South Dakota is known for its abundant natural resources and a low cost of living. The thriving economy, centered on agriculture, tourism, and national defense, has brought a host of new residents to cities such as Brookings, Sioux Falls, and Yankton.
In this list of the best residential architects in South Dakota are professionals who have exceptional depth in serving clients across the state. They are known not only for their substantial experience and industry recognition but for creating distinctive homes that are as unique as the clients they serve. On the other hand, if you want to learn more about the cost of building a custom home in South Dakota, check out our cost guide article.
ID8 Architecture
414 Main Ave., Suite #3, Brookings, SD 57006
ID8 Architecture puts a prominent focus on connecting architecture and interior design in every project. Since the company’s establishment in 2018, the portfolio has become dominantly filled with homes in modern and farmhouse styles, all of which are recognized for having cohesive flow between the exterior and interior spaces. As a multidisciplinary studio, ID8 Architecture provides clients with full-spectrum services that include architecture, interior design, master planning, and FF&E and lighting design. Among its notable projects is the Nola of the North house in Brookings. For this home, the firm exceptional start-to-finish work, from contract administration and construction documents to full finish work of the interior and exterior.
Koch Hazard Architects
431 N. Phillips Ave., Suite #200, Sioux Falls, SD 57104
Koch Hazard Architects makes the transformation of space and terrain its primary goal. Established in 1961, the firm has gathered a team of professionals with diverse backgrounds and deep skills. These professionals share a curiosity that results in the never-ending effort to deliver a higher sense of well-being into each project. The team is led by CEO Jeff Hazard, who has continued to amplify the company’s dedication to quality since 1988. Dedicated to community service and improvement, Hazard is known for renovating and restoring historic landmarks such as the Falls Center, a four-story warehouse originally constructed in 1899 by the Jewett Brothers and Jewett Wholesale Grocers. The exceptional work by Koch Hazard preserved the integrity of the structure and went on to win the 1994 AIA South Dakota Design honor award, as well as a coveted Mayor’s Award.
Ciavarella Design Architects
410 W. 2nd Ave., Suite #4, Mitchell, SD 57301
Ciavarella Design Architects was established in 1998. Since then, the firm has serviced clients across the Dakotas, Wyoming, and Michigan, designing residential homes that range from Prairie and Craftsman to modern. Over the years, the team’s services have extended to other niche markets, with work in the commercial, educational, healthcare, multi-family, religious, and municipal sectors, as well as the historic-preservation market. No matter the project, each design showcases elegant attention to detail, as in the Missouri River residence shown below, which incorporates water views along the whole of the main living spaces and frames them with warm honey-toned wood, in the trim, exposed beams, and cathedral ceiling.
Mannes Architects
800 Douglas Ave., Yankton, SD 57078
Mannes Architects was formed in 1982 by Glenn Mannes, who practiced architecture in Yankton for over 40 years. Today, his daughter Sarah Mannes Homstad, AIA owns the office and is the principal architect for all custom residential and commercial projects. Sarah is a registered architect in both South Dakota and Nebraska. Among its notable projects is the Ryken home, below, which carries a modern style that fits perfectly into its suburban surroundings. Mannes Homstad holds a master’s degree in architecture from Iowa State and a bachelor’s in human and organizational development from Vanderbilt. Homstad applies both her educational background and years of depth in the industry, overseeing projects that range from $500,000 residences to $3 million expansions.
Williams & Associates Architecture, Inc.
125 E. Colorado Blvd., Suite #2A, Spearfish, SD, 57783
William & Associates Architecture, Inc., highly values the idea of collaboration flowing among its team, designers, and clients. Since its establishment in 1993, the company has completed projects across an array of markets, including the educational, commercial, healthcare, hospitality, community, and religious sectors, with high-clarity successes throughout the residential market. But no matter the project, the team ensures that each design seamlessly blends regional influence, client vision, architectural expertise, and inspired craftsmanship.
Geiger Architecture
613 Main St., Suite #201, Rapid City, SD 57701
Established in 1975, Geiger Architecture is known for creating design solutions that are client-focused and environmentally oriented. Drawing on decades of innovative experience, the firm has completed projects that include the historic, commercial, and public (even library design). Geiger’s flagship residential work has rich depth as well, spanning from Colonial to cottage and log-home styles. A particularly distinctive Geiger design is the Carpenter residence, in Rapid City. This modern log home has a striking brown and black palette across the stone and wood façade, and in any season, this two-story stunner is a beacon of warmth in the middle of the South Dakotan forest.
