Business Details
33 Years
experience
Creating Spaces with Purpose in Cleveland
City Architecture has been shaping Cleveland's urban landscape for three decades through community-driven design and innovative planning. Founded on principles of social consciousness and civic duty, our firm combines architectural excellence with deep community engagement to create spaces that foster connection and growth. Our multidisciplinary team of licensed architects, urban designers, and planners brings decades of collective experience in transforming neighborhoods through mixed-use developments, historic preservation, and sustainable infrastructure projects.We distinguish ourselves through our collaborative approach that prioritizes stakeholder input, evidenced by our involvement in over 250 award-winning projects that reflect our commitment to design integrity and community impact. Our technical expertise in construction administration and quality control ensures every project achieves both aesthetic excellence and functional longevity.
Services
Urban Planning
Architectural Design
Community Engagement
Historic Preservation
Construction Administration
Sustainable Design
Master Planning
Streetscape Development
Mixed-Use Development
Neighborhood Revitalization
Details
- Year established: 1993
Highlights and features
- 30 years of Cleveland community-focused design experience
- Award-winning urban revitalization projects across Northeast Ohio
- LEED-certified professionals leading sustainable development initiatives
- Proven success in historic preservation tax credit projects
- Holistic approach combining architecture, planning, and construction expertise
Associations and certifications
- AIA
- AICP
- LEED AP
- NCARB
- EcoDistricts AP
- Green Associate
What people say
Award-winning designs
Community-driven approach
Historic preservation expertise
Sustainable solutions
Responsive team
Services
Urban Planning
Our urban planning services create walkable, sustainable communities through comprehensive master plans and neighborhood revitalization strategies. We specialize in transit-oriented development, streetscape improvements, and mixed-use zoning that balances growth with historic preservation. Our planners hold AICP and EcoDistricts certifications.
Architectural Design
We deliver innovative architectural solutions for residential, commercial, and institutional projects with a focus on context-sensitive design. Our LEED-certified architects create energy-efficient buildings that respect historic character while meeting modern functional needs through proven construction administration expertise.
Community Engagement
Our community engagement process ensures stakeholder voices shape every project through workshops, surveys, and interactive design sessions. We employ non-traditional engagement methods to reach diverse populations, creating inclusive plans that reflect neighborhood aspirations and priorities.
Historic Preservation
We specialize in preserving architectural heritage through adaptive reuse projects that maintain historic integrity while meeting contemporary needs. Our team has completed multiple tax credit-qualified renovations, including transforming the Mayflower Hotel into affordable housing and restoring League Park's baseball stadium.
Sustainable Design
Our sustainable design approach integrates energy-efficient systems and eco-friendly materials while prioritizing walkability and green spaces. LEED-certified professionals guide projects to achieve environmental goals without compromising design quality or community needs.
People
Alex J. Pesta
Principal/Partner
Licensed architect and urban planner with expertise in city master plans and mixed-use developments. Focuses on community-driven design that balances urban growth with neighborhood character preservation through effective stakeholder engagement.
Katie Veasey Gillette
Principal/Partner
Community-oriented architect leading complex urban design projects. Specializes in creating people-centered spaces that enhance civic life through strategic planning and collaborative design processes that prioritize social impact.
John E.J. Wagner
Principal/Partner
Experienced project leader combining urban design expertise with construction knowledge. Focuses on context-sensitive solutions that integrate buildings with their surrounding environment through innovative design approaches at multiple scales.
Krysta Pesarchick
Senior City Planner
Urban planner specializing in biophilic design and sustainable community development. Works at multiple scales to create thriving neighborhoods through environmentally conscious planning and neighborhood revitalization initiatives.
Benny H.B. Chew
Associate Principal
Architect with extensive experience in healthcare, residential, and institutional projects. Focuses on design excellence from concept through construction, ensuring quality control and attention to detail in every project phase.
Questions
What architectural services does City Architecture offer?
We provide comprehensive architectural services including urban planning, historic preservation, mixed-use developments, streetscape design, and sustainable building solutions tailored to Cleveland's unique urban environment.
How long has City Architecture served Cleveland?
Our firm has been shaping Cleveland's urban landscape through community-focused design since 1993, with over 30 years of local experience.
What makes City Architecture different from other firms?
We combine technical expertise with deep community engagement, holding LEED certifications and historic preservation credentials that inform our sustainable, context-sensitive designs.
Can City Architecture handle historic building renovations?
Yes, we specialize in historic preservation with multiple award-winning projects, including adaptive reuse of culturally significant buildings like the Mayflower Hotel and League Park.
What areas does City Architecture serve?
While based in Cleveland, we work throughout Northeast Ohio including Akron, Sandusky, and Cuyahoga Falls, with expertise in urban revitalization across diverse communities.
