The Story Behind the Method
The Harkrader Method is the result of more than fifty years of observation, experimentation and thoughtful practice — built not only through architecture, but through a shared life dedicated to understanding how buildings can better serve both people and the natural world.
WHERE IT BEGAN
It began with curiosity.
The Harkrader Method began with a simple question: how can we live comfortably, but use far less resources?
That question led Richard Harkrader on a journey of innovation. Rather than accepting conventional approaches, he became deeply interested in the relationship between buildings, climate, sunlight and the people who inhabit them. Alongside his wife Lonna, that curiosity gradually evolved into a shared philosophy.
BUILDING A LIFE AROUND AN IDEA
A shared life's work.
For Richard and Lonna, construction and real estate was never simply a profession. It became part of the way they lived. Together they spent decades building homes, raising a family, and continually refining an approach that placed people, nature and thoughtful design at its centre.
Every project became another opportunity to learn. Over time, those experiences became something much larger than individual projects — they became a legacy of homes which have inspired generations of tenants and homeowners.
"The best buildings allow us to live differently."
A LIFETIME OF PRACTICE
Decades of thoughtful building.
Rather than chasing architectural trends, Richard continued refining the same fundamental question:
How can buildings work more efficiently with their environment while improving everyday life?
DESIGN / BUILD / SPEC
The legacy is the buildings.
When Richard Harkrader trained as an architect at Cornell University, it became clear to him that architecture and construction are traditionally treated as two separate professions.
Part of the Harkrader method’s innovation is in bringing them close together - so that efficiency in design translates directly into efficiency in construction.
Being both an architect and a general contractor allowed him to refine architectural design to save time and money in construction, while building more efficient homes for the long-term.
Richard and Lonna built homes and apartments on “spec” - selling and leasing them after construction was complete. This allowed them to keep full control over design and construction methods.
PRESERVING THE LEGACY
Why Harkrader House exists.
As Richard and Lonna entered retirement, it became clear that the knowledge they had developed deserved to be preserved and shared. Harkrader House exists to gather their lifetime of knowledge into one accessible educational resource.
Not simply to honour the past. But to inspire future homeowners, architects, builders, students and educators to think differently about the buildings they create.
Knowledge only becomes a legacy when it is shared.
A legacy for future generations.
The Harkrader Method belongs not to one architect, but to everyone who believes that better buildings begin with better thinking. We hope these ideas will continue to be explored, adapted and shared.