Atlanta has a vibrant culture, lush greenery, and a rich history. The city’s fusion of cosmopolitan amenities and southern charm offers delightful gastronomy, a diverse music scene, and plenty of striking architecture. Living here is a captivating experience and that is evident on every street and corner. Read on to explore eight of the finest interior architects in Atlanta, carefully chosen for their exceptional awards, extensive experience, and strong portfolios.
Square Feet Studio
154 Krog Street NE, #170, Atlanta, GA 30307
Square Feet Studio, a celebrated architectural firm based in Atlanta, embodies the synergy of diverse backgrounds in architecture, interior design, fine arts, and urban planning. Having offered a resilient blend of sustainable planning and design since 2001, the firm continues to deliver long-lasting, beautiful spaces that optimize every square foot.
Founding Principal John Bencich—a seasoned architect and member of the American Institute of Architects—takes an innovative approach to reimagining old buildings. Joining him is Vivian Bencich, a registered interior designer holding memberships with the American Society of Interior Designers and the International Interior Design Association.
Square Feet Studio’s distinctive design excellence has been recognized by AIA Georgia, IIDA Georgia, and Atlanta Magazine, among others. The firm’s work has also gained considerable press coverage, with features in Architectural Digest and The Wall Street Journal. The firm’s commitment to design intelligence, client engagement, and environmental stewardship has been evident throughout its 22 years of distinguished service.
Niles Bolton Associates, Inc.
3060 Peachtree Road NW, Suite 600, Atlanta, GA 30305
Niles Bolton Associates an Atlanta-based architectural firm established in 1975, excels in crafting design solutions across multiple markets, including the residential, educational, institutional, and hospitality sectors. An additional office in Washington DC has broadened its reach, and it now designs in 49 states and 16 countries. The firm’s success can be attributed to a keen understanding of clients’ requirements and a commitment to building enduring relationships.
G. Niles Bolton—the firm’s Chairman and CEO—has a diverse background that includes a stint with the Army Corp of Engineers. Ray Kimsey, the President, has spearheaded several notable projects, showcasing his expertise in large-scale planning and LEED Gold projects. The firm’s design prowess has earned it multiple accolades, including the Outstanding Achievement Award from ACI and the NAHB’s award for Community Facility.
With 48 years of substantial contribution to the architectural landscape, it continues to earn recognition and features in esteemed publications like Atlanta Business Chronicle and Atlanta Magazine.
ai3, Inc.
916 Joseph E Lowery Boulevard NW, Suite 1, Atlanta, GA 30318
Founded in 2004, ai3, Inc. is a nationally recognized design and architecture firm based in Atlanta. This firm is known for crafting spaces of impact where individuals can eat, work, gather, and relax. The company operates on the foundational belief that the most potent design is the one that expresses a client’s purpose–-a belief evident in every project, the firm’s approach, and its overall culture.
Patrick Johnson, the firm’s Partner and CEO, has over 30 years of industry experience. He is joined by a skilled team of partners, all bringing distinct skills to the table. The firm’s pursuit of design excellence has earned it notable accolades, including a TopID Firm Nomination from NEWH and several awards from ASID.
ai3, Inc.’s project portfolio—echoing the firm’s commitment to purpose-driven design—has been featured in esteemed publications such as Atlanta Magazine and Axios Charlotte. After 19 years in the industry, the company continues to offer purposeful and meaningful design solutions.
Wakefield Beasley & Associates
5200 Avalon Boulevard, Alpharetta, GA 30009
Established in 1980, Wakefield Beasley & Associates has distinguished itself as an interdisciplinary architectural design firm staunchly dedicated to creating the best architecture. Guided by the ethos of relentless commitment to client goals, the firm ensures in-depth involvement at every stage, facilitated by its directors to establish spaces that deeply intertwine people and places. This approach underlines the firm’s capacity to shape environments where desired results materialize.
Founder, Principal, and CEO Lamar Wakefield—a Georgia Institute of Technology alumnus—infuses his natural artistic talent and mathematical prowess into his architectural pursuit. The firm’s excellence led The Atlanta Business Chronicle to name it one of Atlanta’s Top 25 Architectural Firms in 2021.
The firm has been featured in The Atlanta Business Chronicle, The Dawson County News, and on Business RadioX. The firm continues to uphold its 43-year legacy in architecture, promoting a meaningful intersection of people and spaces.
Joel Kelly Design
400 Plasters Avenue NE, Suite 110, Atlanta, GA 30324
Joel Kelly Design has been offering bespoke Residential Architectural and Interior Design services since 1998. Focused on providing unique solutions tailored to individual needs, it handles several residential projects—everything from minor renovations to multi-million dollar homes. Its philosophy centers on collaborating with clients to create distinctive, personalized living spaces.
Guided by founder Joel Kelly—a Princeton University and Georgia Institute of Technology alumnus—the firm’s innovative approach has been recognized by prestigious organizations, receiving several accolades, including the 2021 Residential Custom Design from ASID. The firm’s work has also graced the pages of respected publications such as Architectural Digest and Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles.
As a member of ASID, NCARB, and the Institute of Classical Architecture & Art, Joel Kelly Design encapsulates 25 years of passion, creativity, and dedication to residential design. And it continues to interpret and enhance clients’ lifestyles through design.
Daniel M. Martin, LLC
200 Seville Chase, Atlanta, GA 30328
Daniel M. Martin, LLC is an architectural firm headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, with a rich legacy that spans 16 years. It was established in 2007 by Daniel M. Martin, an alumnus of the Georgia Institute of Technology.
With a strong inclination towards traditional and modern design, the firm creates distinctive homes that stand the test of time by carefully analyzing the context and client needs. Its comprehensive portfolio showcases projects in Atlanta’s diverse neighborhoods, including Virginia Highlands, Morningside, Buckhead, Sandy Springs, Dunwoody, and Alpharetta. The firm also works in both North Georgia and Alabama, and it takes on lake projects at Lake Lanier, Lake Burton, Lake Oconee, and Lake Champlain in New York. The firm also designs golf and tennis resorts, restaurants, offices, and retail designs, but residential work remains its backbone.
Daniel M. Martin, LLC holds an AIA accreditation, and its work was last recognized in 2015 with the Historic Macon Foundation Preservation Award for Reichert House.
Norwood Architects
807 Forrest Street NW, Atlanta, GA 30318
Norwood Architects, a comprehensive architectural firm, embarked on its journey in 2004 under the dynamic leadership of Principal James Norwood “Woody” Vaughan. Initially providing design services, it has evolved to offer master planning and interior design solutions.
Over the span of 19 years, the firm has firmly rooted itself in West Midtown, becoming a part of the community after its relocation from Smyrna, Georgia. With a team boasting credentials such as AIA, USGBC, NCARB, and LEED AP, the firm thrives on the strength of its collective expertise.
Woody Vaughan, the CEO, has a unique edge with 20 years of experience in diverse fields, from Master Planning and Residential to Industrial Facilities, backed by a hands-on construction background. The firm was recognized in 2011 with the Trends Kitchen Award, underscoring its commitment to excellence.
Bonsai Architectural Designs
10 Executive Park Drive NE, #228, Atlanta, GA 30329
Bonsai Architectural Designs, established in 2015 by Corey Austin, has a noteworthy presence in the Atlanta design landscape. Well-known for its dedication, creativity, and exceptional performance, it is considered one of the most recognized design firms in the area. Its creative pursuits are ceaseless, and it actively seeks new sources of inspiration.
The firm’s inception allowed Corey Austin to soar creatively, untethered by constraints. As the Lead Designer and Owner, Austin brings collaborative leadership to the forefront, ensuring the firm remains a design leader in the Southeast. His careful oversight of Bonsai’s national platform and day-to-day operations keeps the firm on its pioneering path.Georgia Business Journal featured the firm in 2022 and before that Digital Journal did the same in 2020, pointing towards its growing influence in the field. Today, in 2023, Bonsai Architectural Designs is currently in its eighth year of operation.
