The 9 Best Residential Architects in Princeton, New Jersey

Princeton is a wealthy town rich in history, culture, and arts. With a diverse community and a fast-developing housing market, a lot of couples and young families find Princeton to be a good place to move in. Additionally, a lot of residents are constantly building and renovating their homes. As a growing city, you’ll be sure to find plenty of architecture and design firms located in Princeton and nearby cities.

One of the challenges in finding the right architect is finding a firm with an effective communication process to ensure it provides all your needs. This is why it’s important to find an architect that promotes transparency, integrity, and also has a dedicated project manager who will guide you through the entire design process from start to finish.

The firms featured on this list are recognized as the top residential architects in Princeton and its neighboring communities. These reputable companies were chosen for their efficient but communicative design processes and diverse project portfolios. These firms have been operating for decades and specialize in services customized for Princeton’s unique real estate market.

If you are thinking about building a custom home, we recommend checking each builder’s license with the local licensing board, speaking to past clients, and using our bidding system to get competitive quotes from at least 3 contractors. Getting multiple bids is the best way to ensure you get a fair price and that bids include the complete scope of work.

DaCruz Segal Architecture

195 Nassau St. Suite #21, Princeton, NJ 08540

Architecture and interior design firm DaCruz Segal Architecture is dedicated to providing creative solutions that reflect high-quality design and craftsmanship. With offices located in New Jersey and Massachusetts, the design studio caters to a diverse clientele across all building types and styles. Established in 2010, DaCruz Segal Architecture has completed projects throughout the Mid-Atlantic States focusing on single-family homes and apartments.

Firm founders John F. DaCruz and Sara L. Segal both spearhead the company’s design direction. John holds a Master’s degree in Architecture from Princeton University and has more than two decades of hands-on experience in high-end residential projects. As a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)-certified professional, Sara offers a fresh perspective with her award-winning designs. Additionally, Residential Architect Magazine honored her with the Residential Architect Design Award.

Each project design that the firm takes on is carefully curated using detailed and efficient methods. The Eagle Rock Residence located in Pennsylvania serves as one of the firm’s most unique designs. Featured in this article, the 2,800-square foot hillside home was designed to maximize the stunning forest views of the property.

Douglas R. Schotland Architect

131 East Delaware Ave., Pennington, NJ 08534

Residential architecture firm Douglas R. Schotland Architect specializes in designing and preserving historic properties while adding modern touches. The firm also offers design solutions across a wide range of building types including shingle-style, historic farmstead revival, colonial revival, and cottage homes. Since the company was established in 2009, the design firm has been recognized for its expertise in developing vintage-inspired homes. Its projects are located throughout the Greater Princeton Area, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut.

Founder Douglas R. Schotland is a member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and is a Certified Passive House Consultant (CPHC). Douglas has over two decades of knowledge and experience in the fields of architecture, construction, and real estate. His specialty is in rehabilitating historic buildings. The firm’s design process involves five essential steps: the preliminary design, schematic design, design development, construction documentation, and construction phase.

Douglas R. Schotland Architect is a strong advocate of sustainability, and so all its designs are conceptualized to reduce and reverse the harmful effects on the environment. Following the Passive House standards, the firm delivers energy-saving and cost-efficient design solutions that are beneficial to the clients.

Ford 3 Architects

243 N. Union St. Suite #117, Lambertville, NJ 08530

Recognized for its unique and creative designs, Ford 3 Architects caters to diverse industries including residential, educational, institutional, and preservation segments working primarily in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and New York. The firm focuses on creating distinctive, innovative, and sustainable environments that clients can enjoy for generations. Established in 2004, Ford 3 Architects offers architecture, interior design, sustainable design, and historic preservation services. Its projects cover different building styles ranging from traditional to contemporary.

Leading the firm are partners Moira McClintock, and Quinn Schwenker. Partner emeritus Jerry Ford still provides wisdom and guidance as well as fabulous drawing skills to the firm. Moira is an award-winning architect, and Quinn holds a Master’s degree in Architecture and offers a fresh approach to designing residential projects.

The firm designs to reflect the project’s context and client’s goals as seen in this design for a new home in the historic Broadmead neighborhood of Princeton and this studio design created a new space around fragments of a former structure on the client’s property.

Glen Fries Associates

505 Mercer Rd., Princeton, NJ 08540

As a full-service design studio, Glen Fries Associates provides design, planning, and construction supervision catering to residential, commercial, and retail projects. Operating for four decades, the veteran architecture firm has completed projects throughout the East Coast, Colorado, and California. From beachfront homes and mountain residences to urban properties, the firm caters to various build types including modern farmhouses, Mediterranean residences, and shingle-style homes.

Firm founder Glen Fries founded the design studio in 1981. Glen is a member of the AIA and holds a Master’s degree in Landscape Architecture from the University of Virginia. Under his leadership, the firm continues to embrace the latest technologies and practices in the industry to deliver the most efficient solutions. With decades of experience, the firm has established itself as a well-respected architecture and design firm in Princeton, with most of the firm’s clients coming from repeat businesses. Speaking to its success, one of the firm’s most prominent projects is the Sagaponack Residence featured in this article. For this property, Glen Fries Associates created a modern farmhouse residence that combines contemporary amenities and classic silhouettes.

HMR Architects

821 Alexander Rd. Suite 115, Princeton, NJ 08540

HMR Architects was established as Holt & Morgan Architects in 1965. With over 50 years of experience in the architecture industry, the firm has earned a reputation as a reliable and trusted design studio. Aside from offering architectural and planning services, HMR also specializes in historic preservation and rehabilitation. From restoration to interiors and additions to adaptive use projects, the firm is fully equipped to handle all types of project styles, sizes, and scales. During its early years, HMR became known for its clean and efficient modern designs.

The firm was established through the partnership between Phil Holt and Perry Morgan. Phil is recognized as one of New Jersey’s leading architects, particularly in the field of historic preservation. Meanwhile, Perry’s expertise is in developing unique and innovative designs.

HMR Architects has been recognized for its outstanding architectural designs. In 2015, Preservation New Jersey honored the firm with the Building Industry Network Construction Award. The firm has been featured in several publications including The Jefferson Chronicle, Curbed, and My Central Jersey.

Knight Architects

234 Nassau St. 2nd Floor West, Princeton, NJ 08542

Since 1991, Knight Architects has been providing exceptional architectural services for residential, commercial, and retail projects. Specializing in new construction, renovations, and additions, the firm caters to residents across the Mid-Atlantic states. Over the years, the studio has developed its expertise in designing French, modern farmhouse, and shingle-style homes. The firm is focused on providing cost-efficient solutions and delivers projects that are Energy Star rated.

The award-winning firm was founded by Catherine Knight, a member of the AIA. With her multi-disciplinary skills and experience, Catherine brings a unique perspective to the firm’s design approach. From designing, planning, zoning, and coordinating, the firm stays on top of each project from start to completion.

Knights Architecture has been recognized for its exceptional designs. In 2012, the firm was named Marvin Architect’s Challenge Winner. Its projects can be seen in the pages of Gallery Magazine, Princeton Magazine, and Well Styled Home Kitchens & Baths. Its work on a modern farmhouse in East Amwell serves as one of the firm’s notable projects. For this property, Knights Architecture incorporated energy-efficient systems while maximizing the stunning mountain views.

Lasley Brahaney Architecture + Construction

860 State Rd., Princeton, NJ 08540

Combining the disciplines of architecture and construction, Lasley Brahaney Architecture + Construction offers superior design-build solutions. Founded in 1997, the firm established itself as a premier residential architecture and construction firm in Princeton, New Jersey. The firm offers a broad range of services including new home construction, renovations, and additions. Its architectural designs feature traditional and modern styles tailored for the client’s lifestyle. Owner Marc Brahaney spearheads the firm’s design-build and operations team. He began his career as an architect. Later, Brahaney and his late wife Janet Lasley, merged their businesses to offer both design and construction under one roof. The merger was a success.

Lasley Brahaney Architecture + Construction has been recognized by many publications for its exceptional projects. In 2020, Build Magazine named the firm the Best Residential Design-Build Firm in New Jersey. The firm has been featured in several other publications including Old House Journal and Design NJ. One of its projects is the former Charter Club originally located on the Princeton University campus. The club was moved to Cleveland Lane in Princeton and transformed by Lasley Brahaney into a residence with an open plan design ideal for a young family.

Pickell Architecture

115 Main St., Flemington, NJ 08822

Founded in 1998, Pickell Architecture integrates the principles of architecture and construction using the latest technologies and best industry practices. The firm provides a wide range of design solutions for custom homes, new construction adaptive reuse, conversions, renovations, and additions. Pickell Architecture is known for its distinctive style in crafting colonial revival, craftsman, and Greek revival farmhouse homes.

Founder Christopher Pickell is a member of the AIA with a comprehensive background in designing custom homes and adaptive reuse. He is also experienced in serving commercial, government, and non-profit organizations. As a small firm, Christopher directly works with clients providing a hands-on approach in every project.

Pickell Architecture has been featured in the press including New Jersey Business Magazine, Untapped Cities, and Hunterdon County Democrat. This Greek Revival Farmhouse serves as one of the firm’s exceptional works. Located in Readington, the house was renovated by Pickell Architecture restoring the property’s character while updating its features with modern finishes.

Princeton Design Guild

43 Reading Blvd., Belle Mead, NJ 08502

Princeton Design Guild offers residential and commercial architectural and construction services for new construction, remodeling, and additions. As a design-build firm, PDG manages projects from initial design through finished construction. Each project is customized to reflect the client’s personality and lifestyle. Additionally, the firm offers clients custom cabinetry designed and built in PDG’s own state-of-the-art wood shop.

Founded in 1985 by Kevin Wilkes, an award-winning architect, the firm has designed and built over 500 Princeton-area homes. In 1988, Kevin received an Architecture Fellowship Grant from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts. In 2019, PDG was selected by REMODELING magazine as one of its REMODELING Big50, recognizing the country’s top remodeling companies. In 2020, the firm received the Gold Award at the 42nd Annual Qualified Remodeler Master Design Awards.

About Our Rankings

This list takes a range of ranking criteria into consideration, including but not limited to: work history, customer satisfaction, awards and recognition, geographic area of work, cost, building permits, and clientele. We spent over 40 hours researching local contractors before calculating the final ranking for this post. If there is additional information about your business that could affect these rankings, please fill out this form and we will take it into consideration.