About Us
Design-led.
Vision-driven.
Charity
D’Amato-Crawford
FOUNDER + CREATIVE DIRECTOR
As both a designer and a business owner, I bring heart and hustle to everything I do.
I lead with the belief that great design starts with a solid strategy—fresh, original thinking anchored in experience and insight.
At the studio, I guide our team to deliver creative that works: thoughtful, brand-right solutions that stay on time, on budget, and never off the mark. Whether collaborating with boutique businesses or serving as an extension of a larger in-house team, I ensure the only surprises are the good kind—the ones that spark conversation and elevate results.
Outside the office, I find inspiration in bold color palettes from nature, vintage treasures found while thrifting, and the beauty of travel—whether it’s across the globe or just to a new corner of my own city. Museum visits, architecture, and historic design keep my creativity sharp and ever-evolving.
Ali Forbes
PARTNER + DESIGNER
I find inspiration in everyday beauty—city life, good books, watercolor painting, and the warmth of summer.
For me, design is not only visual; it’s experiential. It’s all around us and, at its best, deeply accessible.
At our studio, we specialize in translating strong concepts into real-world experiences. We bring ideas to life through thoughtful, strategic design that balances aesthetics with function. From digital screens to printed pieces, every detail is crafted to engage and inspire.
Our work is shaped by an appreciation for art, fashion, interiors, and space-making. We apply this sensibility to both our client projects and our personal passions—whether it’s planning an event, curating a tablescape, arranging flowers, or exploring new creative outlets.
While we are designers at our core, we also see ourselves as collaborators, creators, and cultural curators. It’s this hands-on, multidisciplinary approach that sets our studio apart and brings a distinct personality to everything we do.
Charity
D’Amato-Crawford
FOUNDER + CREATIVE DIRECTOR
As both a designer and a business owner, I bring heart and hustle to everything I do. I lead with the belief that great design starts with a solid strategy—fresh, original thinking anchored in experience and insight.
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At the studio, I guide our team to deliver creative that works: thoughtful, brand-right solutions that stay on time, on budget, and never off the mark. Whether collaborating with boutique businesses or serving as an extension of a larger in-house team, I ensure the only surprises are the good kind—the ones that spark conversation and elevate results.
Outside the office, I find inspiration in bold color palettes from nature, vintage treasures found while thrifting, and the beauty of travel—whether it’s across the globe or just to a new corner of my own city. Museum visits, architecture, and historic design keep my creativity sharp and ever-evolving.Description text goes here
Ali Forbes
PARTNER + DESIGNER
I find inspiration in everyday beauty—city life, good books, watercolor painting, and the warmth of summer.
For me, design is not only visual; it’s experiential. It’s all around us and, at its best, deeply accessible.
-
At our studio, we specialize in translating strong concepts into real-world experiences. We bring ideas to life through thoughtful, strategic design that balances aesthetics with function. From digital screens to printed pieces, every detail is crafted to engage and inspire.
Our work is shaped by an appreciation for art, fashion, interiors, and space-making. We apply this sensibility to both our client projects and our personal passions—whether it’s planning an event, curating a tablescape, arranging flowers, or exploring new creative outlets.
While we are designers at our core, we also see ourselves as collaborators, creators, and cultural curators. It’s this hands-on, multidisciplinary approach that sets our studio apart and brings a distinct personality to everything we do.
Our History
studio Chartreuse (previously called Chartreuse, Inc.) was founded in the attic studio of Charity D'Amato-Crawford’s first home in 2003. A bright studio space filled with antiques, painting, sewing & craft supplies, and stacks of paper swatch books, it was a place for learning, laying down roots, and dreaming up creative designs for her growing client base.
Recognized by The Plain Dealer and Inside Business Magazine as a rising design entrepreneur within her first year in business, Charity spent most of her days meeting with prospective clients, having coffee with fellow creatives, and engaging with young professional organizations to develop her solid network. In 2005, Charity won first place in the COSE Business Plan Challenge, where she covered all the details of running a profitable and successful design firm. The work was refreshing, colorful, and fun. As a result, the studio became known as a creative destination for unique design offerings from a passionate Cleveland cheerleader.
As the client list grew, so did the team. Passionate about the Lakewood community, Charity opened a storefront studio on Carabel Ave. and then ultimately purchased the current studio building located on the corner of Madison and Larchmont Ave on the west end of Lakewood. Here she would transform the former dark doctor’s office into a bright studio, welcoming to clients, friends, and other creative entrepreneurs. Remodeling the interiors and expanding the space to connect to an outdoor creative space, The Petit Parc quickly became the highlight to client meetings, creative brainstorms & work sessions, and Art in the Parc (a friends-of-the-studio art sale); the fresh air makes everything more imaginative.
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The design team at studio Chartreuse have traveled cross-country for client photoshoots and specialty press approvals. They have attended national conferences, soaking up new approaches in the design industry. They practice sustainability in their client design work and have been recognized by the national Green Plus organization. In addition, they've been selected as part of an elite group of global designers in an ongoing educational effort to learn about the process of making paperboard within the packaging industry.
And to that, we toast and say “cheers” to another successful twenty years of growth and design greatness.
Looking for a new creative partner? We welcome the opportunity to meet with you and learn more about how we can be an integral part of your project's success.
Our History
studio Chartreuse (previously called Chartreuse, Inc.) was founded in the attic studio of Charity D'Amato-Crawford’s first home in 2003. A bright studio space filled with antiques, painting, sewing & craft supplies, and stacks of paper swatch books, it was a place for learning, laying down roots, and dreaming up creative designs for her growing client base.
-
Recognized by The Plain Dealer and Inside Business Magazine as a rising design entrepreneur within her first year in business, Charity spent most of her days meeting with prospective clients, having coffee with fellow creatives, and engaging with young professional organizations to develop her solid network. In 2005, Charity won first place in the COSE Business Plan Challenge, where she covered all the details of running a profitable and successful design firm. The work was refreshing, colorful, and fun. As a result, the studio became known as a creative destination for unique design offerings from a passionate Cleveland cheerleader.
As the client list grew, so did the team. Passionate about the Lakewood community, Charity opened a storefront studio on Carabel Ave. and then ultimately purchased the current studio building located on the corner of Madison and Larchmont Ave on the west end of Lakewood. Here she would transform the former dark doctor’s office into a bright studio, welcoming to clients, friends, and other creative entrepreneurs. Remodeling the interiors and expanding the space to connect to an outdoor creative space, The Petit Parc quickly became the highlight to client meetings, creative brainstorms & work sessions, and Art in the Parc (a friends-of-the-studio art sale); the fresh air makes everything more imaginative.The design team at studio Chartreuse have traveled cross-country for client photoshoots and specialty press approvals. They have attended national conferences, soaking up new approaches in the design industry. They practice sustainability in their client design work and have been recognized by the national Green Plus organization. In addition, they've been selected as part of an elite group of global designers in an ongoing educational effort to learn about the process of making paperboard within the packaging industry.
And to that, we toast and say “cheers” to another successful twenty years of growth and design greatness.
Looking for a new creative partner? We welcome the opportunity to meet with you and learn more about how we can be an integral part of your project's success.