The work of CLEVELAND HARP ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN is typified by the term 'dialogue'. Questions are asked of the client, of team professionals, and of the site itself. A conversation follows. The goal is to uncover the underlying forces which can propel the work toward a successful realization.

For over twenty years, commissioned works, or 'Projects,' have been informed by 'Placemaking' investigations, and vice versa. Placemaking may be in the form of competitions, collaborations, or research. Ideas inform reality; in turn realized work informs design theory.

The Latin term 'genius loci' refers to the spirit of place. 'Genius loci' is that which makes a place distinctive, unique. Writer Christian Norberg-Schulz distinguished 'genius loci' as the essential understanding required to make a memorable place, whether by design professionals or by untutored place-makers.

The work of CLEVELAND HARP asks - what about a built environment can anchor us to a particular place and time? What about a place calls forth a timeless experience, a sense of the infinite?

The character of the work emerges from these understandings.

The commitment of the work is always to design excellence.