Ours was not a big job in terms of square feet or professional fees. However, John treated us as if we were clients on a multi-million dollar project.  Modifying the predictable approach of an all-white modern space, he suggested that we paint the core of the unit a bold color.  Based on his low-key yet confident approach, we all agreed and it turned out to be the definitive feature in our home.

Once the renovation was underway, John was always accessible, responsive and able to spend time with us as needed.  He worked well with contractors and vendors on our behalf.  And, he was cost-conscious—for example, selecting bathroom tiles at a moderate price point that replicated the costly Italian product. We love the design work: the long marble-topped consoles in the living room, the office built-ins and the bathrooms.

In short, it was a pleasure to work with John and Halflants + Pichette, and we would be delighted to recommend him to our friends.

Penny Deitch, Client

Halflants+Pichette’s design work is both strongly influenced by international modernism and profoundly rooted in the subtropical vernacular of South Florida with its courtyards and covered terraces, producing high quality design work that is responsive to context, function, and programmatic constraints.

Rene Davids, Professor, University of California, Berkeley

No doubt Halflants + Pichette is one of the very best design firms in the region. This evaluation is based not only upon the representational drawings and models of their work, but also on my personal visit to the Solstice House in Sarasota. This house presents their exceptional ability to interpret the conditions of the site in such a way that the house mediates between the land and the sea, and the land and the sky, while satisfying the programmatic needs as a residence.

Jin Baek, Ph. D. Department of Architecture, Pennsylvania State University

Michael Halflants and John Pichette draw upon precedents of significant modern icons of the Sarasota School and bring to the work a broader international sensibility. The projects deftly build on the Sarasota traditions without mimicking the modern masters that came before, engaging the broader architectural discourse that transcends this region. I have no doubt that the work that comes out of this partnership will be of the highest quality.

Craig Borum, PLY Architecture Principal, Associate Professor, University of Michigan

Halflants + Pichette carry on the best qualities of modern architecture, both regionally within the “Sarasota School” tradition and, as a critically engaged 21st century architects, within a global culture of architecture.

Santiago Perez, Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture, University of Houston

Michael listened to our ideas and desires. He analyzed the site meticulously. We now live in the house and every day I am amazed at how well the views are framed. The spaces are laid out perfectly for entertaining as well as for more introspective activities. I would recommend Halflants + Pichette as architects to anyone interested in a creative approach to modern living. A house should reflect the tastes and ideals of its occupants and the times in which we live. Ours does these things awesomely.

Janet Schrock Ph.D., Client

The projects are extremely well conceived both formally and environmentally. Their contribution to the profession is to be found in the application of well-understood formal ordering system and spatial development that is married to an understanding of (green) design.

David Cronrath, Dean, College of Art & Design Louisiana State University

What impresses me the most about Halflants & Pichette’s work in general is that it clearly builds upon the modern tradition without reducing it to a collection of tricks and signs. The Schrock House seems to pick up where Rudolph left off in 1960. It also synthesizes the architectural promenade of Le Corbusier, the inhabitable stepped roof of Libera’s Casa Malaparte, and numerous other lessons exhibited in early to mid 20th century modern architecture. They are demonstrating an ability to interpret, transform, and assimilate that tradition into works that are unique to the particular situations presented to them. I am confident that the Schrock House is a tremendous promise of more excellent work to come.

Ron Dulaney, Division of Design, University of West Virginia

The work produced by the firm exhibits insight and elegance, as well as a keen understanding of regional context and sustainable practices.

Marilys Nepomechie, Associate Professor, Florida International University

I have always had a great deal of respect for John as he is the epitome of a hard working, committed professional, extremely talented and articulate with his work, and a great influence on those he comes in contact with through his practice. John’s personal commitment to the industry, both as a professional and a mentor, demonstrates his passion for the process and procurement of good design. He is extremely active educating himself on evolving design trends, new construction techniques, and materials technology.

Jeffrey Sommers, Principal, Square Root Architecture + Design, Chicago

Michael understood our objectives, listened to our concerns and then came up with plans to accomplish that which we wanted. There were changes we wanted to make and some were readily accepted and others were rejected. His reasons for the rejections were always well defined.

One hears many horror stories about home construction, even more so when it is a renovation. We had a positive experience, even with a few crises. Much of this was due to Michael’s understanding of what we wanted, his diligence in managing the job and his patience in dealing with our many questions and requests. He had established an effective working relationship with our General Contractor. The process of building our addition, which turned out even better than we anticipated, was painless thanks to Michael. If I ever become involved with another building project, I would want Michael Halflants there representing my interests.

Leslie Fishman, Owner