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Chicago, often dubbed the “City of Architecture,” boasts an impressive skyline adorned with iconic buildings and innovative designs. Behind these magnificent structures are some of the world’s most renowned architectural firms in Chicago, pushing the boundaries of creativity and urban planning. In this article, we’ll explore the top 40 architecture firms in Chicago that have contributed significantly to the city’s architectural legacy.
Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP (SOM):
SOM is a global architectural powerhouse with a significant presence in Chicago. Known for iconic projects like the Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower) and the John Hancock Center, SOM continues to shape the city’s skyline with innovative designs. SOM also promotes ambitious environmental objectives such as designing building standards, influencing climate policy, and creating rigorous codes for low-carbon architecture and construction.
As a result of its focus on shaping the future, it is responsible for significant architectural and engineering achievements around the world that have won more than 2000 awards in terms of innovation, management, and quality.
- Scope of services: Architectural and urban planning, Interior design
- Types of Built Projects: Residential, Commercial, Institutional, hospitality and Health care
- Style of work: Modern and Contemporary design
- Website: som.com
Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture:
Founded by two former SOM architects, this firm has created some of Chicago’s most striking buildings, including the Trump International Hotel and Tower and the Jeddah Tower in Saudi Arabia. AS+GG, in a wide range of typologies and scales, from low, mid, and high-rise residential, commercial, and cultural buildings to mixed-use super towers, is designing high-performance, energy-efficient, visually striking architecture on an international scale.
- Scope of service: master planning, urban design, city planning, infrastructure design
- Location of built projects: United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, China, India, India, Canada, and the United States
- Website: http://smithgill.com/vision/our_services/
Gensler:
Gensler is a multidisciplinary firm with expertise in architecture, interior design, and urban planning. Their Chicago office has contributed to projects like the O’Hare International Airport Terminal 5 Expansion and the 150 North Riverside Tower.
- Scope of service: architecture, brand design, interior design, space management, sustainability
- Types of building projects: retail facilities, residential facilities
- Location of built projects: America, Europe, Greater China, Asia Pacific, and the Middle East
- Website: https://www.gensler.com/services
Perkins&Will:
With a focus on sustainable and socially responsible design, Perkins & Will has left a significant mark on Chicago’s architecture. Notable projects include the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab and the Northwestern University Ryan Fieldhouse.
- Scope of services: Architectural, Interior & Urban Design.
- Types of Built Projects: Commercial, Office, Healthcare, Educational…
- Locations of Built Projects: Worldwide.
- Style of work: Contemporary architecture. Advanced technology and sustainable design.
- Website: perkinswill.com
Goettsch Partners:
Known for their sleek and modern designs, Goettsch Partners has worked on projects like 150 North Riverside and 110 North Wacker Drive, adding to Chicago’s urban skyline.
- Scope of service: Architecture, interiors, planning
- Location of built projects: Chicago, Denver, Shanghai
- Website: https://www.gpchicago.com/
HOK:
HOK is a global design, architecture, engineering, and planning firm with a prominent presence in Chicago. Their work includes the United Airlines Terminal 2 Expansion at O’Hare International Airport.
- Scope of services: Architecture, engineering, and urban planning
- Types of Built Projects: Residential, Office, Retail, Education, Athletic complexes, Cultural, Healthcare
- Locations of Built Projects: Worldwide
- Style of work: Contemporary and modern architecture
- Website: hok.com
Krueck + Sexton Architects:
This Chicago-based firm has made significant contributions to the city’s architectural landscape with projects like the Spertus Institute for Jewish Learning and Leadership and the Crown Sky Garden.
- Scope of service: architecture, planning, interior, master planning
- Location of built projects: Chicago, Illinois, United States
- Website: https://ks.partners/
John Ronan Architects:
Known for their innovative and sustainable designs, John Ronan Architects designed the acclaimed Poetry Foundation building and the College of Architecture at the Illinois Institute of Technology. The firm is made up of dedicated architects who are committed to producing high-quality buildings marked by conceptual innovation, material exploration, and attention to detail.
The firm, chaired by John Ronan, uses a collaboration and research-based approach in design to develop solutions for unique situations that can be intuitively ascertained from a wide range of ideas.
- Scope of service: architecture, design, urban design, planning landscape design, interior design
- Types of building projects: residential, multi-family
- Location of built projects: Worldwide
- Website: http://www.jrarch.com/
Studio Gang:
Founded by Jeanne Gang, this firm is known for its bold and creative designs. Studio Gang has worked on projects like the Aqua Tower and the Writers Theatre in Glencoe, Illinois. The firm comprises a team of over 100 architects, designers, and planners, working together to visualize design as a link between people, their communities, and the environment.
- Scope of services: Architecture& Urban Design
- Types of Built Projects: Aviation, Commercial, Office, Cultural
- Locations of Built Projects: Illinois
- Style of work: Contemporary Architecture, Flexible forms & parametric design
- Website: studiogang.com
Valerio Dewalt Train Associates (VDTA):
VDTA has a diverse portfolio that includes commercial, hospitality, and residential projects. Their work on The Hoxton Hotel Chicago and Hyatt Place Chicago River North stands out.
- Scope of service: interior design, architecture, planning
- Types of building projects: commercial, hospitality, residential
- Location of built projects: Chicago, San Francisco, Palo Alto, and Denver
- Website: https://www.buildordie.com/
Ross Barney Architects:
Ross Barney Architects is known for their innovative public architecture projects. Notable works include the CTA Cermak-McCormick Place Green Line Station and the Chicago Riverwalk Expansion. By making mundane memorable and inspirational experiences, Ross Barney Architects responds to constraints and challenges. It has been the belief of Ross Barney Architects that design excellence is a right, not a privilege.
- Scope of services: Architectural & Interior Design, Urban design
- Types of Built Projects: Educational, Culture, Infrastructure & Master planning
- Locations of Built Projects: Chicago, Illinois, United States
- Style of work: Contemporary and Holistic design with environmental engagement
- Website: r-barc.com
SmithGroup:
SmithGroup is a multidisciplinary firm with projects spanning healthcare, education, and urban design. Their Chicago office has contributed to projects like the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago.
- Scope of service: architecture, campus planning, consulting, civil engineering, health strategy
- Location of built projects: Boston, Chicago, Denver, Los Angeles, Portland
- Website: https://www.smithgroup.com/
CannonDesign:
CannonDesign is a global firm with a diverse portfolio of projects, including the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab and the Chicago Cubs Spring Training Facility in Arizona. Strategy, experience, architecture, engineering, and societal impacts are the focus of a firm approach to design. In order to obtain an understanding of the needs and context of clients, CannonDesign has integrated different perspectives as well as carried out empirical and anthropological research.
- Scope of services: Architectural and interior design, Urban Planning
- Types of Built Projects: Educational, Office, Hotel, Residential, Mixed-use
- Locations of Built Projects: Worldwide
- Style of work: Ranges from traditional architecture and engineering to integrated design
- Website: cannondesign.com
Go Architecture:
Go Architecture has a focus on sustainable and energy-efficient designs. Their work includes the Net Zero Energy Home and the Peterson Garden Project Community Cooking School.
- Scope of service: architecture, planning, design planning
- Website: https://www.go-arch.co.nz/
Lohan Anderson:
Lohan Anderson has a reputation for historical preservation and adaptive reuse projects. Their work on the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel is a prime example of their expertise.
- Scope of service: architecture, planning, and interior design
- Website: https://www.lohananderson.com/
bKL Architecture:
bKL Architecture is known for its work on high-rise residential and commercial buildings in Chicago, including projects like 1000M and 808 North Wells. The firm has recently finished the award-winning, high-rise luxury apartment tower on Wacker Coast at Lakeshore East, a 515-flat building that includes restaurant and recreational space near Lake Shore Drive.
- Scope of services: Architecture & Urban planning.
- Types of Built Projects: Residential, Civic, Office, Educational Mixed use & Interior design.
- Locations of Built Projects: Worldwide.
- Style of work: Modern & Contemporary Architecture with industrial looking interiors.
- Website: bklarchitecture.com
Solomon Cordwell Buenz (SCB):
SCB has been involved in numerous mixed-use and residential projects in Chicago, such as 1326 South Michigan Avenue and the Old Town Park development. It is a renowned architecture, interior design, and planning firm, operating nationally from its offices in Chicago, Boston, San Francisco, and Seattle. SCB has made a lasting contribution to the country’s skyline, campuses, and neighborhoods.
Since it was founded in 1931. The firm’s approach, which is focused on context, innovation, and comfort with the user, aims to identify the best design solution for each project through questions, interviews, and applications of industry-leading standards as well as an inventive entrepreneurial vision.
- Scope of services: Architecture, Interior design, and Planning
- Types of Built Projects: Residential, Retail, Commercial, Aviation, and Mixed-use
- Locations of Built Projects: Chicago, Illinois, San Francisco, California, US.
- Style of work: Contemporary, High-tech and sustainable
- Website: scb.com
JGMA (Juan Gabriel Moreno Architects):
JGMA is recognized for its contemporary and vibrant designs. Notable projects include the Instituto del Progreso Latino and the Back of the Yards College Preparatory High School. The firm recognizes the importance of quality design in influencing public life and transforming communities. As architects, JGMA is the innovator in this area and will approach each design opportunity with an innovative and conceptual solution while remaining at a high level of quality throughout the whole design process.
- Scope of services: Architecture, engineering, and urban planning
- Types of Built Projects: Education, Athletic complexes, Cultural, Healthcare, Aviation, High-rise and Master planning
- Locations of Built Projects: US
- Style of work: Contemporary and high-tech architecture
- Website: jgma.com
Antunovich Associates:
Antunovich Associates specializes in commercial, residential, and mixed-use projects, contributing to Chicago’s urban fabric with projects like The Paragon and 167 West Erie Street.
- Scope of service: interior design, architecture
- Types of building projects: hospitality, residential, retail
- Location of built projects: Chicago, Los Angeles, Washington DC, Austin
- Website: https://www.antunovich.com/
Cordogan Clark & Associates:
With a portfolio that spans education, hospitality, and residential projects, Cordogan Clark & Associates has worked on projects like the University of Chicago Logan Center for the Arts.
- Scope of services: Architecture, Planning and Interior Design
- Types of Built Projects: Residential, Commercial, Educational, Healthcare
- Style of work: Eclectic and Contemporary. Energy-efficient and high-tech buildings
- Website: cordoganclark.com
SCAPE:
SCAPE is a landscape architecture firm that has made a significant impact on Chicago’s public spaces, including the Northerly Island Park and the Chicago River Edge Ideas Lab.
- Scope of service: Architecture and planning
- Types of building projects: commercial, retail
- Location of built projects: New York, San Francisco
- Website: https://www.scapestudio.com/
Site Design Group:
Site Design Group is another prominent landscape architecture firm, involved in projects like the Navy Pier Framework Plan and the Chicago Riverwalk Extension.
- Scope of service: architecture, urban design
- Location of built projects: US, Asia
- Website: https://www.site-design.com/
Weiss/Manfredi Architecture/Landscape/Urbanism:
Known for their integrated approach to design, Weiss/Manfredi has contributed to projects like the University of Chicago Joe and Rika Mansueto Library.
- Scope of service: Architecture and planning
- Location of built projects: New York
- Website: https://www.weissmanfredi.com/
Skender:
Skender is a design-build firm with expertise in commercial, healthcare, and residential projects, including the Erie on the Park condominiums.
- Scope of service: interiors, planning, affordable housing
- Types of building projects: commercial, retail, hospitality, Multifamily
- Location of built projects: Chicago
- Website: https://www.skender.com/
Antunovich Associates:
Antunovich Associates is known for its mixed-use and multifamily residential projects in Chicago, including 727 West Madison and Logan’s Crossing.
- Scope of service: interior design, architecture
- Types of building projects: hospitality, residential, retail
- Location of built projects: Chicago, Los Angeles, Washington DC, Austin
- Website: https://www.antunovich.com/
Harley Ellis Devereaux (HED):
HED has a diverse portfolio that includes educational, cultural, and healthcare projects. Their work includes the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab and the Ruth Page Center for the Arts. Through the collective efforts of skilled individuals, who consider critical ideas and excellence in design a priority, the firm promises to provide clients and communities with world-class solutions that can be sustained over time.
HED values justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion and celebrates individuality while working together to generate a positive impact.
- Scope of service: master planning, urban planning, architecture, interior, workplace
- Types of building projects: commercial, retail
- Location of built projects: US
- Website: https://www.hed.design/
Lucien Lagrange Studio:
Lucien Lagrange Studio specializes in high-end residential and hospitality projects, with notable works like the Waldorf Astoria Chicago and the 9 Walton luxury condos.
- Scope of service: architecture, design, planning
- Types of building projects: residential, hospitality
- Website: https://lucienlagrange.com/
Smithfield Properties:
Smithfield Properties is a developer and architect with expertise in residential and mixed-use projects, including The Sinclair and The Legacy at Millennium Park.
- Scope of service: architecture
- Types of building projects: residential
- Website: http://www.smith-field.com/
DIALOG:
DIALOG is a multidisciplinary firm with projects spanning healthcare, education, and residential design. Their work includes the University of Chicago Woodlawn Residential Commons.
- Scope of service: architecture, planning, urban design, interior design, landscape architecture, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering
- Location of built projects: Calgary
- Website: https://dialogdesign.ca/
Marshall Field & Company Building:
Known for their preservation work, Marshall Field & Company Building has been involved in restoring historical buildings like the Chicago Board of Trade Building.
- Scope of service: architecture, planning, interior design, architecture planning
- Types of building projects: commercial, industrial
- Location of built projects: Chicago
bKL Architecture:
bKL Architecture has worked on various high-rise residential and commercial projects in Chicago, including 1000M and 808 North Wells.
- Scope of services: Architecture & Urban planning
- Types of Built Projects: Residential, Commercial
- Locations of Built Projects: Worldwide
- Style of work: Modern and contemporary Architecture with industrial-looking interiors.
- Website: bklarchitecture.com
Vinci Hamp Architects:
Vinci Hamp Architects specializes in educational and cultural projects, contributing to Chicago’s architectural heritage with projects like the Field Museum of Natural History Master Plan.
- Scope of service: Architectural
- Types of building projects: residential
- Location of built projects: Chicago
- Website: https://vinci-hamp.com/
UrbanWorks, Ltd.:
UrbanWorks is known for its community-focused projects, including the Gary Comer Youth Center and the Garfield Park Conservatory Restoration.
- Scope of service: architecture, planning, sustainability, interior design
- Types of building projects: community-based, private, commercial
- Location of built projects: US
- Website: https://www.urbanworksarchitecture.com/
Eckenhoff Saunders Architects:
Eckenhoff Saunders Architects has a focus on healthcare and commercial design, with projects like the Advocate Children’s Hospital and the Mercy Hospital CT Scan Replacement.
- Scope of service: architecture, planning, and interior design
- Types of building projects: healthcare, educational, hospitality, non-profit, commercial, financial, and industrial
- Location of built projects: Chicago
- Website: https://esadesign.com/
DesignBridge:
DesignBridge is a multidisciplinary design firm with expertise in branding and environmental design, contributing to projects like the Chicago Architecture Biennial.
- Scope of service: architecture, planning, environment design
- Types of building projects: commercial, private
- Location of built projects: Chicago
- Website: https://www.designbridge.com/
VIA Architecture:
VIA Architecture has worked on mixed-use and transportation projects, including the Chicago Riverwalk and the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) Loop Station.
- Scope of service: architectural design, sustainable design, urban design, planning
- Types of building projects: Mixed-use
- Location of built projects: US
- Website: https://www.via-architecture.com/
Hartshorne Plunkard Architecture (HPA):
HPA is known for its residential and hospitality projects, with notable works like 465 North Park and the Hotel Zachary at Gallagher Way. Established in 1987, Hartshorne Plunkard Architecture is a Chicago-based award-winning architecture firm, that received the Chicago Commercial Real Estate 2015 Redevelopment of the Year Award.
- Scope of services: Planning & Interior Design
- Types of Built Projects: Residential, Office, Retail, Education and Athletic complexes
- Locations of Built Projects: Chicago, Philadelphia, Atlanta.
- Style of work: Eclectic and Contemporary
- Website: hparchitecture.com
NEUF:
NEUF is an international architecture and engineering firm with projects in various sectors, including the Parkview Apartments in Chicago.
- Scope of service: interior design, urban design
- Types of building projects: residential, commercial, industrial, mixed-use
- Location of built projects: Canada
- Website: https://www.neufarchitectes.com/en
Wilkinson Blender Architecture:
Wilkinson Blender Architecture specializes in high-end residential projects, including luxury condos and townhomes in Chicago’s upscale neighborhoods. Blender Architecture received the 2012 AIA Small Project Award for the Bucktown Residence design-build.
- Scope of services: Architecture
- Types of Built Projects: Residential, Retail, Office, Community, Educational
- Locations of Built Projects: Chicago
- Style of work: Multi-sensory design
- Website: blenderarchitecture.com
UrbanLab:
UrbanLab is an architecture and urban design firm that has contributed to projects like the Chicago River Design Guidelines and the Northerly Island Framework Plan.
- Scope of service: urban design, planning
- Types of building projects: mixed, retail, residential
- Location of built projects: Chicago
- Website: https://www.urbanlab.com/
Conclusion:-
Architects in Chicago landscape is a reflection of the creativity, innovation, and expertise of its top architectural firms in Chicago. From iconic skyscrapers to community-centric projects, Chicago’s architectural firms have left an indelible mark on the city’s urban fabric. Their dedication to design excellence and commitment to pushing the boundaries of architecture continue to shape the future of Chicago’s built environment.
Whether it’s a commercial high-rise or a public park, the collaboration between these top architecture firms in Chicago and the city of Chicago promises a vibrant and dynamic architectural legacy for generations to come.
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