Robert Shachtman ARCHITECTURE

When we hired Robert 15 years ago to do an extensive remodel on our seaside home he literally came to the rescue! Having decided to start fresh with a new architect after several dissatisfying designs, A friend referred Robert to us with the highest of accolades. One sitting and one week later, Robert came to us with a design and ideas that instantly translated into the beautiful home that we now live in. We are so proud of its uniqueness. Robert is not only a fastidious technician but just as important his gift for design and space organization is exceptional. He is both an artist and a mathematician and that translates into beautiful homes -- ours is absolutely a jewel box!

Robert is now in the process of designing our guesthouse, which has an inordinate amount of technical and design challenges. He has tackled all the problems, dealing with the engineering considerations and the Building and Safety department obstacles with persistence and diligence.

We will soon break ground on a beautiful companion to our home. Robert’s easy demeanor kept what could have been a stressful process in a very manageable light We know through past experience as we progress along the often complicated construction process, he will be there with us to remedy and smooth any architectural considerations along the way.

In 1993 my wife and I purchased a bluff top property near Paradise cove in Malibu and went on a search for the perfect architect. After many attempts we found Robert and immediately bonded. Not only did he create something historical(people ask us if the home was built in the 20’s) but also a true family home. Over the years the property expanded as did our relationship. There was nothing that we threw at him that he couldn’t handle. In 2003 we started on the pool pavilion, a building that everyone sees marvels at the detail. We had a good idea of how it would look because Robert is not only an architect but he is an artist as well and can make visions come to life on paper. A few years ago we bought a home in Rancho Mirage and were looking to do a very modern but warm house. We immediately went to Robert and asked if he was up for a modern home. He jumped at the chance and more than delivered. We are amazed at how versatile his style can be. His sense of scale is amazing and makes one want to enjoy the whole home.

We will always look forward to working with him in the future and consider him not just our architect but a friend as well.

During our first meeting with Robert my husband and I explained what we envisioned as our dream home. By the time the meeting was over we had a gorgeous sketch of the entry to our new home and it was perfect! Robert's attention to detail is uncanny. From fireplaces to cabinetry, every elevation was well thought out and every detail was taken into consideration.  

At a Christmas party some years ago, I mentioned my acquisition of a highly desirable property on the Malibu Colony Beach to the wife of a (still) highly prominent real estate developer. My intent was to undertake a virtually complete remodel/redevelopment to result in a new structure encompassing approximately 8000 square feet of internal living space plus decks and gardens in an Asian/Pacific architectural style. She suggested I meet with an architect who had done work on her beachfront and other properties. His name was Robert Shachtman. We met, we engaged and we collaborated. The result is nothing less than spectacular. Tile, concrete, limestone, slate, glass, stainless steel and teak were joined by his creative talents into a magnificent beachfront home.

Perhaps best of all was the pleasant experience of working together to produce such a result. Robert is an artist with an engineering sense that produces functional art. Today that beach house retains its classic yet contemporary look that never appears dated.

So pleased with his work was I that a few years later, when I acquired a major property in Bel Air (one of the ten most expensive residential real estate transactions in the United States in the year of purchase), I once again engaged Robert to make substantial changes and additions to meet my family’s lifestyle. Radical changes and additions in the kitchen and pool house incorporating carved limestone, sienna marble, an authentic imported wood-burning pizza oven and rotisserie, without losing the purity of the Regencie style, were implemented successfully, resulting in a home (as my wife said) “Marie Antoinette would be proud of!”

I would use Robert again in any new projects and can unreservedly recommend him for architectural work across a wide spectrum of scope, size and styles.

We love our beautiful new home and are pleased that we chose Robert Shachtman as our architect. Robert was a delight to work with and we found him to have a great ability to understand our wishes and translate them into conceptual sketches and then detailed drawings. Our house truly reflects his designs. It was a pleasure to work with Robert, and he remains a close friend today.