Five Fantastic Architects in the United States
The United States is home to globally influential architects shaping cities from New York to Los Angeles. This guide spotlights five highly regarded US architecture firms with national reach, outlines core service areas, and links helpful resources. At the end you will find city-specific guides, FAQs, and source endnotes.
Skidmore, Owings & Merrill
Headquartered in Chicago with major studios across the country. SOM is known for tall buildings, complex civic work, and research-led sustainable design.
- Selected services: high-rise design, urban planning, civic and cultural architecture, interiors.
- Representative US regions: Midwest, East Coast, West Coast.
Gensler
Founded in San Francisco. One of the world’s largest architecture and design firms with a broad US footprint, noted for workplace innovation and large mixed-use programs.
- Selected services: workplace and commercial, retail and hospitality, aviation and transportation, urban planning.
- Representative US regions: West Coast, East Coast, South, Mountain West.
Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates
New York based with international work. KPF is associated with next-generation commercial towers and complex urban districts.
- Selected services: supertall and high-rise architecture, master planning, commercial and residential design.
- Representative US regions: East Coast, Midwest, West Coast.
Perkins&Will
Chicago founded practice with a strong research culture. Recognised for human centered design across health, education, and civic projects.
- Selected services: healthcare architecture, higher education, K-12, civic and cultural, interiors.
- Representative US regions: Midwest, South, East Coast, West Coast.
Morphosis Architects
Los Angeles studio founded by Thom Mayne. Known for experimental, performance driven architecture and civic landmarks.
- Selected services: cultural and civic buildings, commercial and residential, campus and master planning.
- Representative US regions: West Coast, Mountain West, national commissions.
Areas covered in the US
These firms and their peers work across the country by commission. Common regional groupings include the following.
- East Coast: New York, Boston, Washington DC, Philadelphia
- West Coast: Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle
- Midwest: Chicago, Detroit, Minneapolis
- South: Houston, Atlanta, Miami, Dallas
- Mountain West: Denver, Phoenix, Salt Lake City
Architectural services in the US
- Residential architecture and luxury homes
- Commercial and corporate offices
- Cultural and civic projects including museums, theaters, libraries
- Healthcare and education buildings
- High-rise design and urban planning
- Retail and hospitality design
- Sustainable design aligned to LEED, WELL, and Passive House standards
Find architects near you
Explore our city pages for local shortlists and selection tips.
- Five Fantastic Architects in New York for leading studios and boutique practices across NYC’s boroughs.
- Five Fantastic Architects in Los Angeles for firms shaping Southern California’s cultural and residential landscape.
- Five Fantastic Architects in Chicago for practices with strong high-rise and civic portfolios in the Midwest.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to hire an architect in the US
Typical fees range from 5 to 15 percent of construction cost depending on complexity, location, and scope. Fixed fees and hourly arrangements are also used for early studies.
Do US architects provide free consultations
Some offer an initial call at no charge to discuss goals and fit. More detailed feasibility or concept studies are usually paid.
What qualifications do architects in the US hold
Licensed architects complete a professional degree, experience through AXP, and exams via NCARB and state boards. Always verify current state licensure.
Do US architects work on sustainable projects
Yes. Many align with LEED, WELL, and Passive House frameworks alongside energy codes and client sustainability goals.
Can US architects work internationally
Many firms practice globally, often collaborating with local architects to meet regulatory requirements.
How long does an architectural project take
Small residential work can span 6 to 12 months including design and approvals. Large commercial projects may take several years.
Do architects handle planning and permits
Most architects coordinate zoning analysis, entitlement strategy, and building permit documentation with the design team and consultants.
What is the difference between an architect and a designer
An architect is state licensed and regulated. Designers may provide valuable services but are not licensed unless specified.
What US sustainability standards are common
LEED from USGBC, WELL from IWBI, and Passive House standards are widely referenced. Projects may also pursue Energy Star and local stretch codes.
How do I choose the best architect for my project
Check licensure, review similar case studies, speak to references, and compare like-for-like proposals with scope, deliverables, program, and fees by stage.
Endnotes and source links
- Skidmore, Owings & Merrill practice site and expertise. som.com
- Gensler practice site and sectors. gensler.com
- Kohn Pedersen Fox practice site and projects. kpf.com
- Perkins&Will practice site and research. perkinswill.com
- Morphosis practice site and portfolio. morphosis.com
- US city guides on Five Fantastic: New York | Los Angeles | Chicago
- LEED green building rating system by USGBC. usgbc.org/leed
- WELL Building Standard by IWBI. wellcertified.com
- Passive House resources. passivehouse.com
- NCARB licensure and AXP program. ncarb.org