The United States of America is the heart of modern architectural spirit, with the world’s best firms pushing the boundaries of design, innovation and sustainability. It was during the 20th century that American architecture established its distinct identity. The inception of the Chicago School of Architecture revolutionized building construction, paving the way for the birth of the skyscraper. Iconic architects like Louis Sullivan and Frank Lloyd Wright further challenged conventions, embracing new materials and organic design principles. The emergence of the International Style in the mid-20th century marked another milestone in the country’s architecture. Architects like Mies van der Rohe and Philip Johnson championed this movement, giving rise to iconic structures like the Seagram Building and the Glass House. Meanwhile, the post-war era brought the birth of the suburbs and the proliferation of ranch-style homes, embodying the American dream of spacious living in a picturesque setting.
Even today, architectural firms across the country continue to redefine the built environment. From the East Coast to the West, from historic to Avant-garde, from imposing edifices to community spaces that foster connection, the country boasts a diverse array of firms working in different spectrums of design. The following list is a selection of 50 architectural firms that embody the essence of American architecture.
With a legacy extending for more than eight decades, SOM has stood as a trailblazer in interdisciplinary design long before the notion became commonplace. Established by architects and an engineer, the firm's philosophy is deeply entrenched in cross-disciplinary collaboration, encompassing fields like architecture, engineering, planning, and design. SOM's diverse teams blend artistic creativity, technical expertise, and knowledge of policy and economics to create innovative solutions that transcend individual perspectives. Notably, the firm is recognized for merging architecture and structural engineering in iconic projects like Lever House and Burj Khalifa. Beyond its architectural achievements, SOM is committed to sustainability, aiming for net-zero carbon emissions in its operations and design projects by 2040.
Perkins and Will, a global interdisciplinary design practice, places architecture at its core. With a legacy spanning back to 1935, the firm has established itself as a North American leader in architecture, renowned for exceptional design and extensive expertise. Its commitment to design excellence centres on serving society's broader goals, prioritizing people in all aspects of their work. Founded by Lawrence B. Perkins and Philip Will, Jr. in Chicago, the firm's passion for innovation and people-centric approach continues to shape its projects. Additionally, the firm offers a unique digital museum experience showcasing its rich design history through archived sketches, plans, and photographs.
Olson Kundig is a versatile design firm offering comprehensive services, encompassing a wide array of projects like residences, museums, hospitality spaces, commercial establishments, academic structures, and places of worship. Headed by five owners and supported by a team of principals, associates, and staff, the firm is situated in downtown Seattle with an additional workspace in New York. Originating in 1966 under architect Jim Olson, its ethos centres on harmonizing buildings with landscapes and enhancing people's lives. Beyond its renowned residential work, the firm's expertise spans global locations and diverse project scales. It maintains a consistent commitment to attention to detail and environmental consciousness across various contexts, reflecting the firm's devotion to design excellence.
Studio Gang, under the leadership of Jeanne Gang, is a prominent architecture and urban design firm situated in Chicago and with branches in New York, San Francisco, and Paris. At the core of the studio's purpose is the shaping of the future through partnerships with individuals, organizations, and cities, in order to envision and bring to life their ambitions. With a collective comprising more than 100 architects, designers, and planners, Studio Gang employs design as a means to cultivate links among individuals, communities, and the surrounding environment. Through close collaboration with clients and experts across various domains, the firm creates innovative projects spanning architecture, urbanism, interiors, and exhibitions, addressing diverse scales and contexts.
Established in 1965, Gensler stands as a prominent global entity renowned for its expertise in architecture, design, and planning. With a presence in 53 locations and a workforce of 7,000 professionals spanning the Americas, Europe, Greater China, Asia Pacific, and the Middle East, the company operates across a comprehensive array of 29 practice areas. Gensler's core mission revolves around shaping a better world through design, collaborating with over 4,000 clients in domains including work, lifestyle, community, and health. The firm's cohesion is fueled by a common purpose, pioneering research, and a diverse workforce, propelling advancement into a new era of design-driven solutions, underpinned by a cohesive culture and unwavering commitment to positively addressing society's challenges.
Established in 1981, Diller Scofidio + Renfro (DS+R) is a dynamic design studio based in New York. This multidisciplinary practice delves into architecture, urban design, installation art, digital media, and more. With a focus on cultural and civic projects, DS+R is led by partners Elizabeth Diller, Ricardo Scofidio, Charles Renfro, and Benjamin Gilmartin, along with a team of over 100 experts. Its groundbreaking work has garnered recognition on TIME's "100 Most Influential People" list and received the pioneering MacArthur Foundation grant for their innovative approach that merges architecture, performance, and electronic media. Notable projects encompass the transformation of the High Line rail infrastructure into a public park, the reinvention of Lincoln Center, and the creation of Zaryadye Park near Moscow's iconic Red Square.
7. Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates
KPF is a comprehensive architectural firm dedicated to designing buildings across various types and locations. Its portfolio spans from the tallest skyscrapers to innovative structures. The firm prioritizes intelligent solutions tailored to each project, rejecting fixed styles. The firm's design goals encompass functionality, urban integration, sustainability, commercial viability, and community engagement. Its diverse team of over 700 includes seasoned architects and driven newcomers, striving to blend experience with innovation. Led by 34 principals, the firm operates from offices in New York, London, San Francisco, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Seoul, Berlin, and Singapore.
HOK is a global firm in design, architecture, engineering, and planning. With 1,600 professionals spanning 26 offices across three continents, the team unites to tackle global challenges. Comprising forward-looking thinkers and creators, the firm strives to enhance lives, assist clients, and restore the environment. HOK's culture thrives on the fusion of artistic creativity and scientific precision, driven by a strong sense of purpose.
Weiss/Manfredi Architecture/Landscape/Urbanism stands at the forefront of innovative architectural design that redefines the interplay between architecture, landscape, infrastructure, and art. The firm, celebrated for its visionary approach, has been honored with prestigious awards like the Thomas Jefferson Foundation Medal in Architecture and the Cooper Hewitt National Design Award. Its portfolio encompasses transformative projects that prioritize environmental sustainability, such as the Seattle Museum of Art's Olympic Sculpture Park and the Brooklyn Botanic Garden Visitor Center. The firm's impact extends through awards, exhibitions, and publications, culminating in a broader vision for architecture that encompasses the entire built environment.
Steven Holl Architects is a globally renowned architectural and urban design firm, with bases in the Hudson Valley, New York, and Beijing. Established in 1977 by Steven Holl, who leads alongside partners Noah Yaffe, Roberto Bannura, and Dimitra Tsachrelia, the firm is celebrated for its contextual sensitivity, shaping space, and innovative designs across various scales. Its portfolio spans diverse projects, from residences to educational facilities, urban models, and public spaces. Beyond architecture, Steven Holl is dedicated to preserving landscapes and wilderness, evident through memberships in organizations like the Sierra Club and Scenic Hudson. The firm's exceptional work has garnered prestigious awards, including the AIA Gold Medal and the Velux Daylight Award, and Steven Holl is recognized as a prominent figure in the architectural world.
SHoP is a group of architects, innovators, and problem solvers, possessing diverse expertise and a global perspective. Harnessing state-of-the-art technology, it leverages advanced computer-aided design tools to not just create inventive architectural structures but also enhance the overall efficiency of the design and construction workflow. Situated in Lower Manhattan, the firm, established in 1996, has expanded its team to comprise more than 170 professionals. Its comprehensive services span Architecture, Interior Design, and Planning, collaborating closely with its sister firm to enhance its construction management capabilities. For the past seventeen years, SHoP has demonstrated that intelligent and captivating architecture can thrive within real-world constraints, affirming its belief in the transformative power of thoughtful design.
Founded in 1979 by George Loschky, Judsen Marquardt, and John Nesholm, LMN is a design firm rooted in a people-centered ethos. With a collaborative approach, the firm's foundation was laid on community-focused projects, evolving while retaining a dedication to enhancing public spaces. While project types have transformed, the core principle of enriching the social fabric of public areas remains central. As a multi-disciplinary studio, LMN is committed to creating sustainable and just communities, acknowledging and respecting the ancestral lands of Coast Salish peoples.
Behnisch Architekten traces its roots back to 1989 when it emerged as a division of Günter Behnisch's Behnisch & Partner. Under Stefan Behnisch's leadership, this branch named "Stadtbüro" became independent in 1991, later adopting the name Behnisch Architekten in 2005. With offices in Stuttgart, Los Angeles, Boston, Munich, and Weimar, the firm forms a cohesive unit with shared values and expertise. Sustainability and thoughtful design are integral to the firm's work, underpinned by a commitment to a more sustainable and people-centered built environment. The partnership oversees the collaborative management of the offices, fostering a unified approach.
Rooted in Oregon, ZGF embodies a culture deeply connected to craftsmanship and aesthetic allure, influenced by the pristine Pacific Northwest landscape. From its initial regional presence, the firm has expanded to seven North American offices, boasting over 750 professionals. Recognized with the AIA Architecture Firm Award, it is lauded for capturing a locale's essence and its inhabitants' aspirations. Sustainability is ingrained in the firm’s ethos, evident in pioneering work spanning labs, hospitals, educational spaces, and corporate hubs.
Gehry Partners LLP is a comprehensive architectural firm with extensive global experience in academic, commercial, museum, performance, and residential ventures. Founded by Frank Gehry in 1962 in Los Angeles, California, the partnership of Gehry Partners LLP was established in 2001. The firm boasts a team of seasoned senior architects skilled in intricate building systems, construction documents, and managing complex projects. Each project at Gehry Partners is personally overseen by Frank Gehry, drawing upon the collective expertise of the firm's partners for design, technical development, and construction management.
Established in 1991 as Pugh + Scarpa and later renamed in 2010 to reflect new leadership, Brooks + Scarpa is a collaborative interdisciplinary practice of around 30 professionals. Under the guidance of Angela Brooks, Lawrence Scarpa, and Jeffrey Huber, the firm is known for its innovative design and research in creating iconic buildings and urban spaces. With a notable Smithsonian Cooper-Hewitt National Design Award and recognition from the State of California and the National American Institute of Architecture, the firm seamlessly integrates architecture, art, and craftsmanship. Its multidisciplinary approach encompasses architecture, landscape architecture, planning, environmental design, and more, resulting in sustainable and distinctive projects.
Since 1963, Ennead Architects has been dedicated to crafting architecture that shapes public spaces. Renowned for diverse projects spanning museums, laboratories, infrastructure, hotels, and more, the firm's designs stand out for their emotional impact, technical expertise, sustainability, and cultural contributions. Headquartered in New York City and with offices in Shanghai and Los Angeles, its 200+ person team is guided by eight partners who oversee design, preservation, interior design, and more, while also offering strategic planning expertise to public and private institutions.
Lake|Flato is a dynamic architectural firm that places a deep emphasis on the integration of architecture with its natural surroundings. Its approach is firmly rooted in a commitment to environmental responsibility, authenticity, and the artistic craftsmanship of its designs. With a robust team of over 150 professionals, including registered architects and sustainability experts, Lake|Flato thrives on collaboration both within its office and with clients and consultants. Its work has been honoured with more than 300 design awards, including the prestigious American Institute of Architects Firm of the Year Award. Recently the firm has been recognized by the Architect's Newspaper with a 2023 Best of Practice Award.
Founded in 1994, Handel Architects is dedicated to improving urban living. The firm holds the view that design and architecture can bring about a positive global impact. Operating across various sites such as New York, San Francisco, Boston, Denver, and Hong Kong, Handel Architects boasts a team of over 200 experts and an expansive portfolio. Its ventures encompass diverse endeavors, from notable projects like the National September 11 Memorial to urban planning undertakings, high-density mixed-use constructions, multi-family housing across income spectrums, corporate headquarters, and structures for global educational and non-profit entities.
20. Shed Architecture & Design
SHED approaches architecture as a pragmatic art form, balancing practicality with idealism. Its designs are characterized by purposeful simplicity and resourcefulness, yielding innovative solutions. SHED prioritizes core ideas and sustainability, emphasizing architecture that is meaningful and sensible. With a foundation in its early design-build experience, its practice is rooted in hands-on knowledge, setting SHED apart. The firm's portfolio encompasses diverse projects, reflecting its commitment to collaboration and adaptability. SHED values quality of light, spatial considerations, and material thoughtfulness over a specific style.
Situated in the heart of New York City, with additional offices in Los Angeles and Madrid, Rockwell Group's expertise spans diverse sectors, including luxury hospitality, culture, healthcare, education, products, and set design. Founded in 1984 by David Rockwell, FAIA, and led by David and partners Shawn Sullivan and Greg Keffer, its hallmark lies in the fusion of interactive technology, artisanal craftsmanship, and bespoke furniture, resulting in seamless environments.
Studio Libeskind is a vibrant architectural firm actively involved in global projects spanning urban, cultural, and commercial spheres. Its approach prioritizes innovative, expressive design that embraces sustainability. Collaborative partnerships with clients underscore the firm's commitment to impactful architecture that balances budgets and functionality, benefiting both communities and cities. Established by Daniel and Nina Libeskind in 1989, the firm's New York City headquarters in 2003 reflects the synergy of creativity and urban planning, as evident in their significant role in the World Trade Center redevelopment.
For nearly two centuries, Smithgroup has thrived on collaborating with visionary clients and partners, embarking on daring design ventures since 1853. Founded by Sheldon Smith, the firm's passion for architecture has led through 170 years of diverse global projects. From healing spaces to innovative research facilities, educational environments, and sustainable initiatives, its mission remains: shaping a better future for all.
Founded in 2008 in New York, SO–IL is a diverse and globally informed design firm that transcends linguistic and cultural boundaries. SO–IL's projects span locations such as Leon, Seoul, Lisbon, and the firm's hometown, Brooklyn. The company prioritizes the intersection of the past and future, as seen in projects like the transformation of Meisenthal's industrial site into a cultural campus. SO–IL's work has been showcased by renowned sources like the New York Times and CNN, and the team has received notable awards, including the Vilcek Award. Guided by leaders Jing Liu and Florian Idenburg, the New York practice is dedicated to designing with enduring impact.
CannonDesign is a multidisciplinary design firm merging strategy, experience, architecture, engineering, and social impact. Its approach, Living-Centered Design, integrates human-centered and systems-based methods to address challenges within broader ecosystems. With a diverse team of architects, engineers, and industry experts, the firm collaborates globally to tackle clients’ and society’s most pressing issues. By immersing in clients' worlds and conducting thorough research, CannonDesign gains deep insights, allowing it to design adaptable, performance-oriented solutions that position clients for success.
TenBerke is a New York-based architecture studio guided by a strong set of values. The firm's approach centers on the belief that architecture should embody dignity and decency, serving both imagination and sustainability. Its dedication to repurposing and regeneration is rooted in its history of working with artists to revitalize industrial spaces. Led by Deborah Berke, who is also the Dean of the School of Architecture at Yale, the firm upholds principles of inclusion, promoting accessible architectural education and a diverse, welcoming practice.
27. Oppenheim Architecture + Design LLP
Oppenheim Architecture, established in 1999 by Chad Oppenheim, is a globally recognized design practice with studios in Miami and Basel. Its team of architects, designers, and thinkers operates as one unit, driven by poetic contextual design, functionality, and craftsmanship. Grounded in architectural archaeology, its work delves deep into the essence of each site, studying cultures, materials, and experiences to create spaces that resonate with the spirit of the place. Oppenheim Architecture has earned over 90 awards, including prestigious honors from the American Institute of Architects and Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum.
At Perkins Eastman, its mission revolves around designing for people, aiming to enrich human experiences and leave a positive mark on lives and the world. Its approach, HUMAN BY DESIGN, centers on the fusion of art and science, blending analysis with creativity to challenge norms and explore innovative solutions. With a global reach and local impact, its diverse and collaborative team breaks barriers, uniting people and ideas across borders and disciplines. Perkins Eastman is a vibrant community of thinkers, dreamers, and doers, constantly challenging themselves to evolve and create together, shaping a collaborative organization that belongs to them all.
Rooted in a history dating back over a century, AECOM, officially established in 1990 through the merger of five entities, has since grown significantly, incorporating the knowledge of more than 50 companies. With expertise spanning cities, transportation, buildings, water, energy, and the environment, its dedicated team offers professional services throughout every project phase. Its journey led them to become a publicly traded entity on the New York Stock Exchange in 2007, solidifying its commitment to shaping a better world.
Stantec's central mission centers on communities, whether local or global, acknowledging them as the focal point of its endeavors. By merging its expertise, valuing intricacies, and embracing diverse perspectives, it fosters innovation through collective effort. Its team, consisting of designers, engineers, scientists, and project managers, operates at the intersection of community, creativity, and client relationships.
Safdie Architects is a pioneering design studio founded on the principles of timeless, nature-connected, and deeply humane architecture. Embracing the metaphor "For Everyone a Garden," it views architecture as a generous act that connects people to nature and creates vibrant communal spaces. While operating globally, it prioritizes local context, offering bespoke solutions across various scales and geographies.
Established in 1972, Morphosis is a multidisciplinary studio engaged in rigorous design and exploration, resulting in groundbreaking and iconic structures and urban environments. Under the design leadership of Thom Mayne, the firm comprises over 60 professionals who emphasize collaborative architecture. Morphosis undertakes diverse projects globally, spanning from individual residences to institutional buildings and expansive urban planning initiatives.
For nearly three decades, Studio O+A has been at the forefront of transforming workspaces. Famed for partnerships with major technology companies like Facebook, Uber, and Yelp, as well as international brands including Nike and McDonald's, the studio's primary strength resides in employing spatial design to tell stories and catalyze cultural shifts within companies. Based in San Francisco, the diverse team of more than 40 experts, spanning designers, architects, project managers, branding professionals, and graphics specialists, has gained numerous industry accolades and international magazine features.
34. Robert A.M. Stern Architects (RAMSA)
With over five decades of experience, Robert A.M. Stern Architects is a collective of architects, interior designers, and a dedicated support team. Its diverse portfolio spans residential, commercial, and institutional projects. From Europe and Asia to South America and the United States, the firm has left its mark. The American Institute of Architects has honoured the firm with prestigious National Honor Awards.
Bohlin Cywinski Jackson is a forward-thinking architecture firm with six studios nationwide. Established in 1965, the integrated practice spans locations including Wilkes-Barre, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Seattle, San Francisco, and New York. The firm's six principals and over 100 staff collaborate harmoniously, infusing resilience and adaptability into its meticulously crafted designs. Its holistic approach encompasses architecture, interior design, planning, and adaptive re-use, fostering sustainable, site-specific solutions that have earned over 750 regional, national, and international awards, including the esteemed AIA Architecture Firm Award.
Celebrating three decades since its establishment in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, CLB's projects are characterized by thoughtfulness, innovation, and meticulous detailing. The influence of landscapes, quality of light, and the honesty of vernacular architecture are evident in its designs, which are spread across the United States. Founded in 1992, the Jackson studio, led by partners Eric Logan, Kevin Burke, Andy Ankeny, and Darcey Prichard, has grown to over 50 staff members. In 2017, it expanded to Bozeman, integrating its design ethos seamlessly with the landscapes and cultures of southwestern Montana.
Since its establishment as I. M. Pei & Associates in 1955, this firm has consistently earned recognition for design excellence. With a base in New York City, Pei Cobb Freed & Partners has amassed over 300 major awards, including prestigious honors from the AIA. Its extensive portfolio spans diverse scales, purposes, and geographies, showcasing its commitment to craftsmanship, form, and public space. Over six decades, the firm has completed 250+ projects across 100+ cities globally.
38. Thomas Phifer and Partners
Thomas Phifer and Partners goes beyond form and materials, delving deep into appropriateness, attention to detail, and a celebration of craftsmanship. The firm's process is collaborative and inclusive, involving experts from various fields to ensure appropriateness and inventiveness. It merges architecture, engineering, and modern materials, emphasizing interdisciplinary teamwork, user needs, and environmental considerations. Through this holistic approach, it creates architecture that surprises, stimulates, and fosters a deep sense of well-being and unity with nature.
Goettsch Partners (GP) is a global architecture firm headquartered in Chicago, with offices in Denver and Shanghai. With a presence on five continents, it has executed diverse projects, focusing on client visions and community impact. By collaborating with top-tier consultants, it ensures tailored solutions for each project. Rooted in Mies van der Rohe's legacy, GP creates architecturally clear, transparent, and dynamic spaces that enhance built environments worldwide.
The genesis of Miró Rivera Architects in late 1990s was rooted in the shared backgrounds of its founding partners, Miguel Rivera and Juan Miró. The addition of other talented individuals, like Ken Jones and Matthew Sturich, further bolstered the firm's capabilities. Boasting numerous accolades, including the Texas Society of Architects' Architecture Firm Award, the firm's work encompasses sustainable design and a comprehensive range of architectural services, solidifying its standing in Texas and the broader architecture community.
COOKFOX Architects, established in 2003 by Rick Cook and Bob Fox, is dedicated to crafting environmentally responsible, holistic, and biophilic architecture. Its projects vary widely, from intimate jewel-like designs to intricate urban renovations, spanning residential, institutional, and commercial spaces. Building on the legacy of its predecessor firm, Richard Cook & Associates, founded in 1996, it has become known for refined contemporary architecture in New York City's historic districts and notable institutional projects like The Ross Institute Center for Well-Being.
42. Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects
Pelli Clarke & Partners is a leading architectural firm shaping communities globally from its hubs in New Haven and New York City. Guided by Cesar Pelli's legacy of innovation since 1977, the diverse teams of architects, designers, and experts work collaboratively, integrating unique perspectives and empathy into its designs.
Established in 1943, NBBJ is a forward-thinking design firm propelled by innovative ideas and a compassionate approach. With a legacy spanning over 80 years, it continually reinvents itself to better serve clients and communities. NBBJ distinguishes itself as a design practice that pioneers transformative spaces, enabling people to live, learn, work, and play freely. The practice has been recognized thrice in the last five years as one of the most inventive architecture firms by Fast Company.
45. The Miller Hull Partnership
The Miller Hull Partnership is rooted in a profound humanitarian ethos and is dedicated to enhancing human experiences through design. Central to its approach is THINK, driving its commitment to critical thinking, research, and profound inquiry, shaping every project. With studios in Seattle and San Diego and a skilled team of over 125 professionals, the firm extends its regionalist philosophy to communities near and far, fostering meaningful connections globally.
Selldorf Architects, established in 1988 by Annabelle Selldorf in New York City, is a distinguished architectural design firm comprising 70 professionals. Grounded in humanistic principles, the firm crafts public and private spaces with a clear, modern sensibility designed for individual experiences. Its expertise encompasses architectural and interior design, exhibition design, master planning, and landscape concepts. Its diverse portfolio includes significant projects for museums, cultural institutions, universities, and public initiatives globally.
47. Michael Hsu Office of Architecture
Established in 2005, Michael Hsu Office of Architecture is a nationally recognized architecture and interior design firm with a strong focus on hospitality. Its expertise spans diverse projects, including mixed-use developments, adaptive reuse initiatives, public realm design, architectural branding, single-family homes, hotels, restaurants, workspaces, and bespoke furniture. Headquartered in Texas, its influence extends globally, with studios in Austin and Houston, and team members operating in Dallas, Denver, Nashville, and Louisville.
HKS is a global collective of architects, designers, advisors, and innovators deeply committed to merging aesthetics and functionality in its creations. With a team of 1,350 professionals across 23 locations, it fosters a culture rooted in honesty, diversity, and creative exploration. Collaborating closely with clients and partners, the firm conceives unique solutions that leave a lasting impact.
Feldman Architecture is a forward-thinking design practice known for crafting inviting residential and commercial spaces filled with natural light and tailored to their surroundings. Operating collaboratively, the firm treats design as a conversation among clients, designers, and site conditions. The studio cultivates an informal, non-hierarchical environment, fostering engagement and sustainability. Collaborations with experts and artisans yield projects distinguished by its clarity of concept and meticulous execution.
Back in 1998, Joshua Aidlin and David Darling ignited their collaboration by crafting furniture in a San Francisco woodshop. This shared history of craftsmanship and creative enthusiasm remains the foundation of its cooperative approach. The firm has received esteemed industry honors, including the Cooper-Hewitt National Design Award, as well as ongoing recognition from the AIA, IIDA, Chicago Athenaeum, and numerous architecture and interior design publications.
The selection curated by the Archello editorial team is based on a combination of the number of featured projects and the views they generated.
