R2L is inspired by cities and their historical fabric. We analyze the immediate site context and interpret the unique history of surrounding neighborhoods to inform our designs. Because our large projects represent a significant private sector investment in each community, we strive to best integrate, repair, and enhance the neighborhoods and cities where we work.

Our buildings are responsible stewards of client funds. We collaborate with clients, subcontractors, and craftsmen to develop each project into an effective, efficient design. Efficient use of materials, systems, details, and energy result in higher performing, more beautiful structures. Efficient buildings with longer lifespans are more environmentally sustainable.

There are universal principles of beauty that we try to understand and produce in each work. We explore these universal principles of beauty across a variety of contemporary and traditional design styles, and present them in a way that is both functional and compelling. We believe that our buildings should be beautiful to both design professionals and the community at large.

Each design challenge considers the human, civic, and urban scale. Scale informs our buildings inside and out. We apply rigorous thought, passion, and creativity to projects of all sizes, from row house renovations in historic neighborhoods to urban mixed-use high rises to area master plans. Buildings should be beautiful from every vantage point, near and far.

An R2L building is a good neighbor. Projects are successful when they are well received by the communities in which we work. We seek opportunities to better the public realm, further public planning efforts, and provide dynamic, mixed-use programming to enhance the streetscape.

Each R2L project considers the tactile qualities (texture, color, reflectance of light) and project constraints (installation, cost, durability). We place premium materials where they can be seen and enjoyed by all. Materials are chosen for their effectiveness, sustainability, constructability, and sense of place.