Michigan is known for being the foundation of America’s auto industry.Michigan has an abundance of natural beauty that is unparalleled. It also provides well-paying jobs and high-quality education, which enables one to build a home here.
This list [provides twelve of the best residential architects in the area. Most are accredited by the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and are experts in architectural planning and design. These firms’ designs cover a diverse array of styles, including contemporary, modern, and traditional.
AZD Associates
6905 Telegraph Suite, 230 Bloomfield Hills, MI 48301
AZD Associates-Architects is a full-service architecture and design firm based out of Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. It serves clients across the country and in Canada and the Caribbean. Established in 1990 by former college roommates Kevin Akey and Frank Zychowski, the firm has evolved into a pacesetter in the industry. Kevin leads the residential department, and Frank oversees the commercial side of the company. Together, they operate a company that improves architecture and design.
For nearly thirty years, AZD Associates-Architects has utilized innovative thinking and a passion for design to forge a nationally recognized company. Striving for excellence, the firm has received more than 120 design awards. Some of their most impressive projects were showcased in various media outlets, including HGTV, Better Homes and Gardens, and Architectural Digest.
McIntosh Poris Inc.
36801 Woodward Ave, Ste 200. Birmingham, MI 48009
McIntosh Poris Associates is a team of architects and urbanists who believe in the power of design as a catalyst for change. Established in 1994, the firm has delivered architecture and design services for residential, commercial, and institutional clients.
Principals John Skok and Michael Poris lead the firm in its mission to become the predominant partner for the people and communities it serves. John received his degree in architecture from the University of Detroit Mercy in 2000. His specialty lies in adaptive reuse and interior architecture, contributing to notable MPA projects, such as the Country Club of Detroit, Woodward Garden Theater, and Parent Street Lofts. Poris received his degree in science from the University of Michigan and Masters in Architecture at SCI-Arc in Los Angeles.
MPA is nationally recognized as a leading voice in architecture and interior design. Its work has received over one hundred design awards, including the 2021 AIA Michigan Honor Award and Detroit Design Award.
DesRosiers Architects
36330 Woodward Avenue Suite 100, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48304
Founded by third-generation architect Louis DesRosiers, DesRosiers Architects began with a vision to design the finest custom homes in Michigan. For fifty years, it has created distinct residences that seamlessly integrate the natural environments around them. Its designs transcend singular styles, from the most classic to traditional and modern homes. The AIA-certified firm approaches each project with a fresh perspective, as it assesses each client’s goals and lifestyle, then brings their vision to life.
Various media outlets like Fox 2 Detroit, The Wall Street Journal, Florida Design, and Detroit Home Magazine have featured its award-winning structures. The firm has received hundreds of awards and recognition and holds the record for most Detroit Home Design Awards won. It honors its mission to design refined, awe-inspiring, and timeless structures. It embraces the latest technologies and the finest materials to produce impeccable projects.
Mathison | Mathison Architects
560 5th St NW #405, Grand Rapids, MI 49504
Founded on the conviction that architecture, planning, and design elevate lives, Mathison | Mathison Architects continually seeks new opportunities to improve function, comfort, and sustainability. By connecting the aspirations of it’s clients with strong, evocative architectural forms, MMA works to rigorously plan and execute ideas, as well as enhance the dialogue between subject and place.
Founded by Tom Mathison and Evan Mathison, with new principals Megan Feenstra-Wall and Ben Franceschi, MMA specializes in both residential and commercial projects with modern and intentional design. MMA recognizes that ongoing collaboration is critical to the success of the work. It employs an inclusive and confident approach that invites diverse voices to contribute to the design process. MMA is a growing team of experienced architects and designers that enjoy a diverse portfolio of project typologies, sizes, and complexities. The team’s skills have been developed and honed at both a national and global level and its academic, professional, and experiential knowledge help add insight and fresh perspective to each project. Learn more about their work at www.mathisonarchitects.com
Allegretti Architects Inc.
500 Main St., St. Joseph, MI, 49085
Allegretti Architects is an architectural and planning firm founded in 1973. It is nationally recognized for its designs of socially conscious, affordable, and sustainable housing. This philosophy, and the firm’s devotion to environmentalism, have enabled it to create “organic architecture.”
The firm’s work can be found in twenty-seven states, as well as in Europe. Some of its projects have received four dozen American Institute of Architects design awards. The Detroit Home Awards gave it the honor award for Sustainable Design, and it received the Merit Award for Sustainable Design from the Southwest Michigan Chapter AIA as well.
Allegretti sees its mission as a social responsibility and strives to bring the best environmental practices and client-responsive solutions into harmony in each project. The AIA-accredited firm’s passion for quality-driven decisions can be seen in its architectural solutions.
Kevin Hart and Associates
700 East Maple Road Suite #101, Birmingham, MI 48009
Designing homes with an emphasis on historical restoration and custom home design is this firm’s specialty. It has dedicated its thirty-one years in the industry to perfect homes. Since 1990, the firm has operated under its namesake, Kevin Hart, who began his career journey with a clear understanding of history, tradition, and construction. His background from the University of Notre Dame Architecture School guides the firm in following the concepts of proportion, harmony, rhythm, and scale in its projects.
It has received design awards for Historical Restoration, Contemporary Residential Design, and Traditional Residential Design architecture. It also ensures that a close relationship is established with the owners to define the needs of their unique home. The accurate communication of these design details to the qualified builder is vital to the project’s success. Kevin Hart and Associates is a certified AIA and an affiliate professional of Great Britain’s Royal Society for the Advancement of Arts and Sciences. It is also a verified principal of the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards.
Saroki Architecture
430 N., Old Woodward, Birmingham, MI 48009
Saroki Architecture believes that excellent architecture can be achieved at every level. From small interior details to urban spaces, the firm’s work has improved the quality of life in many communities. With its exposure, it has advanced the course of sustainable and durable architecture in Michigan. The firm utilizes the best principles of urban design and sustainable architecture, resulting in spaces with obvious synergy and resonance. Its buildings have created places and attractions that have evolved many communities’ social, cultural, and financial well-being.
The firm’s impressive range has enabled it to receive various accolades. In its years in the industry, it has received the 2016 Building Award:Royal House Recording from AIA Michigan and the 2015 Gold Medal for president and founder Victor Saroki, FAIA. Saroki’s expertise lies in residential and commercial architecture for clients surrounding Birmingham areas.
CBI Design Professionals, Inc.
838 W. Long Lake, Suite 110, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302
CBI Design Professionals is an award-winning architectural firm committed to delivering unique projects in Birmingham and neighboring areas. Its expertise lies in residential, adaptive reuse, mixed-use, institutional, and residential renovation. The firm is known for its French Country, Cape Cod, Modern, and Colonial designs but is mainly lauded for its ability to bring old homes to life.
CBI Design Professionals operates with over twenty-five years of experience under the leadership of co-founder and President Robert Clarke. Robert and his team have designed and helped their clients manage some of the finest new residential homes and renovations in its area. It creates commercial, educational, and religious structures, as it provides consultative and proactive client service. Clients appreciate CBI’s attention to detail and the individualized focus the team provides.
Angelini & Associates
200 Huronview Blvd., Ann Arbor, MI 48103
Established in 1989, Angelini & Associates provides innovative, high-quality architectural design solutions. It offers its services for residences in the Ann Arbor area and throughout Michigan.
Owners Brad and Theresa Angelini are a husband and wife team, and they collaborate for every project design, which enables them to have a successful partnership. Both have experience teaching at the University of Michigan and are active AIA Huron Valley Chapter members. Today, the company draws upon the wide range of professional experiences and talents of its staff. Its staff members are either registered architects or architectural designers working toward registration.
The firm has produced designs for over 700 projects. These include additions, renovations, and new constructions that span stylistic boundaries to match the context and client. It has also been featured in several publications, including the most recent article in The Modern Residence.
HF:architecture
512 N. Main Street, Suite #100, Royal Oak, MI 48067
HF:architecture revitalizes the natural and built environment through sustainable building materials and innovative design solutions. It is committed to excellence in architecture and strives for a balance of function, structure, and beauty in each design. It understands each client’s needs and desires, which enables it to create unique projects and establish long-lasting client relationships. Its expertise lies in full-service architecture, historic restoration, custom renovation, and building projects. Often, HF:architecture’s projects are Contemporary and Modern Cottage designs.
HF:architecture is led by design principal Brian E Howard. He possesses over twenty years of experience creating award-winning architecture. The firm’s portfolio includes projects located in Michigan, Virginia, Massachusetts, Wisconsin, Arizona, and the New Jersey shore. The successful nature of these projects enabled it to receive accolades and distinctions from various organizations, including Best Vacation Home Under 3000 sf and the Best Contemporary Interior Design from the Detroit Home Design Awards.
AMDG Architects Inc.
25 Commerce, SW Suite 300, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Designing a secondary residence is a passion for AMDG Architects as it seeks to deliver on the dreams of their clients. AMDG is a full-service architecture firm that seamlessly provides site, landscape, interior, and architectural design. AMDG believes deeply that at the heart of great design is a client who is understood. This is why AMDG’s process begins with thoughtful dialogue and questions to understand the client’s personal goals and aspirations. AMDG is driven to solve complex design challenges, steward the client’s vision and resources, while making the process simple and enjoyable for the client.
Senior Architect, Brent Dykstra leads the residential studio at AMDG Architects. He is a consummate professional who leads the team in a collaborative manner to deliver design solutions that truly delight the client.
AMDG Architects is led by President Peter Baldwin, AIA, NCARB. His passion stems from the belief that space matters and can amplify the very best of what people do and are. AMDG’s residential studio has served clients in multiple states with a focus on the greater Lake Michigan region.
VanBrouck & Associates
360 Hamilton Row, Birmingham, MI 48009
VanBrouck & Associates was founded in 1992 with a shared passion for classic, timeless architecture and design. Founders John and Donna VanBrouck work with a talented in-house team of architects, engineers, and two award-winning interior designers. The firm has designed an extensive and impressive body of work with luxury residential projects across the country.
Each project represents immense design creativity, resulting in homes that reflect a refined elegance and attention to detail. This creates the perfect balance of function, charm, and character. Each design is tailored to meet their clients’ needs and desires, with sensitivity to the environments where they are built. The firm is particularly lauded for its expertise in blending classic, timeless architectural antecedents, and authentic period details with an innovative, modern-inspired home design aesthetic.
It was recognized with over 190 design awards and was featured in many designs and building publications. It has been an nine-time winner of the Best Overall Home Award and a six-time winner of the Reader’s Choice Award for the annual Detroit Home Design Awards.
