Raleigh is a vibrant hub of innovation and culture where modernity seamlessly intertwines with rich historical roots. As the state’s capital, this dynamic city boasts diverse architectural marvels that captivate residents and visitors alike. From sleek urban designs to thoughtfully preserved landmarks, Raleigh’s architectural landscape tells a story of creativity and vision.
If you seek the finest architectural firms in Raleigh to bring your dream project to life, the list below showcases the best in the industry. Each firm has been carefully selected for its impressive portfolios, successful projects, and commitment to excellence. With a focus on innovative designs, sustainable practices, and client satisfaction, these architectural firms have earned their reputation in shaping the city’s skyline and defining its unique character.
CJMW Architecture
1838 Wake Forest Road, Raleigh, NC 27608
Founded by Tom Calloway and Alan Moore, CJMW Architecture underwent a transformative shift in 2010 to embrace a collective vision for the future. Renamed to represent its core focus on the built environment, CJMW Architecture now exemplifies how the entire team contributes to each project. The interior design group stands out among its dynamic teams, boasting 13 talented professionals, including interior designers, technical staff, and architects. The firm’s portfolio boasts award-winning designs for hospitality, healthcare, corporate, and senior living spaces.
CJMW Architecture has received numerous prestigious accolades, including the 2019 National Association of Industrial and Office Properties – Carolinas Project of the Year for New Construction. The firm also proudly maintains affiliations with organizations like the American Institute of Architects and the National Council for Interior Design Qualification.
Key leaders like Amanda Adams, AIA, LEED AP, and Tom Calloway, AIA, have significantly shaped CJMW Architecture’s success. Adams’s expertise in historic preservation, backed by State and Federal Historic Tax Credits, revitalizes communities and preserves cherished memories. Meanwhile, Calloway’s 40-year tenure has played a pivotal role in shaping Winston-Salem’s landscape.
Osterlund Architects
5 W Hargett Street, #310, Raleigh, NC 27601
Founded in 2008, Osterlund Architects’s approach begins by actively listening to their clients and thoroughly exploring the project site. It particularly relishes challenging and essential projects, seeking committed clients and embracing real boundaries. The firm has access to excellent engineering partners and a comprehensive understanding of building codes.
Whether tasked with transforming an abandoned warehouse into a vibrant restaurant, designing a striking church on a hill, or creatively combining both with integrated housing, Osterlund Architects eagerly collaborates with its clients throughout the journey. The firm’s affiliations include the US Green Building Council and the Raleigh Chamber of Commerce.
The principal architects, Andrew Osterlund and Kristen Osterlund, possess significant experience in the field. Andrew has been actively engaged in architecture in Raleigh since 1998, having worked on city-scale mixed-use developments. He has demonstrated a knack for aligning city, client, tenant, and technical requirements. With experience dating back to 1998 and licensure in 2005, Kristen excels in managing public and private projects through all design and construction stages. She prioritizes open communication among team members, skillfully blending creative ingenuity with meticulous attention to material selection and building envelope design.
New City Design Group
1304 Hillsborough Street, Raleigh, NC 27605
New City Design Group is an award-winning architecture and design studio that has been world-class projects since 1996. Located in Raleigh, North Carolina, it approaches each assignment with three core values: an abiding spirit of innovation in design and problem-solving, a deep commitment to quality, and an unwavering focus on helping its clients achieve their highest goals. The firm believes the best architectural efforts arise from meaningful stakeholder conversations, resulting in successful, attractive, and functional designs.
The New City Design Group team includes staff members who are American Institute of Architects members and LEED-accredited professionals, ensuring that sustainability and environmentally conscious practices are integrated into its projects. The firm’s work has been featured in publications such as Urban Land Magazine, Architect Magazine, and Raleigh Magazine, showcasing the studio’s dedication to excellence in the field.
JDavis Architects
510 S Wilmington Street, Raleigh, NC 27601
JDavis Architects is about connecting communities through thoughtful design—it’s about fostering spaces that unite people and strengthen neighborhoods, cities, and regions. At the core of the firm is a strong belief in building value and sharing it. The firm is committed to creating value for its clients, itself, and its communities. The team includes skilled professionals in architecture, landscape architecture, planning, interior design, and procurement, working together in a multi-disciplinary approach.
JDavis Architects takes pride in leading the way in urban infill developments, walkable neighborhoods, and mixed-use projects. Its approach always starts with focusing on the scale of buildings, streets, communities, and cities, ensuring functional and sustainable solutions for every project.
Neil Gray, AIA, LEED AP, leads the team and brings over 20 years of experience in urban design, and his passion lies in crafting livable, sustainable communities that encourage diverse and dynamic growth. He advocates for his community through his volunteer work with the March of Dimes and the UNC Children’s Hospital. Under Gray’s watch, JDavis Architects believes that great design is not just about aesthetics but about shaping spaces that will positively impact lives and contribute to a better future for all.
Louis Cherry Architecture
222 North Bloodworth Street, Raleigh, NC 27601
Louis Cherry Architecture is a small design practice focusing on modern residential, commercial, and institutional design. It firmly believes that architecture plays a vital role in shaping human experiences. The firm’s design philosophy revolves around several guiding principles. It believes in creating elegantly simple designs that offer both comfort and inspiration. Its goal is to craft spaces that exude tranquility and provide beautiful spaces for people to live, gather, and work in.
Collaboration is key to great design for Louis Cherry Architecture. It welcomes diverse perspectives from all involved in the design process as it leads to creative solutions for various challenges. The company also embraces its environmental responsibility, striving to minimize energy consumption and reduce its buildings’ ecological footprint.
Louis Cherry Architecture’s projects foster a sense of place, connecting people to their surroundings and communities while promoting comfort and productivity. The team includes fellows of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and LEED-accredited professionals. It is also a proud recipient of the 2019 AIA North Carolina Merit Award. Led by Louis Cherry—an architect with a literature, art, and architecture background— the firm brings a unique perspective to its projects, ensuring thoughtful and innovative designs.
Ellen Cassilly Architects
600 Foster Street, Durham, NC 27701
Drawn to Durham 30 years ago, Ellen Cassilly Architects (ECA) established itself in the heart of this culturally rich city. Its design solutions grow organically from the site and come out of a close collaboration with its clients. Throughout every project, it values creative dialogue with local craftspeople, artists, and consultants, recognizing the importance of their input. From the ground up, ECA loves creating structures that possess a timeless quality while remaining rooted in modernity. Equally fascinating to the team are adaptive reuse projects, where they explore inventive ways to use historic or new materials, serving both the community and the environment.
ECA’s dedication to excellence has been recognized with the 2019 Liberty Arts Award and was named Durham Magazine‘s Best Architect in 2015. As a proud American Institute of Architects member, it strives to push architectural innovation’s boundaries. Led by Ellen Cassidy, ECA’s architectural journey began in 1983. Since 1999, it has been committed to creating vibrant urban neighborhoods that prioritize modernity and sustainability while minimizing sprawl.
Raleigh Architecture Co.
716 S Saunders Street, Raleigh, NC 27603
The Raleigh Architecture Co. and The Raleigh Construction Co. are two distinct companies united by their shared passion for modern architecture and unwavering commitment to high-quality production. It thrives on collaborating with clients at every stage of their design journey, and the unique partnership between the firms enables the team to offer comprehensive design services, build services, or guide clients through the entire design-build process.
Robby Johnston and Craig Kerins are co-owners of both companies. Johnston has a BArch from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, and has honed his skills at Michael Ross Kersting Architecture, Tonic Design & Tonic Construction, and Clearscapes Art+Architecture. Craig Kerins has a BArch from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Kerins’ professional journey includes significant work with Hurt Partners Architects and Jay Hargrave Architecture.
2SL Design Build
210 E Franklin Street, Raleigh, NC 27604
2SL Design Build Collaborative, with over 18 years of experience, specializes in architecturally significant design-build projects. The team offers comprehensive architectural services for both residential and commercial projects, encompassing design, estimating, construction management, interior design, and site planning. It values collaboration with architects, designers, developers, and homeowners, resulting in award-winning projects that respect and fulfill its clients’ goals.
The firm holds dear the principles of integrity, responsiveness, clarity, and creativity. The firm won the 2016, 2008, and 2007 Anthemion Awards, recognizing its dedication to excellence. As a member of esteemed associations like the American Institute of Architects, Remodelers Council, the National Association of Home Builders, and the U.S. Green Building Council, 2SL Design Build Collaborative remains committed to staying at the forefront of industry trends and best practices.
