Business Details
33 Years
experience
Creating Purposeful Spaces Through Architecture
City Architecture has been shaping Cleveland's urban landscape for 30 years through community-driven design. Founded on principles of social consciousness and civic duty, we specialize in creating spaces that foster connection and reflect local identity. Our multidisciplinary team combines architectural expertise with urban planning to deliver holistic solutions for neighborhoods, institutions, and public spaces. With a focus on sustainable development and historic preservation, we've earned over 250 awards for design excellence.Our approach emphasizes collaboration with clients and communities to ensure projects meet both functional needs and long-term vision. From master planning to construction administration, we maintain rigorous quality control while prioritizing accessibility and universal design. Our work extends beyond buildings to influence policy and create environments where communities thrive. As a firm with deep local roots, we remain committed to advancing Cleveland's revitalization through purposeful design.
Services
Urban Planning
Architectural Design
Community Engagement
Historic Preservation
Streetscape Design
Master Planning
Construction Administration
Sustainable Development
Public Space Design
Mixed-Use Development
Details
- Year established: 1993
Highlights and features
- 30 years of Cleveland community-focused design expertise
- Award-winning team with over 250 industry recognitions
- LEED-certified professionals for sustainable development
- Holistic approach combining architecture and urban planning
- Proven track record in historic preservation projects
What people say
Award-winning designs
Community-driven approach
Historic preservation expertise
Transformative projects
30-year legacy
Services
Urban Planning
Our urban planning services create vibrant, sustainable communities through comprehensive master plans and neighborhood revitalization strategies. We combine technical expertise with community engagement to develop walkable, mixed-use environments that enhance quality of life. Projects integrate transportation networks, public spaces, and economic development initiatives to create cohesive urban ecosystems that support long-term growth.
Architectural Design
We deliver innovative architectural solutions that balance aesthetic vision with functional requirements across residential, commercial, and institutional projects. Our designs emphasize contextual sensitivity, sustainable materials, and universal accessibility while maintaining strict construction quality control. From adaptive reuse to new construction, we create spaces that reflect client identity and community character.
Historic Preservation
Specializing in historic building rehabilitation, we preserve architectural heritage while implementing modern functionality through tax credit-qualified renovations. Our approach maintains original design elements while integrating contemporary systems for adaptive reuse projects that honor history while meeting current needs.
Community Engagement
We employ innovative outreach strategies including pop-up events, virtual platforms, and interactive workshops to ensure inclusive community input in planning processes. This approach creates more representative designs that reflect diverse stakeholder perspectives and build grassroots support for development projects.
Streetscape Design
Our streetscape designs transform urban corridors into pedestrian-friendly environments with enhanced safety features, green infrastructure, and public art integration. We create multi-modal transportation systems that balance vehicular traffic with walkability, incorporating sustainable elements like permeable paving and native landscaping.
People
Alex J. Pesta
Principal/Partner
AIA, AICP, and LEED AP-certified architect with expertise in urban design and project management. Specializes in creating neighborhood-scale master plans that balance development with community needs while maintaining strong client relationships.
Benny H.B. Chew
Associate Principal
Licensed architect with extensive experience in recreational, healthcare, and institutional projects. Focuses on maintaining design integrity and quality control across all project phases from concept to construction completion.
John E.J. Wagner
Principal/Partner
AIA, NCARB, and LEED AP-certified architect leading projects through all development phases. Emphasizes collaborative design solutions that balance urban context with contemporary architectural language for community-focused outcomes.
Katie Veasey Gillette
Principal/Partner
AIA and NCARB-certified architect specializing in community-oriented urban design. Leads master planning initiatives while maintaining active involvement in civic organizations and neighborhood revitalization efforts.
Mathew Spencer
Principal/Partner
Licensed architect with focus on historic preservation and universal design. Manages projects that integrate historic sensitivity with modern functionality while contributing to Cleveland's urban core revitalization through professional and residential involvement.
Questions
What services does City Architecture offer?
We provide architectural design, urban planning, historic preservation, streetscape design, and community engagement services for public and private sector clients.
How long has City Architecture served Cleveland?
We've been shaping Cleveland's urban landscape through purposeful design since 1993, with over 30 years of local experience.
What makes City Architecture unique?
Our community-first approach combines architectural excellence with urban planning expertise to create spaces that reflect local identity and foster connection.
Do you work on historic buildings?
Yes, we specialize in historic preservation with multiple award-winning projects that maintain architectural heritage while meeting modern needs.
What areas do you serve?
While based in Cleveland, we work throughout Northeast Ohio including Akron, Sandusky, and Cuyahoga Falls with national project experience.
How do you involve communities in projects?
We employ innovative engagement methods including pop-up events, virtual platforms, and interactive workshops to ensure community voices shape our designs.
