Located in the southeast of Phoenix is a bustling suburban city perfect for first-time homeowners. Chandler is a small town with a progressive economy that is ideal for families looking for a fresh start. The economic growth has led to more businesses and employment for new residents. In addition, Chandler has highly-rated public schools and an affordable cost of living. But perhaps the most promising statistic for homeowners is the relatively affordable housing rates.
Many residents of the city own their homes and there are many empty lots waiting for its next homeowners. When building your dream home, the first step is finding the right architect who can plan a design closest to your vision. That is why this list has ten of the best architects who service Chandler. These architects have been servicing Arizona for years and some of them have won awards for their works. Scope of services, project portfolio, and design expertise were the criteria used when determining these architects.
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.
Baldinger Architectural Studio
1524 East Caroline Ln., Tempe, AZ 85284
Headquartered in Tempe is Baldinger Architectural Studio, a collaborative design studio that puts an emphasis on a project’s connection with its surroundings. The firm believes that it can create a difference in its community by designing projects that have less energy consumption and carbon emissions. Baldinger Architectural Studio is aware of the environmental impact that construction brings which is why its team often brainstorms on new creative solutions that are more sustainable.
Many of its projects follow the guidelines set by the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED). Like many sustainable projects, the firm makes sure its designs have a clear connection with its environment. The Klugness Residence is a project designed to complement the desert landscape of Scottsdale. The dome facade goes well with the home’s mountain range backdrop but, at the same time, it also stands out in its neighborhood. Brick and wood were predominantly used to create a polished rustic finish.
Design Sense
1956 E Huntington Dr., Tempe, AZ 85282
Robert Tieni has spent 35 years of his career working on every aspect of architecture. He often works with small business owners in the retail and restaurant sectors. Through his firm, Design Sense, Tieni is able to reach out to a wider variety of clients. Design Sense has been working on residential and commercial projects in the Phoenix Metropolitan area since 2002.
The multidisciplinary firm has worked with some of the biggest restaurant chains in the state. From fast-food chains like Subway to casual dining restaurants like Central Bistro, many of these commercial establishments were designed by Design Sense. The firm is not limited to commercial projects, it has experience with all types of residential projects. Design Sense’s goal is to educate clients with the design principles of architecture. This is why the firm likes working with homeowners who are building their first homes.
Designline Architects
470 E. Canyon Creek Ct., Gilbert, Arizona 85295
Doug Rusk has always had an eye for structure and design. His early career was dedicated to honing his skill as a draftsman while working with structural engineering companies. Rusk eventually found his niche in architecture and would later on design for some of the best local and national home builders. Designline Architects is the product of Rusk’s three decades in the architectural industry. The firm, established in 2009, allows Rusk to work closely with his clients and design projects that have a more personal touch. Many of the firm’s clients are families which is why it puts a premium on designs that are practical and functional.
Designline architects have a wide range of residential projects in its portfolio. Single-family homes are its most common projects, which has made the firm adept in designing residences with limited space. Through small lot design solutions, the firm is able to design efficient homes that are made with the family’s practicality in mind. These homes have multifunctional spaces that can accommodate work and play.
Drewett Works Architecture
7144 E Stetson Dr. Ste. #204, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
C.P. Drewett describes himself as a renaissance man with a growing interest in arts and science. But perhaps his first interest was in architecture and design. His father was a mathematician who loved woodworking and Drewett always helped him with his home projects. As he grew older, Drewett’s interest in woodworking grew, influencing him to pursue a career in architecture. Since then, he has established Drewett Works Architecture and his works have been in the pages of Phoenix Home and Garden, Luxe Magazine, and Western Interiors Magazine.
Drewett Works Architecture is one of the most awarded architectural firms in Scottsdale. The firm’s luxury home projects have been included in Luxe Magazine’s Gold List and won several awards from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). Last year, five of its projects won six awards from the NAHB. Two of these awards were awarded to the In Plane Sight project, a 14,000 square foot home that has a full view of Paradise Valley and Camelback Mountain.
GTNJ Architecture
2111 E. Broadway Rd. #14, Tempe, AZ 85282
GTNJ Architecture is a boutique firm that’s been servicing Maricopa County for the past 15 years. The firm specializes in residential projects like new construction and remodeling. One of the common questions asked by the clients is if the firm has a specific design style. For Founder Gwendolyn Butler, a good architect is capable of designing every type of home style. Moreover, GNTJ Architecture is not limited to residential projects. The firm has also designed for the German International School in Boston and the Pape Bird Observation Tower.
The firm’s design process has five phases which are pre-design, schematic design, design development, construction documents, and construction administration. Clients will be guided through every step of the design so they can also impart some of their inputs during the first stages. The firm will also help the clients with determining the perfect contractor for their project.
Hayes Studio Inc
3511 E Indian School RD., Phoenix, AZ 85018
For the past 28 years, Hayes Studio Inc has provided architectural and interior design solutions for the Phoenix community. Principal Catherine Hayes is involved with every project so she can personally oversee that the quality is consistent. Hayes’s work has been featured in many design magazines like Forbes Magazine, Scottsdale Magazine, and Le Journal De Maison. One of the principal’s most notable accomplishments is being recognized as one of the Most Influential Women in Arizona Business by AZBusiness Magazine.
During its early years, it was known as a commercial firm that focused on restaurant and hospitality design however they were also designing some of the Valley’s most architecturally notable residences as well as truly unique custom furniture designs used in their many projects. The firm’s works continues to cater to the client’s desires in creating a wide range of well-developed architectural styles. This Phoenix home is a contemporary project with a very elegant yet warm aesthetic. Its exterior is lined with overlooking windows and doors, truly bringing the outside in. The elegant interior design also gives the home a sophisticated appeal.
J. Moffatt + Associates, Inc
6197 S. Rural Rd., Tempe Arizona 85283
After working with one of the best Architectural firms in the southwest for 17 years, Jim Moffatt created J. Moffatt + Associates, Inc. in 2002, to focus on high end custom residential work. The firm is not limited to large scale design; it also undertakes simple remodels and additions.
The firm is responsible for many contemporary homes found in the deserts of Central Arizona. One of them is this home found near a former mining town in Rancho De Los Caballeros. The client was an athlete with an eye for modern art in possession of an extensive art collection. J. Moffatt + Associates designed a home that would take advantage of the scenic desert view. Local materials were paired with glass to give the home a contemporary finish. The tall glass walls also complement the high ceiling of the interiors.
Jones Studio
205 S Wilson St., Tempe, AZ 85281
Jones Studio, Inc is a mid-sized architecture and interior design firm founded in Phoenix in 1979. The firm is well-known and respected across Arizona and the desert southwest for its unique and memorable architecture as well as its involvement in the community. Many of the firm’s staff are involved in the local Phoenix Metro Chapter of the AIA, including co-hosting a new podcast sponsored by the organization called Tracing Architecture. Over the years, Jones Studio has opened its office doors to host public events, including the “Inspiring Aspiring Architects” Teen Architecture Workshop in partnership with the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art and dozens of other local architects. Founder Eddie Jones and the firm’s works have been featured in several publications, including Phoenix Home & Garden.
One of the firm’s notable residential projects is the Logan Residence in Scottsdale. The Logan Residence is both a private museum and a home. The homeowners are contemporary art enthusiasts and wanted their residence to showcase their prolific collection. Four galleries integrated throughout the home—each with varying daylighting techniques—display pieces of painting, sculpture, and more.
Palmer Design
2785 E. Via De Palmas, Gilbert, AZ 85298
Residential architect Palmer Design is the preferred firm for homeowners in Chandler, Scottsdale, Gilbert, and Mesa. Homeowners often employ the firm because of its extensive knowledge in residential code and its client-focused building process. Whenever the firm takes on a residential project, it makes sure that it focuses on this project and does not entertain commercial clients. The firm’s dedication to the residential community has resulted in a close working relationship with many local neighborhoods in Arizona.
Palmer Design has a detail-oriented approach to building and design. Throughout every step, clients are involved so their visions are not compromised. A look at the firm’s design portfolio will feature a range of designs that include Tuscan, Modern, Mediterranean, Spanish, Southwestern, and Ranch. Many homeowners think that Arizona has only traditional homes but Palmer Design’s portfolio shows an emerging trend of modern residences in different cities.
The Organic Architect
1321 W McNair St., Chandler, AZ 85224
Michael Rust is a Chandler local who has been inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright all his career. He has been with the Frank Lloyd Wright School of Architecture for more than a decade, where he was the third apprentice to receive a master’s degree from the school and is the youngest architect to be named Senior Taliesin Fellow. In 2001, Rust established an architectural firm named after Wright’s teachings. The Organic Architect is a residential and commercial design firm that specializes in sustainable projects that have a harmonious relationship with its environment.
While Michael is licensed in three states (Arizona, California, and Florida), the firm provides design services all over the country. The Organic Architect’s style can be characterized by natural materials designed to blend with its environment. Exteriors are often made with wood and its interiors often have a neutral color palette. The firm creates a connection between the home and its environment by using open architecture, which welcomes natural light into the home and showcases its beautiful landscape.
How can I find home builders near me?
Read our latest articles on the best custom home builders across Arizona. If you don’t see your city below, just let us know – we are happy to create a tailored recommendation list just for you.
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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.
Get Bids For Your Build
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.
