AWARD-WINNING DESIGNS . . . 

John Henry has designed starter homes from 1200 square feet to luxury estates ranging from 10 to 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, Illinois, Delaware, and Texas and is a member of the American Institute of Architects and holds NCARB certification (grants reciprocal licensing in any state). He has won numerous regional awards for his highly original period style work. John Henry 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. 
 
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.

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.

 

Awards


1990 Orlando Magazine, Achievements in Architecture, Best Architectural Design, "Mere Belle"
1991 Golden Aurora Award, 11 State Regional Competition, Best of Show "Viscaya"
1991 Best in American Living, National Competition, NAHB and Professional Builder Finalist
1991 HBA Parade of Homes, Orlando Best of Show "Chateaux Marseilles"
1992 Custom Builder, National Competition, Best Architectural Exterior Details, "Mere Belle"
1992 Grand Aurora Award, 11 State Regional Competition, First Place, "Descombes Residence", (Frank Lloyd Wright style)
1992 'Street of Dreams', Best of Show, Best Architectural Design "Villa Verona"
1992 International Ironworks, First Place, Ceremonial Gates, "Mere Belle"
1993 Orlando Magazine, Best Architectural Design 1993, Residential category, "Villa Verona"
1997 'Street of Dreams', Best of Show, Best Architectural Design "Valmoreal" (w/ Bernie Johnson)
1998 Southeast Builder's Conference, Aurora Award "Valmoreal"

Publication/Citations

1991 Professional Builder, Chateaux Marseilles
1991 Florida Home Builder, Viscaya
1991 Sun Coast Architect, Viscaya
1991 Southeast Home Builder, Viscaya, Villa Verona
1991 Orlando Sentinel, "Million Dollar Estate, Mere Belle"
1991 Orlando Sentinel, "The Southeast's Best", Viscaya
1992 Professional Builder, Intellinet System, Mere Belle
1992 Florida Design, Viscaya
1992 Unique Homes, "Descombes Residence", Mere Belle
1992 Orlando Sentinel, Villa Verona
1992 Metro, Villa Verona
1993 Naples Daily, "The New Traditionalism"
1993 Orlando Magazine, Showcase/Bio
1993 Master Plan, Master Custom Builder's Council, Villa Verona
1993 Orlando Sentinel, "Winner Style", Mather Residence
1993 Florida Design, Villa Verona, Descombes Residence
1993 Luxury Homes, Villa Verona
1993 Custom Builder, Siding Choices
1993 Master Plan, "The New Traditionalism"
1994 Orlando Sentinel, "Traditional Architecture"
1994 Florida Design, Miami Herald, Tampa Tribune , 'Maison Grande'
1995 Orlando Sentinel, "21st Century House"
1995 Luxury Homes, Professional Builder, Florida Homebuilder, 'Maison Grande''
1995 Orlando Magazine, 'Dyer Residence''
1995 Southern Living, Wall Street Journal , ' 21st Century House'
1995 Wall Street Journal, Orlando Sentinel, Orlando Business Journal, Progressive Architecture: 'A Wrinkle in Time'
1996 Wall Street Journal, Orlando Sentinel, Houston , Disney's Celebration

1998 Unique Homes, Christie's Great Estates, duPont Registry of Fine Homes, Payne Stewart residence

1998 Orlando Sentinel, The New Traditionals

1998 Contemporary Stone Design, Mere Belle

1998 Homes and Land, 'Classical Renaissance'

1998 The American Society of Architectural Perspectivists, Designated Entry, Levy Residence

2000 Design Build Business and Entablature. 'The Future of the American Luxury Home'

2000 Good Morning America, "Chateaux des Reves" feature

2006 Orlando Magazine, Mediterranean Contemporary

2007 Orlando Homebuyer, Multi-Generational House