San Jose, California, is a vibrant and diverse city in the heart of Silicon Valley. Known for its innovative spirit and entrepreneurial culture, San Jose is a great place to live, work, and conduct business. The city boasts a thriving arts scene, top-ranked schools, and a range of recreational opportunities, from hiking and biking to cultural festivals and live music events. All of these elements make it a superb place to live, work, and set up a new business.
If you are looking for an architectural firm in San Jose, the list below features the leading firms to consider. Our team handpicked the firms after evaluating their portfolios, backgrounds, awards, industry affiliations, and press features. These firms are known for their exceptional design skills, innovative thinking, and commitment to creating functional and beautiful spaces.
Gensler
225 W Santa Clara St Ste 1100, San Jose, CA 95113
Gensler is a global architecture, design, and planning studio that has created better spaces since its founding in 1965. With 53 locations and over 7,000 professionals working throughout the United States, Europe, Greater China, Asia Pacific, and the Middle East, it is one of the industry’s largest and most respected firms. Gensler has worked with over 4,000 clients across over 29 practice areas in the work, lifestyle, community, and health sectors.
Gensler is guided by a mission to build a better world with the power of design, which is reflected in the company’s numerous awards and affiliations. This includes being named as the No. 1 Architecture Firm in the U.S. by Building Design+Construction in 2022, being a member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), and being recognized as a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)-certified firm. Its work has also been featured in numerous press outlets, including Archinect, Green Building & Design, and The Architect’s Newspaper.
HGA
84 West Santa Clara St Ste 200, San Jose, CA, 95113
Since its establishment in 2015, HGA has been expanding its expertise in interior architecture and design and creating a prominent presence in the tech and start-up community of Silicon Valley. It has built a reputation for exceptional design services in architecture, commissioning, engineering, environmental graphics, interior design, landscape architecture, lighting design, planning, research, resiliency, sustainable design, and technology. Its social culture encourages collaboration and inclusivity with seasonal parties, happy hours, industry events, and wellness programs, such as Bike to Work and Walk to Wherever. This fosters a tight-knit and collaborative environment that is making an impact in the architectural industry.
The company has received numerous accolades in recognition of its outstanding work, including the Architect Magazine Architecture and Interior Design Award, several National Design Awards, and several Touchstone Awards. HGA is also affiliated with AIA Silicon Valley and LEED Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The firm’s reputation in the field has been further solidified by its features in Architect Magazine, Business Journals, San Diego Business Journal, and San Jose Spotlight.
David Whitney Architects
2185 The Alameda Ste 100, San Jose, CA 95126
David Whitney Architects is committed to providing exceptional architectural and design services. Made up of creative professionals who have years of experience in architecture, interior design, and graphic design, its agile team balances outstanding design capabilities with a strong technical aptitude. The firm also has a diverse client list ranging from start-ups to Fortune 100 companies throughout the United States, and it proudly attributes much of its success to the close relationships it has built with top project partners and general contractors in the industry.
David Whitney Architects has been featured in BizJournal, and its commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration and passion for crafting enduring and entertaining spaces make it a top choice for clients looking for exceptional design services. As the principal of David Whitney Architects, David Whitney provides direction on every project from inception to execution. A strong client advocate, David has developed an intensive, service-oriented practice that focuses on giving clients a single point of contact during every project stage.
TOPA Architecture
1150 N First St Ste 140, San Jose, CA 95112
Founded in 2007, TOPA Architecture is a premier architectural firm that has built a reputation by providing innovative design solutions that meet its clients’ expectations. Using a client-centric approach, TOPA Architecture is committed to restoring communities and forming long-lasting relationships with everyone involved in its projects.
TOPA Architecture specializes in designing religious spaces, food service buildings, retail centers, and high-tech facilities. The team comprises experienced professionals with the skills and knowledge to handle all aspects of the design process, from conceptual design to agency permitting and construction administration. The firm also has experience with various engineering sub-consultants and ensures that every project is delivered on budget and on time. With its design excellence and community-centric approach, TOPA Architecture has been featured in various press publications, such as The Mercury News.
Blaine Architecture + Marshall Interiors
1690 Rogers Ave, San Jose, CA 95112
Blaine Architecture + Marshall Interiors is a company creating open and beautiful spaces that evoke an emotional connection within its users. Every building designed by BLAINE + Marshall has a soul that is honest and genuine, and the company understands the importance of designing buildings that are not only visually pleasing but also functionally sound. The firm’s services span both commercial and residential architecture.
Blaine Architecture + Marshall Interiors is led by Megan Blaine, a principal architect with a master’s degree in architecture from SCI-Arc, and Keith Blaine, a director of architecture with a bachelor’s degree in architecture from the University of Southern California. Under their leadership, the firm is affiliated with AIA and has been featured in publications including Archello and the Architecture + Design Community.
Arch Studio Inc.
1155 Meridian Ave Ste 210, San Jose, CA 95125
Founded in 2004, Arch Studio, Inc. is a full-service architectural design studio based in Central California. Led by licensed California architect Robin McCarthy, the firm specializes in custom residential and boutique commercial architecture and has a proven track record of delivering exceptional design solutions. The team of experts provides design expertise for all phases of a client’s architectural project, including material selection, permit plans, and details that translate personal style into thoughtful space planning and beautiful home design. The firm’s collaborative process puts clients at the center of every project, ensuring that the final product reflects their lifestyle, tastes, and budget. The firm also has experience in a variety of styles, making it a go-to choice for any custom residential project.
Notably, Arch Studio, Inc. holds affiliations with AIA and is certified as a Green Building Specialist. This reflects its commitment to combining creativity with sustainability in order to create beautiful, functional spaces that clients will love for years to come.
Photographed by David Eichler Photography.
Kyle Chan Architect
3561 Homestead Rd #222, San Jose, CA 95051
With over 18 years of experience in the architectural field, Kyle Chan Architect specializes in new construction, rebuilding, and remodeling projects. The firm’s team of professionals are members of the AIA and are LEED-accredited. With their expertise and commitment to exceptional design, Kyle Chan Architect is dedicated to bringing clients’ visions to life while providing quality service and personalized attention to every project.
Kyle Chan himself was born and raised in Hong Kong and moved to the U.S. to study architecture in 1996. He was educated at the Southern California Institute of Architecture and Cornell University, where he had the opportunity to travel throughout Europe and study in Rome for half a year. After graduating from Cornell with a professional degree in architecture, he moved to the Bay Area in 2003, practicing architecture with renowned firms in the Palo Alto area. Throughout his career, he has worked on a wide range of projects, including commercial shell buildings, retail facilities, office tenant improvements, and new residential homes and remodels. Currently, his area of focus is on custom single-family houses and remodels. His notable projects include Town & Country Shopping Center, Panda Express, and the AT&T retail store in Palo Alto.
J.Kretschmer Architect
Blossom Hill Rd, Los Gatos, CA 95032
J. Kretschmer, Architect is a client-focused architectural firm that prioritizes client satisfaction and achieving their expressed goals. Specializing in small-scale projects, it has a proven track record of successful residential remodels, additions, storefront façades, and interior tenant improvements. Jennifer Kretschmer leads the firm as the principal architect, bringing expertise and experience to each project. With a degree from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, she is also a Board of Directors member of the AIA Silicon Valley Chapter (AIASVC), as well as a Chairperson of AIASVC Custom Residential Architects.
As a LEED Green Associate and a National Council of Architectural Registration Boards member, J. Kretschmer, Architect maintains a solid commitment to environmentally conscious and sustainable design practices. The firm’s dedication to achieving clients’ visions and goals has earned it a reputation as a leading architectural firm in California.
