Architecture firms play an important role in creating the spaces where people live, work, and interact. From corporate headquarters and high-rise buildings to residential communities and sustainable developments, leading firms in the USA bring expertise across different project types.
This 2026 guide explores 10 leading architecture firms in the USA, highlighting their specialties, notable projects, and design approaches across commercial, residential, healthcare, hospitality, and other major sectors.
How We Selected the Top Architecture Firms in the USA
With thousands of architecture firms across the USA, we looked beyond company size to identify firms with real industry influence and design impact. We select the best architecture firms base on the following factors:
- Industry recognition – Reputation, awards, and professional recognition within the architecture field.
- Project portfolio – Experience with landmark projects across commercial, residential, healthcare, hospitality, and other sectors.
- Design expertise – Strong capabilities in creating innovative and functional spaces.
- Specialized knowledge – Expertise in areas such as sustainable design, workplace environments, and high-performance buildings.
- Industry insights – References from trusted architecture rankings and professional resources.
Quick Comparison of Top Architecture Firms in the USA 2026
Leading architecture firms in the USA specialize in different project types, from commercial buildings and workplace environments to residential communities, hospitality spaces, and complex developments. Compare their core focus and project expertise below, then click any company name to discover more details about each firm.
| Architecture Firm | Founded | Main Focus | Notable For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gensler | 1965 | Commercial Architecture | Workplace innovation and global corporate projects |
| Perkins&Will | 1935 | Sustainable Architecture | Human-centered and research-driven design |
| SOM (Skidmore, Owings & Merrill) | 1936 | High-Rise Architecture | Iconic skyscrapers and urban landmarks |
| HOK | 1955 | Commercial Architecture | Large-scale integrated design projects |
| HKS | 1939 | Complex Architecture Projects | Healthcare, sports, and hospitality environments |
| Populous | 1983 | Sports Architecture | Stadiums and entertainment venues |
| AECOM | 1990 | Architecture & Engineering | Large-scale infrastructure and development solutions |
| Corgan | 1938 | Commercial Architecture | Aviation, workplace, and technology projects |
| Perkins Eastman | 1981 | Residential Architecture | Housing, communities, and mixed-use developments |
| NBBJ | 1943 | Commercial Architecture | Technology workplaces and innovative environments |
Top Architecture Firms in the USA (2026)
Business Type:
Commercial Architecture Firm
Headquarters:
San Francisco, California, USA
Founded:
1965
Gensler is recognized as one of the best architecture firms in the world, with a strong reputation for transforming workplace and commercial environments. The company is consistently ranked among the top U.S. architecture firms by industry publications such as Architectural Record.
Gensler takes a research-driven and human-centered approach to design. The firm studies how people interact with spaces and creates environments that support evolving business needs, workplace experiences, and modern ways of working.
Main Services
| Commercial Architecture | Workplace Design | Interior Design |
| Hospitality Design | Retail Design | Mixed-Use Development |
Major Projects
Recommend Reason
Gensler’s strength lies in connecting design strategy with user experience. Its ability to deliver complex workplace, commercial, and mixed-use projects makes it a key reference for modern architecture and design.
Business Type:
Sustainable Architecture Firm
Headquarters:
Chicago, Illinois, USA
Founded:
1935
Perkins&Will is a sustainable architecture firm known for combining research, innovation, and human-centered design. The firm has built its reputation through healthcare, education, and workplace projects where design directly impacts people’s health and daily experiences.
Its Living Design approach integrates sustainability, wellness, and performance into the design process. This focus has helped Perkins&Will create spaces that are environmentally responsible, adaptable, and focused on long-term human needs.
Main Services
| Healthcare Design | Higher Education Design | Sustainable Design |
| Workplace Design | Interior Design | Research & Innovation Spaces |
Major Projects
Recommend Reason
Perkins&Will stands out for its ability to connect sustainability with real-world human needs. Its expertise in healthcare and education design makes it a valuable reference for projects that require evidence-based strategies, environmental responsibility, and long-term performance.
Business Type:
High-Rise Architecture Firm
Headquarters:
Chicago, Illinois, USA
Founded:
1936
SOM is a famous architecture firm that has shaped some of the world’s most recognizable skyscrapers and urban landmarks. The firm combines architecture, engineering, and planning to solve complex design challenges across tall buildings and large-scale developments.
With nearly a century of experience, SOM continues to explore the relationship between structure, technology, and city growth. Its work demonstrates how innovative design can create efficient buildings and transform urban environments.
Main Services
| High-Rise Architecture | Commercial Architecture | Urban Design |
| Master Planning | Interior Architecture | Structural Engineering |
Major Projects
Recommend Reason
SOM’s global influence comes from its ability to combine architectural vision with engineering expertise. Its experience with landmark towers and urban projects makes the firm an important reference for high-performance commercial and civic architecture.
Business Type:
Commercial Architecture Firm
Headquarters:
Chicago, Illinois, USA
Founded:
1936
HOK brings together architecture, engineering, planning, and interior design as a commercial architecture firm serving complex projects worldwide. The firm’s work spans corporate, aviation, sports, healthcare, and mixed-use environments.
With a multidisciplinary approach, HOK connects technical expertise with creative problem-solving to deliver spaces that support people, businesses, and communities. This integrated model has helped HOK become one of the top architecture firms for large-scale and diverse projects.
Main Services
| Commercial Architecture | Workplace Design | Aviation Design |
| Sports & Entertainment Design | Healthcare Design | Interior Design |
Major Projects
Recommend Reason
HOK’s multidisciplinary expertise allows it to manage projects that require architecture, engineering, and planning coordination. Its experience across commercial, aviation, and public environments makes it a valuable reference for large-scale design projects.
Business Type:
Commercial Architecture Firm
Headquarters:
Dallas, Texas, USA
Founded:
1939
HKS is a commercial architecture firm creating complex environments across healthcare, sports, hospitality, and mixed-use sectors. The firm combines research, planning, and design to address projects where performance and user experience are equally important.
From advanced medical facilities to world-class sports venues, HKS explores how people interact with large-scale spaces. Its approach integrates technology, human experience, and design strategy to create environments with lasting impact.
Main Services
| Healthcare Design | Sports & Entertainment Design | Hospitality Design |
| Commercial Architecture | Interior Design | Master Planning |
Major Projects
Recommend Reason
HKS brings together expertise in healthcare, sports, and hospitality design. Its ability to handle complex projects with high technical and experiential requirements makes it a distinctive name among U.S. architecture firms.
Business Type:
Sports Architecture Firm
Headquarters:
Kansas City, Missouri, USA
Founded:
1983
Populous is a sports architecture firm creating venues that bring people together through shared experiences. The company designs stadiums, arenas, and entertainment spaces where architecture, technology, and audience interaction work together.
Rather than designing buildings as standalone structures, Populous focuses on how people experience events before, during, and after they happen. Its approach combines architecture, branding, and planning to create memorable destinations for sports and entertainment.
Main Services
| Sports Architecture | Entertainment Venue Design | Event Design |
| Interior Design | Urban Design | Master Planning |
Major Projects
Recommend Reason
Populous combines architecture, storytelling, and audience experience to create memorable sports and entertainment venues. Its expertise in stadium design and large-scale gathering spaces allows the firm to shape how people connect through shared experiences.
Business Type:
Architecture and Engineering Firm
Headquarters:
Dallas, Texas, USA
Founded:
1990
AECOM is an architecture and engineering firm delivering integrated solutions across buildings, infrastructure, transportation, and environmental projects. The company combines design, engineering, and consulting expertise to manage complex projects at a global scale.
Unlike traditional architecture firms, AECOM works across the entire project lifecycle, from planning and design to construction management. Its multidisciplinary model allows the firm to support large-scale developments that connect buildings, communities, and infrastructure systems.
Main Services
| Architecture & Engineering | Infrastructure Design | Urban Planning |
| Commercial Buildings | Transportation Design | Program & Construction Management |
Major Projects
Recommend Reason
AECOM combines architecture, engineering, and infrastructure expertise to support large-scale projects worldwide. Its multidisciplinary capabilities make the company a strong choice for complex developments that require integrated planning, design, and delivery.
Business Type:
Commercial Architecture Firm
Headquarters:
Dallas, Texas, USA
Founded:
1938
Corgan is a commercial architecture firm recognized for its work in aviation, workplace, and technology-driven environments. The company creates spaces where performance, efficiency, and user experience are key design considerations.
Its portfolio includes complex projects that require specialized knowledge and technical precision. By combining research, design strategy, and industry expertise, Corgan develops solutions for evolving business and operational needs.
Main Services
| Commercial Architecture | Workplace Design | Aviation Design |
| Data Center Design | Multifamily Residential | Interior Design |
Major Projects
Recommend Reason
Corgan combines specialized expertise with a broad understanding of commercial environments. Its work across aviation, workplace, and technology projects demonstrates how modern architecture firms can respond to changing business and operational needs.
Business Type:
Residential Architecture Firm
Headquarters:
New York, New York, USA
Founded:
1981
Perkins Eastman is a residential architecture firm creating places that support how people live, work, and connect. The firm integrates architecture, planning, and interior design across residential, hospitality, healthcare, and mixed-use projects.
Its “Human by Design” approach places people at the center of the design process. By focusing on community, wellness, and long-term usability, Perkins Eastman develops environments that respond to changing lifestyles and social needs
Main Services
| Residential Architecture | Senior Living Design | Hospitality Design |
| Mixed-Use Development | Healthcare Design | Interior Design |
Major Projects
Recommend Reason
Perkins Eastman brings a strong understanding of residential environments and community-focused design. Its expertise in housing, senior living, hospitality, and mixed-use developments helps clients create spaces that balance functionality, comfort, and long-term value.
Business Type:
Commercial Architecture Firm
Headquarters:
Seattle, Washington, USA
Founded:
1943
NBBJ is a commercial architecture firm creating innovative workplaces, healthcare environments, and corporate spaces for technology-driven organizations. The firm uses research and design strategy to explore how physical environments influence collaboration, innovation, and daily experiences.
Beyond traditional architecture, NBBJ integrates workplace strategy, interiors, and spatial planning to support changing ways of working. Its approach helps organizations create environments that encourage creativity, flexibility, and long-term performance.
Main Services
| Commercial Architecture | Workplace Design | Healthcare Design |
| Interior Design | Experience Design | Urban Design |
Major Projects
Recommend Reason
NBBJ’s work with technology companies and corporate environments reflects its deep understanding of modern workplace design. The firm applies research-driven strategies to create adaptable spaces that encourage collaboration, innovation, and new ways of working.
Best Architecture Firms by Project Type
Architecture firms often develop expertise in specific project types, from commercial and workplace environments to residential, hospitality, and sustainable design. Exploring these specialties makes it easier to understand which firms are best aligned with different project requirements.
Best Architecture Firms for Commercial Projects
Commercial projects often involve complex planning, workplace strategy, brand identity, and spaces designed for large-scale business operations.
Best Architecture Firms for Residential Projects
Residential projects focus on lifestyle, comfort, material selection, and creating spaces that reflect how people live.
Best Sustainable Architecture Firms
Sustainable projects prioritize energy efficiency, environmental performance, responsible materials, and long-term building value.
Best Healthcare Architecture Firms
Healthcare projects require specialized planning to support patient experience, medical operations, safety, and technical systems.
Best Hospitality Architecture Firms
Hospitality projects combine architecture, interiors, and branding to create memorable experiences for hotels, resorts, and destinations.
Best Sports Architecture Firms
Sports venues are designed around crowd experience, event operations, entertainment value, and large-scale public use.
Best Architecture & Engineering Firms
Complex developments require integrated design, engineering coordination, and planning expertise across multiple project stages.
How Architecture Firms Shape Modern Interior Design
Architecture and interior design are closely connected in modern projects. Many architecture firms consider space planning, materials, lighting, and functionality from the early design stage.
This approach helps create consistent workplaces, hotels, residential spaces, and mixed-use environments. After the design concept is developed, customized furniture solutions play an important role in completing the interior experience.
PA Home Indonesia provides customized furniture solutions for residential, hospitality, and commercial projects. Its services support designers, developers, and homeowners through tailored furniture design, manufacturing, and project coordination.
Conclusion
This guide introduces 10 leading architecture firms in the USA, showcasing their different specialties, project experience, and design approaches. From commercial and residential projects to sustainable and specialized environments, these firms represent the diverse possibilities within modern architecture.
FAQ
The top architecture firms in the USA include Gensler, Perkins&Will, SOM, HOK, HKS, Populous, AECOM, Corgan, Perkins Eastman, and NBBJ. These firms are recognized for their expertise across commercial, residential, sustainable, hospitality, sports, and specialized architecture projects.
Choosing an architecture firm depends on your project type, design goals, location, and required expertise. Commercial developments may require firms with workplace and large-scale project experience, while residential or hospitality projects often need specialists in lifestyle-focused design.
Architecture firms work on a wide range of projects, including commercial buildings, corporate offices, residential developments, hotels, healthcare facilities, educational buildings, sports venues, and mixed-use developments.
Architecture firms focus on building design, spatial planning, structure, and overall project vision. Interior design firms focus on interior environments, materials, furniture, finishes, and user experience. Many leading architecture firms now provide integrated architecture and interior design services.
Some architecture firms offer interior design services, but furniture production and customization are often handled by specialized interior partners. Companies such as PA Home Indonesia provide customized furniture solutions to help bring architectural and interior concepts into completed spaces.
Leading architecture firms typically provide services such as architectural design, master planning, interior design, sustainability consulting, workplace strategy, project planning, and specialized design solutions for different industries.
