Business Details
33 Years
experience
Cleveland Urban Design & Planning Experts
City Architecture has been shaping Cleveland's urban landscape for three decades through community-driven design and planning. Our multidisciplinary team combines architectural expertise with urban design principles to create spaces that foster social connection and economic vitality. With a focus on equitable development, we specialize in transforming underutilized areas into vibrant neighborhoods through master planning, streetscape design, and historic preservation. Our collaborative approach engages stakeholders at every project phase, ensuring solutions reflect community needs while maintaining technical excellence.We integrate sustainable practices across all projects, from mixed-use developments to public infrastructure, while maintaining a commitment to accessibility and universal design standards. Our firm's leadership in regional revitalization efforts has been recognized through numerous industry awards and long-standing partnerships with civic organizations.
Services
Urban Planning
Architectural Design
Streetscape Revitalization
Historic Preservation
Community Engagement Planning
Details
- Year established: 1993
Highlights and features
- 30 years of Cleveland neighborhood revitalization experience
- Award-winning community engagement planning processes
- Integrated architecture and urban design approach
- LEED-certified sustainable design expertise
- Proven track record with municipal infrastructure projects
Associations and certifications
- AIA
- AICP
- LEED AP
What people say
Award-winning urban designs
Exceptional community engagement
Proven revitalization expertise
Historic preservation leadership
Sustainable development approach
Services
Urban Planning
We develop comprehensive urban plans that balance growth with community character. Our approach combines data analysis with stakeholder input to create actionable strategies for neighborhood revitalization, transportation systems, and economic development. Projects include master plans for downtown districts, waterfront redevelopments, and transit-oriented communities.
Architectural Design
Our architectural practice focuses on context-sensitive solutions that respect historic fabric while incorporating modern functionality. We specialize in mixed-use developments, adaptive reuse projects, and institutional buildings that meet LEED certification standards. Recent work includes market-rate housing, cultural centers, and healthcare facilities.
Streetscape Revitalization
We transform urban corridors into pedestrian-friendly environments through comprehensive streetscape design. Our solutions integrate multimodal transportation options, green infrastructure, and public art to create cohesive, accessible spaces that enhance local commerce and community interaction.
Historic Preservation
Our preservation expertise maintains architectural heritage while enabling modern adaptation. We employ tax credit programs and historic zoning regulations to restore significant structures, ensuring they remain viable community assets through sensitive rehabilitation and reuse strategies.
Community Engagement
We facilitate inclusive planning processes that empower residents and stakeholders. Our methods include workshops, charrettes, and digital platforms that gather diverse perspectives, ensuring projects reflect community values and achieve broad-based support.
People
Alex J. Pesta
Principal/Partner
A licensed architect and urban planner with expertise in public space design. He specializes in creating implementable plans that balance community needs with technical feasibility while maintaining design excellence.
John E.J. Wagner
Principal/Partner
Focuses on urban-scale projects that integrate architectural quality with contextual sensitivity. His work emphasizes collaborative design processes that translate client visions into award-winning built solutions.
Katie Veasey Gillette
Principal/Partner
Community-oriented architect with emphasis on civic projects that create lasting public value. She combines technical expertise with a commitment to social responsibility in all project phases.
Mathew Spencer
Principal/Partner
Specializes in historic preservation and adaptive reuse projects. His work focuses on revitalizing communities through context-sensitive design that respects architectural heritage while meeting modern needs.
Michelle Bandy-Zalatoris
Director of Planning & Urban Design
Urban designer with expertise in creating walkable, mixed-use communities. She leads planning initiatives that rebuild urban cores while prioritizing equitable access to public spaces and amenities.
Questions
What geographic areas do you specialize in?
We focus primarily on Northeast Ohio with particular expertise in Cleveland, Akron, Sandusky, and surrounding communities.
What project types do you handle?
We work on urban planning, architectural design, streetscape revitalization, historic preservation, and community engagement initiatives.
How do you involve communities in planning?
We use workshops, public meetings, and digital platforms to gather input and ensure projects reflect community needs.
Are you involved in sustainable design?
Yes, we incorporate green infrastructure and LEED-certified practices in all our projects.
What makes you different from other firms?
Our unique combination of technical expertise and deep community engagement creates lasting, implementable solutions.
