Last updated on May 24th, 2024 at 12:57 pm
Chattanooga has received numerous accolades in recent years for its excellent quality of life and for being the best city for social well-being. The city is also known for being among the best places for business and careers. There is a lively downtown area and several spots for hiking, kayaking, and swimming that both residents and visitors can enjoy.
The list below includes the best residential architects for individuals and families looking to move to Chattanooga. Each firm is experienced in building spaces that balance style, functionality, and connecting with the outdoors. On the other hand, if you want to learn more about the cost of building a custom home in Chattanooga, check out our cost guide article.
HK Architects
1216 East Main St, Suite 120, Chattanooga, TN 37408
HK Architects is an award-winning firm based in Chattanooga, TN. Its commitment to providing quality and sustainable design has earned it awards like the Master Design Awards: Whole House Less Than $300,000 from Qualified Remodeler and the Gold Award for Low Cost Housing from the International Design Awards. The firm works based on efficiency to ensure that space, resources, materials, and time are not wasted during the process. Clients work with teams composed of registered architects, interior designers, and LEED accredited professionals, including founder Heidi Hefferlin, American Institute of Architects (AIA), Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED AP).
Most of HK Architects’ works are Cape Cod, Contemporary, Cabin, Shingle, and Traditional in style. The Winston Residence in Chattanooga, TN is a Cape Cod-style home. HK Architects worked on a two-story addition and a complete interior remodel. The home’s design update includes an opened-up backyard, light-filled spaces, and multiple porches. There is also a custom metal staircase and large metal windows to add a rugged feature to the home.
River Street Architecture
123 E 7th St, Suite 400, Chattanooga, TN 37402
River Street Architecture, LLC is known for its experience with broad master planning, urban design, and building science and construction consulting. The firm’s experience covers institutional, industrial, retail, hospitality, medical, and residential projects. It creates spaces that balance beauty, efficiency, and sustainability while being responsive to the needs of clients and the community.
Rob Fowler, AIA, serves as River Street Architecture’s managing partner and co-founder. He leads the team in following a collaborative approach to design. The firm also works closely with clients, consultants, product representatives, contractors, and tradesmen. Most of its works can be found in the Chattanooga, TN area.
Pfeffer Torode Architecture
1426 Williams St, Chattanooga, TN 37408
Pfeffer Torode Architecture is most experienced with Craftsman, Traditional, and Contemporary styled homes. Its principals Jamie Pfeffer, Jonathan Torode, and Scott Torode have designed several structures in Nashville and Chattanooga, Tennessee, and Montgomery, Alabama. The Observation Tower in Tennessee is a retreat home with vertical spaces away from the big city. It features an oak and stone kitchen and a powder room with a nineteenth-century Swiss farmhouse sink.
Pfeffer Torode Architecture has over thirty designers and architects with experience in commercial and residential design. The firm’s team is committed to providing clients with high-quality design and dedicated service. Some of its residential and commercial projects can also be found abroad.
Tinker Ma, Inc.
719 Cherry St, Suite 200, Chattanooga, TN 37402
Tinker Ma, Inc. is an architecture and design firm stewarding sustainable community enhancement through creativity, professional leadership, and technical expertise. The firm’s portfolio features structures for sectors like hospitality, retail, education, healthcare, residential, and industrial. Partners, Thomas Palmer, Craig Peavy, and Trey Wheeler, along with Senior Associate Jessica Stack, lead the team of 14 architects and designers.
Photo Credit – Holt Webb
The Bluff Creek Residence is a residential project in Signal Mountain, TN. It features a design that is fitted to the unique topography of the site. The home is relatively invisible from the street and opens up views from within to the outdoor living spaces, including a swimming pool, mountainous views, and adjacent ravine on what would normally be considered the rear of the building. Inside, there are three distinct areas: a large open kitchen with living space, a private bedroom wing, and a utilitarian section with a home office and guest quarters. Learn more about their work at www.tinkerma.com.
JCC Design Studio
400 E Main St, Ste 160, Chattanooga, TN
JCC Design Studio was founded by Josh Cooper in 2001 after developing an interest in residential work. Cooper utilizes his knowledge of architectural design for residential projects in the Tennessee area. The firm collaborates with clients to provide creative and tailored services for each project.
Most of the JCC Design Studios’ works utilize the Traditional, Ranch, and Cabin styles. The Riverfront Residence is a three-story home with a wooden exterior and shingle roof. It has spaces with a rustic and loft-style design with features like fireplaces, balconies, and a courtyard.
Surface Architecture & Design
206 Manufacturers Rd, Chattanooga, TN 37405
Surface Architecture + Design specializes in residential design, light commercial design, and brand identity and logo design. The firm is experienced in working in the Chattanooga and Colorado areas where most of its clients wanted spaces that were connected with nature. Principal Michael Bridges, AIA, LEED AP, leads the firm in providing services for architecture, planning, interior design, green design, accessible design, and graphic design.
The projects featured in Surface Architecture + Design are mostly Ranch, Cabin, Farmhouse, and Contemporary. The Signal Mountain Prairie is a residential project where the firm added contemporary features to a classic design. The horizontal style home has several large spaces throughout.
Elemi Architects
812 Central Ave, Chattanooga, TN 37403
Elemi Architects works based on the specific needs of a project and client. It focuses on developing the environmental and social value of diverse and urban spaces. Its Riverside Residence is a residential project featuring geometrical designs for visual impact while keeping it constructible. Elemi Architects gave the home an open design to give the owners fluid spaces and natural light. There are contemporary features to create a modern look, which the clients requested.
Owner and principal architect Matt Winget leads Elemi Architects in creating an environment that encourages collaboration and education. The firm utilizes a client-centered approach to create places that are meaningful while being both environmentally and economically responsive to the needs of clients and the community.
