Living in Broward County, Southwest Ranches is a suburban community and has consistently been regarded as one of the best places to live in the area. It offers its residents a great rural feel, with a large portion of its population owning their own homes.
Southwest Ranches has a ton of parks and recreational areas, making it a popular choice for young professionals. That said, this list showcases 15 of the area’s best residential architects. They were chosen based on their various experiences and stellar portfolios.
KZ Architecture
3470 E. Coast Ave. H201, Miami, FL 33137
KZ Architecture was established in 2003 and has since secured a strong reputation for its excellent services and projects, some of which have earned the firm several distinctions from the American Institute of Architects (AIA). The firm was founded by its president, Jaya Kader, an experienced professional who earned a Master of Architecture at the Harvard Graduate School of Design in 1988. She has had the privilege to have been under the tutelage of world-renowned mentors and has worked on numerous projects including public libraries, schools, municipal centers, houses of worship, residences, and resorts. She is also a green advocate and typically incorporates various sustainable elements into its designs. Under her leadership, the firm utilizes a highly holistic approach and has had the honor of being featured in various publications. These include The Modern Residence, LUXE Magazine, and Ocean Drive Magazine.
The Bal Harbour project above was completed for a Jewish religious family and showcases various traditional spiritual functions against a great modern backdrop. We loved its recurring theme of straight lines and various minimalist finishes. Some other great features include a ceremonial wall that contains a fireplace, a basin for the ritual of hand washing before each meal, and a reflective candle.
Rex Nichols Architects
1600 S. Federal Hwy. Suite #970, City of Pompano Beach, FL 33062
Named by Ocean Magazine as one of the top 50 coastal architects for five consecutive years, Rex Nichols Architects is an award-winning firm with a legacy spanning three decades. The firm has completed projects in some of the most exclusive areas in Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Boca Raton, Palm Beach, New York, and Palm Springs. It has also worked on several projects abroad, particularly in the Bahamas and Dubai. The firm maintains affiliations with prestigious organizations like the AIA which has lauded the firm through numerous awards throughout the years. These include Awards in Excellence for Historic Preservation for several important landmark sites. Aside from its single-family residences, the firm has also expanded its services to accommodate multifamily residential properties, restaurants, and hotels, and it has also designed several galleries and retail spaces.
Featured here is one of the firm’s best projects. Located in Fort Lauderdale, this home spans roughly 8,200 square feet and features a great modernist theme. Its wings and walls of glass are anchored by excellent polished floors. Inside, its spaces are all richly drenched in light and feature excellent indoor-outdoor spaces.
Choeff Levy Fischman
8425 Biscayne Blvd. Suite #201, Miami, FL 33138
Headquartered in Miami, Choeff Levy Fischman Architecture + Design is an award-winning firm that offers a full range of design and architectural services. The firm specializes in high-end custom Tropical Modern single-family homes. At its helm are principals Ralph Choeff, Raphael Levy, and Paul Fischman, three experienced and seasoned architects. Under their leadership, the firm has been able to expand its clientele to include numerous noteworthy clients. Some of these prestigious homeowners include global C-suite executives, professional athletes, and celebrities. The leadership team has inspired the firm into becoming a trailblazer in terms of modern and tropical architecture: its designs are a fusion of indoor and outdoor spaces.
Choeff Levy Fischman has built a solid reputation for itself across Florida and has recently opened an office in the Tampa Bay area to serve Florida’s ever-growing west coast. The firm has also had the privilege of working on several interesting and complex projects in California and the Caribbean. It comes as no surprise, then, that the firm has been featured in publications such as Architectural Digest, Dwell, Interior Design, The Wall Street Journal, and Forbes. This project is an excellent embodiment of the firm’s expertise. It’s a Tropical Modern estate with warm aesthetics throughout and indoor-outdoor concepts that take advantage of the beautiful sunset and nature views.
SB Architects
2333 Ponce de Leon Blvd. Suite #1000, Coral Gables, FL 33134
With offices in San Francisco, Miami, and Shenzhen, SB Architects is a full-service architectural firm that specializes in an extensive range of markets. Aside from its residential work, it has also taken on multiple hospitality, residential and mixed-use buildings and spaces both on a local and international level. The firm utilizes a highly collaborative approach, which allows them to assist with everything from start to finish. All of its principals and team members are experienced professionals who together have worked on over 10,000,000 square feet of Leadership in Environmental Energy and Design (LEED) Certified living spaces. It also maintains affiliations with various organizations like the AIA and the US Green Building Council (USGBC). It is the proud recipient of a multitude of awards and has also had the opportunity to be published in several magazines. This featured project displays one of the firm’s best works.
This project won the firm the Grand Award for Best Custom Home in PCBC’s Gold Nugget Awards back in 2020. It spans around 7,800 square feet and is a great single story with just enough space for its owner’s children and grandchildren to visit as well as entertaining large groups. The home’s living room, kitchen, and dining areas capture great views of the area, which our editorial team loved.
Schachne Architects & Builders
10101 S.W. 40th St., Ft Lauderdale, FL 33328
Led by Stan Schachne AIA and Donna Schachne, Schachne Architects & Builders is a full-service in-house architecture, interior design, and construction company specializing in custom homes, house additions, interior/exterior remodeling, and commercial office design. For more than 25 years, it has served the design and building needs of clients in Florida with a concentration in Broward County.
With its in-house licensed architects and contractors, the company assures future homeowners a fast turnaround time and a finished product with structural integrity. Clients benefit from the company’s excellent project design and construction delivered on budget and on schedule. Its aim is to always exceed expectations with homes that are innovative, cost-effective, and energy-efficient. Schachne Architects & Builders has also earned awards for its exceptional projects. These include a Gold and Bronze award from the 2018 Qualified Remodeler-National Master Design Awards, a 2018 Chrysalis Award, and 2018 AIA Fort Lauderdale Honor Award along with past AIA awards.
A sample of its excellent work is a 3,000-square-foot stunning property on the island of Bonaire. The modern home is designed for scuba diving enthusiasts whose request was to create a space that allows views of the ocean from every room in the house while avoiding direct sun exposure. As a solution, Schachne Architects & Builders has surrounded the home’s glass doors and windows with wood louvers and built a deep and wide overhang to provide sun protection while still letting the ocean view in. By using these smart and creative solutions, this custom home builder establishes itself as one of the top firms in Fort Lauderdale and surrounding areas.
Pacheco-Martinez & Associates
4990 SW 72nd Ave. Suite #101, Miami, FL 33155
Founded in 1985, Pacheco-Martinez & Associates specializes in luxury homes, commercial environments, and urban developments. It extends its services throughout the Miami-Dade and Broward Counties and has had the opportunity to work on roughly 80 residences in Coco Plum and Tahiti Beach. These include over a dozen residences in Gables Estates, which actually won the firm several Platinum Awards. The firm is also regarded for its stellar multi-family residences, in addition to its urban planning and religious institution work. The firm operates out of its office in Miami and has had the privilege of being featured in various publications, including Luxe Interiors + Design Magazine and several editions of Florida Architecture. At the firm’s helm are Ramon Pacheco and Hector Martinez. Pacheco draws inspiration from over four decades of industry experience and is an award-winning member of the AIA. Martinez, on the other hand, has over 15 years of experience and received his Bachelor of Architecture degree from the Pontificia Universidad Catolica Madre y Maestra in 2000.
Displayed is one of the firm’s best projects. It features clean lines and great classical touches. It has large glass windows and its custom oversized infinity-edge pool. For this project, the firm’s team ensured that the design took environment into consideration
MATEU Architecture
8887 SW 131st St., Miami, FL 33176
MATEU Architecture provides a full and comprehensive range of services and is the product of the vision of Roney J. Mateu. He is a fellow of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), which is one of the highest distinctions that AIA gives its members. He is experienced in every facet of the process and assures homeowners that each of the firm’s spaces receives the benefit of his experience. Under his leadership, the company has won over 70 AIA Design Awards in addition to working on countless project types. One of its most notable distinctions, however, would be the award it received in 2012. During that year, MATEU Architecture was selected as “Architecture Firm of the Year” by the Miami Chapter of the AIA for their outstanding and special contributions to the profession through their great designs and efforts in raising public awareness regarding the role of architecture.
Completed in 2015, this project is located in Coral Gables. The project comprises two stories and spans 2,922 square feet. It features a great infusion of Mediterranean, traditional, and modern touches.
Jarosz Architect
3326 Mary St. Suite #500, Miami, FL 33133
With over three decades of industry experience, Jarosz Architect offers a complete range of architecture and general contracting services. It is regarded for its great ability to complete all of its projects on time and within the agreed-upon budget. It is led by its founder and namesake, Zbigniew Jarosz, a licensed architect and general contractor who assists his team personally from start to finish. He oversees a talented staff of 20 experienced professionals who are designers, project managers, and superintendents. Together, they have garnered numerous awards throughout the years. They closely adhere to the timeless tradition of Master Builders, which has resulted in top-notch work. Their projects have had the honor of being featured in publications such as Architectural Digest, Florida Architecture, The Miami Herald, Luxe, Hola, and Dream Homes South Florida.
This project depicts the firm’s work on its Sunset Island Residence project. It features stellar archways, unique fixtures, and outstanding interior-exterior spaces. It boasts custom touches and finishes.
Hamed Rodriguez Architects
275 Minorca Ave., Coral Gables, FL 33134
Hamed Rodriguez Architects offers a full range of architectural and interior design services. It specializes in completing complex and challenging homes and has worked on projects of all sizes. To complete projects, the firm utilizes a highly personal approach, and its principals oversee each project. It has had the opportunity to work on projects both across the country and abroad. Aside from its residential work, it is also known for its outstanding commercial work. The firm is LEED-certified, assuring homeowners of the high sustainability and efficiency of its work. That said, it is proud to have worked on the first LEED Gold building in Miami-Dade County. Its most notable distinction, however, would be its Hendry Adams Medal from the AIA.
This project shows the firm’s skill for modern architecture. It features an excellent recurring theme of straight lines coupled with large floor-to-ceiling windows. Some other great elements include its neutral color palette, outstanding layering, and various beams.
Balli Trautman Architects
1533 Sunset Dr. Suite #101, Coral Gables, FL 33143
Balli Trautman Architects utilizes an excellent design-build approach that is regarded for its innovative methods and practices. It assists homeowners throughout the entire process and offers an extensive range of services. This has allowed for a holistic approach that has resulted in a diverse portfolio composed of contemporary to timeless traditional homes and spaces. Its work is often distinguished for its team’s handiwork, use of unique fixtures, and various personal touches. Its stellar work earns the firm many outstanding reviews from its clients over the years.
The firm is personally led by its principals Giorgio Balli and David Trautman. Balli first got his glimpse into the industry working with his father, renowned architect Giorgio Balli Sr. He oversees all divisions of Balli Group including the design, construction, and investment opportunities. Trautman, on the other hand, is a Miami native who received his master’s degree in architecture from the Ohio State University where he had the opportunity to attend studios critiqued by personalities such as Peter Eisenman, Jeffrey Kipnis, and other notable, internationally recognized architects.
REINES & STRAZ
975 41st St. Suite #407, Miami Beach, FL 33140
Operating out of its office in Miami Beach, REINES & STRAZ is regarded as one of the area’s premier residential architecture firms. It is led by its namesakes, Shlomo Reines and Jamie Straz. Shlomo is an experienced architect who earned his degree in architecture from the Universidad Simon Bolivar in Caracas, Venezuela. Jamie Straz, on the other hand, is affiliated with the AIA and is LEED-certified. He earned his architecture degree from the University of Miami. Through their vision, the firm’s process is highly holistic and emphasizes the importance of the infusion of both functionality and design. This is seen through the firm’s portfolio, which displays an extensive range of designs, as well as expertise in precise lines, warm, European-inspired spaces, and challenging details. This featured project displays the firm’s work on the N Residence.
Completed in Miami Beach, this home is an extensive remodel that stretches around 5,200 square feet. It features great mahogany accents, customized finishes, and excellent natural lighting. One of its highlights is its chic kitchen and excellently thought-out contemporary spaces.
Calil Architects
728 Coral Way Suite #702, Miami, FL 33145
Recognized as one of Florida’s most respected firms, Calil Architects offers a full range of residential services as well as interior design work. It provides innovative solutions. Since its inception in 1982, it has worked on countless projects and is regarded for the great relationships it has established with some of the area’s best architects, designers, and artisans. It commits itself to simplicity, with its work mostly featuring a recurring theme of straight lines, minimalist details, and the usage of modern materials and elements. The firm is led by its owner and founder Eduardo A. Calil Sr., an experienced professional who studied architecture at the University of Miami. He has a background in project management and structural design and is joined by his son, Eduardo Jr.
This project is a great example of the firm’s experience. It features excellent contemporary and modern themes. We were impressed by its large panes of glass coupled with various layers.
Altman Architects
1320 NW 17 St., Gainesville, FL 32605
With features in publications like the Architectural Record and Design South, Altman Architects is a leading architecture firm known for its complete and comprehensive range of services. At the firm’s helm is its namesake, Bobby Altman, an experienced architect who personally oversees every facet of the process. He established the firm in 1974 and provides a highly personalized response and process for each project that the firm takes on. Because of this, the firm deliberately only takes on a select number of homes a year to assure homeowners of the quality of its work. This also allows each of its spaces to receive the utmost attention it needs. He has also served as architect to the Florida governor’s mansion and prior to his establishment of the firm, also worked with several prestigious organizations.
The home challenged the firm with its extensive renovation. It was originally a 1946 traditional colonial duplex and now features a great contemporary resort-style. Our editorial team was impressed by its unique spaces, especially its gourmet kitchen, infinity pool, and media room.
Chase Architecture
635 SW 1st Ave. Suite B, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
Drawing inspiration from nearly four decades of industry experience, Chase Architecture specializes in every aspect of the residential architecture process. It is also noted for its great construction supervision services and expertise for an extensive range of designs. These include everything from traditional to contemporary architecture. Todd Chase personally leads the firm. He received his Bachelor’s in Architecture from Florida A&M University and first gained experience working with his father in order to complete his post-graduate internship. Together, the two of them have worked on a wide range of architectural design projects throughout Southern Florida.
Displayed is one of our favorite projects from the firm’s great portfolio. It features clean exteriors, several arches, and several custom finishes. Inside, the firm’s team worked on various traditional themes.
BpA Architecture
4801 S. University Dr. Suite #126, Davie, FL 33328
BpA Architecture operates out of its office in Davie and provides its clients with a full and comprehensive range of services. It specializes in custom home design and has worked in every facet of the residential market. It has also taken on various commercial work and has been in business since 2004. The firm is led by Bruce Anchell, a registered architect in the state of Florida who has over three decades of industry experience. He holds a Bachelor of Design from the University of Florida and a Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Miami. He is also a certified LEED AP professional, assuring homeowners of the excellent sustainability and efficiency of his work.
This featured project is an excellent embodiment of the firm’s expertise. It features a stellar and timeless Spanish Colonial theme. It has beautiful terracotta roofs and stucco exteriors with a warm color palette.
