Chicago, Illinois is a city that captivates with its vibrant energy, iconic skyline, and rich cultural heritage. Known as the “Windy City,” Chicago offers a unique blend of history, architecture, and a thriving arts and culinary scene. From the stunning shores of Lake Michigan to its world-class museums, bustling neighborhoods, and renowned sports teams, Chicago has something for everyone.
If you are searching for the best architectural firms in Chicago, look no further. The list below features the leading firms in the area, handpicked by our team after carefully evaluating their portfolios, expertise, industry reputation, and client satisfaction. Whether you are planning a commercial project, a residential development, or a renovation, you can trust these companies to deliver exceptional results.
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Goettsch Partners
224 S Michigan Ave Floor 17, Chicago, IL 60604
Goettsch Partners (GP) is a global architecture firm headquartered in Chicago, with additional offices in Shanghai and Abu Dhabi. With a diverse portfolio of projects spanning five continents, GP brings a unique design perspective that blends expertise, exploration, and innovation.
GP has received widespread recognition, including being named the Architecture Firm of the Year by the NAIOP Chicago Chapter and being featured in the Illinois Real Estate Journal in 2022. The firm also maintains affiliations with industry organizations such as the American Institute of Architects and the Urban Land Institute.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Chairman and co-CEO James Goettsch, a recipient of the prestigious Lynn S. Beedle Lifetime Achievement Award, leads the firm. With a Bachelor of Architecture from Iowa State University and membership in the AIA College of Fellows and CTBUH, James Goettsch is a highly respected figure in the architectural community.
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Lamar Johnson Collaborative
35 E Wacker Dr Ste 1300, Chicago, IL 60601
Lamar Johnson Collaborative is a full-service design and architecture firm dedicated to elevating the human experience and exploring the profound impact of design on people’s emotions. The firm strives to fulfill clients’ objectives and aspirations with a holistic approach encompassing architecture, workplace strategy, interior design, landscape architecture, urban planning, and engineering.
Recognized for its excellence, Lamar Johnson Collaborative has received prestigious honors, including the 2022 American Society of Landscape Architects St. Louis Honor Award. As active participants in the industry, the team maintains affiliations with esteemed organizations such as the American Institute of Architects, Design-Build Institute of America, and the Urban Land Institute.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]The firm’s work has received attention and praise from numerous publications, including Crain’s Chicago Business, REJournals, Chicago Agent Magazine, Urbanize Chicago, Engineering News-Record, Architect Magazine, and Block Club Chicago, as well as from the City of Chicago.
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bKL Architecture
225 N Columbus Dr Ste 100, Chicago, IL 60601
bKL Architecture is a firm dedicated to creating designs that are seamlessly integrated with their surroundings. Established in 2010 by Thomas Kerwin and supported by James Loewenberg, bKL is a team of passionate designers and practitioners with expertise in diverse markets and project types.
Widely recognized for its excellence, bKL Architecture has received prestigious honors, such as the American Institute of Architects Chicago 2020 Design Excellence Award and the Landmarks Illinois Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Preservation Award for Rehabilitation in 2020. The firm is also affiliated with the American Institute of Architects, highlighting the team’s commitment to professional standards and expertise.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]bKL’s work has been featured in notable publications, including WTTW, Crain’s Chicago Business, REBusinessOnline, Urbanize Chicago, and Architect Magazine, demonstrating the firm’s influence and impact in the architectural sphere.
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Wheeler Kearns Architects
343 S Dearborn St Ste 200, Chicago, IL 60604
Wheeler Kearns is a collective architectural practice that collaborates with clients who aspire to enhance their lifestyles within spaces that embody their purpose, energy, and vision. The firm offers comprehensive services, including architecture, interior design, planning, and feasibility studies.
The firm’s outstanding work has been honored with numerous awards, including the prestigious 2021 BD+C Reconstruction Gold Award for the firm’s remarkable contribution to The Momentary project.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Media attention for Wheeler Kearns includes features in publications such as Building Design + Construction, HCD Magazine, The Architect’s Newspaper, and Dezeen. This recognition showcases the firm’s commitment to innovation and design excellence.
As an active member of the American Institute of Architects, Wheeler Kearns maintains strong affiliations within the architectural community, further reinforcing its dedication to its craft.
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Dirk Denison Architects
1123 W Washington Blvd, Chicago, IL 60607
Dirk Denison Architects is an internationally recognized, Chicago-based firm known for its award-winning designs. With a focus on understanding each client’s unique needs, DDA creates narratives that beautifully intertwine the site, program, and client.
DDA offers comprehensive services, including programming, site analysis, design, construction document preparation and administration, and post-construction support. It also specializes in interior furnishing and furniture design, ensuring a cohesive and harmonious environment.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]The firm has received numerous honors, including being a finalist for Interior Design’s Best of the Year Small Apartment in 2018. Its work has been featured in important publications such as The Architect’s Newspaper, Newcity Design, Inexhibit, and ArchDaily.
Dirk Denison Architects maintains affiliations with respected industry organizations such as the American Institute of Architects, International Interior Design Association, and National Association of Home Builders, exemplifying the firm’s commitment to excellence and innovation in the field of architecture.
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Lamar Johnson Collaborative
35 E Wacker Dr Ste 1300, Chicago, IL 60601
Established in 1961 by James Wright Hammond, HBRA Architects embodies a personalized approach to serving clients. Thomas Beeby left a larger firm to join Hammond in creating a more interactive office capable of handling various project types and sizes. Directors Michele Silvetti-Schmitt and William Kinane carry on this tradition, sharing the belief that collaborative engagement between clients and architects results in exceptional buildings.
HBRA Architects’s commitment to excellence has been recognized with prestigious awards such as the 2022 PCI Design Award for Best Government and Public Building, bestowed by the Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute for the firm’s remarkable work on the Carroll A. Campbell Jr. U.S. Courthouse in Greenville, South Carolina. [/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]HBRA Architects’s projects have been featured in prominent media outlets, including Dezeen, WTTW News, Architect Magazine, Crain’s Chicago Business, The Daily Northwestern, City Journal, and Chicago Agent Magazine.
HBRA Architects proudly maintains affiliations with industry organizations, including the American Institute of Architects, the Institute of Classical Architecture and Art – Midwest Chapter, and the Society of College and University Planning (SCUP).
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Moss Design
2855 W Diversey Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
Moss Design, located in Chicago’s Logan Square neighborhood, is a dynamic architecture and urban design studio offering comprehensive services. With LEED accreditation and licenses in Illinois, Michigan, Ohio, and California, the firm has a commitment to sustainable practices and a wide geographic reach.
Embracing diversity in its portfolio, Moss Design explores innovative design solutions across various project types, including residential, commercial, hospitality, breweries and wineries, interiors, urban planning, and custom furniture.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Moss Design’s honors include the esteemed Logan Certified designation and the Logan Square Preservation Association Design Award. The firm’s creative expertise has also garnered attention from prominent publications such as The Architect’s Newspaper, Dezeen, ArchDaily, and Voyage Chicago.
Moss Design is an active American Institute of Architects member, emphasizing its dedication to professional growth and collaboration within the architectural community.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_widget_sidebar sidebar_id=”primary” el_class=”blog_sidebar_sticky_menu”][/vc_column][/vc_row][/vc_section]
