless, only the proper match of
plan, theme, and site woven together with the will of the Owner will result in a
truly enduring and timeless Architecture, one that will retain its Investment
Value over time. For over 15 years Award Winning Architect John Henry has proven
-consistently, that his unique capabilities and background can satisfy the
desires of the most demanding and esteemed client. Through continuous personal
research and a commitment to Design Excellence, in each case the result is a
'one-of-a kind' residence that bears a distinct 'signature style': timeless, a
true classic.
Credentials
John Henry is a practicing licensed architect in the state of Florida and
Texas with an office based in Orlando and is a member of the American
Institute of Architects. He holds a Bachelor in Environmental Design and
Master of Architecture degree from Texas A&M University.
Having apprenticed in a variety of prestigious commercial and residential
firms Mr. Henry's work includes examples of decorative Traditional styles
to ultra-Contemporary designs which can be found in various communities
and metropolitan areas nationwide ranging from starter homes to country
estates, and commercial/institutional projects.
Awards
Winner of several local and national design competitions, his work was voted
the "People's Choice" Best of Show and Best Architectural Design
for "Villa Verona" in Alaqua's 1992 Street of Dreams in Orlando,
Florida. In 1995 the residential prototype for Time/Warner's interactive
cable "Twenty-first Century Technology House" was completed in
Longwood, Florida. In 1998 "Valmoreal" received the Best of Show
award for Philip Landing's Street of Dreams showcase. (see below)
Philosophy of Design
Influenced by the archaeology of ancient Greece and Rome and the Renaissance
period in Italy, France, and Germany, plus the Islamic architecture of the
Middle East, Mr. Henry has developed a personal view of architecture shaped by
the rich cultural influences experienced in his youth. The distinguishing
philosophy of Mr. Henry is the belief that classic architecture may be executed
in any style: but that style must be handled with the proper understanding of
historical development, by focusing attention to particular details, materials
and design characteristics of the period, and by building appropriately to site
and environmental context. Above all design integrity is paramount in order to
insure a coherent and valuable statement.
Period Style
John Henry's approach to traditional style is an inspirational blend of academic
classicism tinged with romantic overtones. The work can be formal to eclectic:
several styles can be brought together to achieve a unique, one-of-a-kind
response to a client's discriminating vision. Period style facades combine with
practical and clever floor plans which can unfold according to lifestyle, views,
topography, and microclimate.
In a time that the faddists are experimenting with 'chaos theory' and the
commercial world is steeped in monotonous functionalism, it is refreshing to
find an architect who strives for aesthetics and grace beyond just practicality.
In this politically correct era where judgment is suspended, an architect is
setting a standard of excellence. A bleary 'less is more' world is thirsty for
decorative detail that does not overwhelm and visual interest that is evocative,
complementary.
The interesting irony here is that John Henry received a Master of
Architecture from a university that was insistent on adhering monolithically to
Modern Movement tenets, prohibiting the use of any form of historical revivalism
in solving contemporary building needs. Since the middle 1970's that idea has
been compromised in leading academic institutions allowing post-modernist ideas
and practice. While having the opportunity and experience in modern
architectural design, the residential field has meanwhile followed the pendulum
swing to traditional and period style work, currently vogue. Before this swing
was apparent or as nearly complete as it is now, Mr. Henry concentrated over 8
years of private research in the effort to understand and be proficient in the
'art of the ancients', resulting in one of the most competent and original
architects of period style design. His portfolio is resplendent with various
examples of Greco-Roman to Gothic residential (and commercial structures)
finished in a wide range of materials, budget, and consequently integrity of the
period.
Approach
This two-sided approach - one of function and practicality, the other of
aesthetic richness and historical allusion -- results in a 'best of both worlds'
resource. Add a flair for an exotic/ romantic interpretation of the classics,
the insistence on integrity of the design, and you have the makings of World
Class Architecture. If you feel that 'less is a bore' and you crave a return to
human-based scale and sensuous form; if you long for the heroic and monumental,
for the evocative - the sublime in art, then John Henry must be your architect
of choice. If you believe beauty in art and architecture is still possible and
that a 'return to tradition' can satisfy a longing for the elegiac imagery of
the past please consider an architectural classic designed by John Henry who has
been successfully solving living needs and enhancing lifestyles for
discriminating individuals, offering a wide variety of experience in terms of
site and client briefs, and a tailored scope of services.
Custom Services
John Henry accepts commissions to partially or completely design and detail
luxury custom homes in any location of the world. The results vary in scope
depending on each Owner's unique circumstances and program. Satisfying the
conceptual model is the heart of the project, and Mr. Henry has been adept at
'starting from zero' - a blank sheet of paper-to finishing projects started in
conjunction with other designers. The energy and vision that an Owner brings to
the table is matched and synthesized into an enduring architectural statement
which becomes a valuable heritage investment.
Each program results in a 'one-of-a-kind' solution. It is extremely rare to find
the typical in John Henry's work. All is special, a wonder. Truly, beyond four
walls and a simple roof we all attempt to create a distinct environment
multi-layered with meaning, an ephemeral habitation for our body and souls. John
Henry has an uncanny ability to 'draw out' (figuratively and literally!) the
genetic spark or thematic essence of each Owner's vision. The conceptual
response is unnervingly prompt. He opens up various possibilities in the
conceptual stage to insure that the Owner has considered the principal options
and alternatives available before further development.
Availability
Because of the highly customized nature of Mr. Henry's practice all commission
requests unfortunately cannot be granted. Please correspond as to the nature/
location/ scope and estimated budget of your project, as well as a time/
schedule commitment. You will be notified promptly if available time and
resources can be allocated to meet your needs.
Guarantee
You will find that the measure of John Henry's worth is based on the value
his services create: a lasting investment based on timeless principles of
design, not pasted with clichés or caricature that will date and deprecate your
investment. He is a purist theoretically, but welcomes any challenge that would
further the boundaries of excellence in design - modern or classical. In
creating with any materials or designing under any stylistic basis, be believes
that without soul, without romance, art, or drama - the project would fail in
its most essential purpose: to create an inspiring human environment that speaks
of its Owner's vision and aspiration. With great sensitivity to harmony and
balance, to color and light, for form and texture, such an end may be realized.
Rest assured that your project will be "one of a kind" - exclusively
designed by Mr. Henry and personally executed to the highest standards.
Mr. Henry derives his greatest satisfaction from thoroughly pleasing his clients
which is possible by his comprehensive manner and professional commitment,
knowing that the manifestation of the creative energy expended has resulted in a
truly timeless and classic work of architecture - a lasting and secure
investment.
Licensing, Academic and Professional Credentials
John C. Henry holds a Bachelor of Environmental Design and Master of
Architecture degree from Texas A&M University. He currently maintains a
professional license in the states of Texas (AR 10945) and Florida (AR 13013).
Licensure allows an architect the right to design structures of any size and
type in each respective state licensed. At the time of this writing nearly all
states in the U.S. allow an Owner to submit residential plans for permitting
without having to secure the services of a licensed architect. Usually, a
structural engineer must check the building structure for adequate member design
and specify certain details for steel, concrete, and wood framing. He or she
will stamp the structural drawing set and the Owner may then present the
engineering set with the architectural set for permitting. Seismic and wind
design is required by certain states. Other jurisdictions may require
environmental impact studies, etc.
Out of state architects may design residential structures in states in which
they maintain no license as long as local engineering is accomplished. In some
developments the community covenants and regulations simply state the
requirement for a licensed architect to be commissioned and may not specify in
which state the architect must be licensed. If prohibited for some reason, an
out of state architect ('Design Architect') may contract with a local consulting
architect ('Architect of Record') to execute Construction Documents and follow
with Construction Administration.
Shahid Ahmad of Contempo Design (321/229-7251 or 407/
238-9590) working with John Henry (photo right) during framing stage of
ultra-custom residence in Cypress Point, Orlando.
Long Distance Projects: National and International
Many of John Henry's projects take place out of the State of Florida, where
the prime office is located. However due to the many benefits of
telecommunications, much can be accomplished with a combination of site visits
and personal consultation aided by telephone, fax and overnight drawings
delivery, and through same-day fax-modem file transfers directly to a local
reprographics firm.
Depending on availability/ scheduling, the scope of work, and contract terms,
Mr. Henry may make multiple visits throughout the design-build process. If
circumstances do not permit extensive representation a local architect may be
contracted directly by the Owner or hired as a consultant under the Owner/
Architect contract. The local firm may fulfill the Contract Documents phase for
example and be asked to administer bidding and contractor selection, review draw
requests, and visit the site as often as possible to insure that the Contractor
is following specifications and drawings to fulfill the complete terms of the
construction
Projects overseas may be organized similarly to those out of the architect's
principal working range. The squatters system for programming and conceptual
design is encouraged here since there is more limited personal contact.
Materials and construction methods have a great bearing on style as well as
political, geographic, and climatic issues. Also, local custom and family
organization affect the layout of plans. A non-Western lifestyle may usually be
adapted under traditional Western architectural forms, and many up-to-date
internal conveniences/ appliances/ electrical and mechanical systems, as well as
decorative materials may be imported.
The Construction Documents often must be adapted to mimic local standards, which
includes drawings executed in the metric system. This presents no real problem
but attention to imported electrical motors (voltage and current), cabinetry,
windows and doors, etc. must be taken to insure the proper utility connections
and fit in walls. Consulting architects must be available unless the Owner might
consider having the prime architect locate a Field Representative to the site.
Logistics may hamper progress. For example, the importing of certain materials
may be prohibited or taxed; the duration of shipping to the host country may
delay the project. Local contractors may not be familiar with the installation
of certain products as well. The availability of skilled trades and craftspeople
also presents a problem. Many of these issues should be addressed in the
programming phase in order to reconcile the most reasonable and desirable
design.
"...the thing of first importance in architecture is
beauty."
Charles F. McKim, Architect 1905
Procedure
Exactly how to proceed varies between professionals. Following is a summary
of how to begin working with Mr. Henry apart from contact and procedure outlined
in this web site.
Initial Contact
You will find examples of John Henry's work in national magazines, even
commentary about his views on design and planning issues in major newspapers and
trade journals. Or, referral is most common. A brochure will be forwarded on
which to help base your decision to commission the architect. After examining
more examples of his work, studying background and credentials, reviewing
recommendations, etc. you may request a contract proposal and/ or schedule a
personal interview. To meet personally in Florida or Texas involves no charge,
but to meet outside these states, a time/ travel and accommodation fee will
apply (see brochure material). An initial meeting should involve a site visit;
if not, a topographical survey should be available for study.
A portfolio of finished work as well as a group of sketches/ plans will
accompany the architect in order to review several projects of interest. You
will gain information as to how specific projects were accomplished, in terms of
planning/ conceptualization and materials selection. A variety of styles are
apparent from which to help narrow a selection for your own project. You will
sense whether or not you will feel comfortable on a personal level to embark on
a long-term association as well. If a contract proposal has not been submitted
at this point, Mr. Henry will develop a personalized contract for your review
within a week, or if time permits, on-site. If agreement is reached on the terms
and provisions of the commission Mr. Henry may be available to begin a squatters
session (see below), or at least clarify your exact requirements in person.
Contract Proposal
Mr. Henry will require an outline brief of your intentions in terms of site,
budget, anticipated style and area needs in order to customize a design
proposal. Following the interview and discussion of this proposal, some
adjustments may be negotiated until a satisfactory fee schedule and terms are
accepted. A retainer based on approximately 10% of the total contract amount and
contract signatures allow commencement of the design.
Programming
'Problem seeking' or the search for opportunities and the development of the
client brief (if not worked out beforehand) marks the first stage of the
planning process; it is a pre-design phase (see above) on which everything else
follows. Changes to the original conception as understood prior to agreeing to
the contract proposal may warrant adjustments to the contract due to a change in
scope of work. For example, during the Conceptual Design phase the site selected
may not be adequate for the size and style of home anticipated, or an initial
budget estimate may not support the degree of detail required per area needs.
Or, after developing the initial floor plan schematics, the total buildable area
may have to be adjusted ±10-40%.
Squatters:
Optional On-location Programming and Conceptual/ Schematic Design
Session
Phase 1 Services
In the late 50's two Texas A&M architects pioneered a process by which
the Owner's program was tested on-location in a relatively short period.
Combined with the French Beaux Arts system of a timely competition under
stressful conditions (the famous charette) this process came to be known as a
squatters design charette. It was an intensive design session allowing direct
feedback by the Owner.
The architect(s) relocate temporarily in the city or town where the Owner
resides, preferably close to the site in mind. The client's program brief is
clarified, evaluated and possibly modified. Upon agreement of the basic
parameters, the architect will study the site and begin sketching several
alternatives in 'bubble-diagram' format until the proper spatial relationships
emerge. One approach is singled out after several attempts, as the agreed-upon
theme becomes key. A conceptual elevation or two is proposed in order to sense
the massing. Style, a result of proportion, height, and preconception may
precondition the floorplan or may evolve depending on site and changing program
specifications. The Owner is reviewing each sketch overlay and edits the
progress of the work.
Next the diagrams are further developed into distinct geometries and checked
with the site conditions. Setbacks, microclimate, vegetation, views, site
improvements, context, vehicular and pedestrian circulation must be observed and
integrated. During this process further alternatives may present themselves. If
the site is generous and relatively level, a plethora of layouts is possible. If
such is the case, a protracted conceptual design session will occur before any 'hardlining'
is attempted.
When the ultimate conceptual plan and elevation is generated in sketch form,
John Henry translates the floorplan into a computer generated scaled drawing,
usually on a portable or laptop computer that can be linked to a large screen
television. The Owner can observe and make changes to the floorplan as it is
being digitized. A flexible CAD program allows the movement and alteration of
any wall. Several small-scaled plans can be hard copied and then a ¼"
scale plan plotted on large sheets from the computer disk. Doors, windows,
plumbing fixtures, cabinetry, porches, stairs, etc. can be altered and developed
into the initial Schematic Plan, fulfilling Phase 1 objectives.
A front view sketch based on the larger plot will be drawn up next. Color and
texture indications will be added. The style is now clear and further
manipulation of the floor plan may be necessary to balance the composition of
the façade. A style change may be possible as well. Overlays and perspective
renderings may follow. If the Owner is very satisfied with this product, further
refinement and progress to the next phase will follow. This section basically
compresses several weeks of the conceptual to schematic design phase in a matter
of 3-7 days and illustrates the basic strategy involved in producing an
acceptable plan and elevation. For complex projects of larger scope (4-7,000
SF+) and on more difficult sites, some additional drafting equipment will be
necessary to keep the scale of the work consistent and may extend the time
period up to two weeks or more.
Phase 2-5 Services (for complete description for Standard and Ultra
Architectural Services read section on Design Process in Creating
the Custom Home or go to Ultra-Custom
Services)
The development of the concept is an orderly process, but as mentioned
earlier, can often loop back to an earlier stage challenging all previously
developed programmatic requirements and philosophical approaches. This is not
bad, but can either lead to frustration or elevate the project to new heights.
Generally, the pre-construction design process is quite satisfying and memorable
to all parties. While the design process is critical to the generation of the
construction documents, additional effort must be taken to insure that
construction is achieving design intent. That means a clear tie-in between
complete specifications and site observation.
A good architect will attempt to communicate the ramifications for each design
decision as clearly as possible to the Owner at each step, although it is my
experience that the finished built product is almost always a surprise, a most
pleasant one. Unanticipated results may be mitigated by the production of
realistic renderings, models, and even CAD generated walk-through programs. The
Owner should attempt to gauge the breadth and height of the anticipated spaces
from existing structures if possible.
Associates:
An architect must rely on a completely experienced group of artists,
designers, draftsmen, and technicians to accomplish good work and buildable
plans. To the following associates I am indebted to making the dream
truly become a reality:
Significant Projects
Jay Sparkman: Moriarty,
Patz, Fields, Azzouz, Stewart, Dyer, Mather, Weppelman, Mukerjee, Sykes,
Villa Verona, Viscaya, Valmoreal, Roberts, Loulourgas, Chianco
Dirk Arace:
Dailey, Hoffner, Natho, Smith, Stout, DiNicola, Mastros, Pierson, Lenoci,
Nana
Scott Williams: Azzouz,
Boucher, Massey, IBK, Owen, Kivlin, Williams. Mattia
Steve Shard:
Miller,
IBK
