As fellow Virginians and Americans, we are deeply saddened and disturbed by the violence, bigotry, and hatred that were recently displayed in Charlottesville – a place many of us have called home at one time or another. We join with those who condemn the repugnant views of neo-Nazis, white nationalists, and white supremacists, whose message attempts to sow fear and division among us.

The evil they espouse stands in direct contradiction to our firm’s mission of “elevating the human spirit.” As we serve our clients in cultural institutions and the arts, in higher education and government, in hospitality and community partnerships, we believe that design can bring people together and provide places for civil discourse, understanding, and sharing in the human experience. We don’t have all the answers, but the tragic events in Charlottesville remind us of the words of the New Testament, “Do not let evil conquer you, but use good to defeat evil.” (Romans 12:21).

As quoted above, our founder Jim Glavé spoke about the importance to cities of space devoted not to commerce or habitat, but to cultivating and enriching the human spirit. He believed that the institutions that build these spaces and structures provide a framework for civility, virtue, beauty, morality, and self-restraint. The actions of this past weekend have caused us to reaffirm our goals of creating architecture and design which promote a sense of unity, beauty, and care for all people.  Mindful that the journey is still before us, we are renewed in our dedication to create buildings and places which strengthen our community, our Commonwealth, and our country through nurturing shared values, common respect, and goodwill among all.