Top 10 Architecture Firms in Illinois 2025

Top Architecture Firms in Illinois

Here are some of the most innovative architecture firms in Illinois, shaping skylines with designs that blend creativity, sustainability, and functionality.

1. Studio Gang

Specialization: Urban, Innovative, Sustainable Architecture 

Notable Projects: Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts, David Rubenstein Treehouse Boston, Verde San Francisco

This firm crafts spaces that serve both people and the planet. Known for redefining urban design through community-first thinking, it’s one of the most admired sustainable architecture firms in the country. Their designs often reflect natural forms, bringing harmony between built and organic environments. Each project tells a unique story, tailored to site, scale, and social connection without losing aesthetic integrity.

2. Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM)

Specialization: Industrial, Planning, Residential, Infrastructure, Commercial 

Notable Projects: Burj Khalifa, One World Trade Center - New York, Willis Tower - Chicago

With a legacy of global influence, this team has consistently delivered landmark developments in cities worldwide. They are among the most trusted commercial architecture firms, known for elevating design and engineering standards. Their portfolio is filled with big architecture projects from towers to transit hubs that fuse innovation with efficiency. Precision, performance, and long-term vision define their signature approach to solving complex, large-scale urban and infrastructure challenges.

3. FitzGerald Associates Architects

Specialization: Residential, Commercial, Industrial

Notable Projects: 919 Fulton Market, 1006 South Michigan Avenue, Chestnut Tower

FitzGerald has long been shaping Chicago neighborhoods with spaces that blend comfort, style, and functionality. Specializing in multifamily and mixed-use design, they shine among residential architecture firms for creating environments that feel personal yet modern. Their thoughtful detailing and strong urban context awareness result in homes that support real life. 

4. Earles Architects and Associates

Specialization: Architecture, Interior Design, Healthcare, Industrial, Institutional Hospitality, Retail

Notable Projects: Sterling Bay - Chicago, Embeya - Chicago, Great Dane Trucking - Chicago

Recognized for its clear, people-centric vision, this firm brings a fresh perspective to workplace and civic projects. Counted among Chicago’s leading architecture firms, they prioritize user experience, budget, and sustainability equally. Their solutions are never one-size-fits-all, they work closely with each client to reflect brand identity and practical needs. 

5. Brininstool + Lynch

Specialization: Residential, Workplace, Educational, Cultural

Notable Projects: Wood House, Coffou Cottage, Basecamp - Chicago

This award-winning firm brings minimalism and elegance to every detail. With a strong focus on context and materiality, they’ve made their mark across residential, cultural, and hospitality spaces. As one of the most forward-thinking landscape architecture firms, they excel at blurring the line between indoor and outdoor design. 

6. dSPACE Studio

Specialization: Architecture, Landscape, Interior, Residential, Commercial, Workplace

Notable Projects: Escape Pod- Chicago, Contemporary Office - Chicago, Zinc House

With a design philosophy rooted in simplicity, this Chicago-based firm excels at creating customized modern spaces with clean lines and natural materials. Their work spans urban residences, retreats, and boutique commercial projects. As one of the most popular architecture firms, their strength lies in personal connection, each design is an expression of the client’s lifestyle, harmonizing beauty, performance, and sustainability in every square foot.

7. Moss Design

Specialization: Residential, Commercial, Interior, Hospitality, Urban Planning, Furniture Design

Notable Projects: Begyle Brewing Company Tasting Room, Crew Bar + Grill, Vic Loft - Chicago

Driven by principles of reuse and regeneration, this team focuses on site-specific solutions that support healthier environments. Their studio is highly respected among the biggest architecture firms for championing green building techniques and adaptive reuse. From cafes to cultural spaces, their projects reflect creative sustainability and handcrafted appeal. 

8. Pappageorge Haymes Partners

Specialization: Architecture, Planning, Mixed-Use, Hospitality

Notable Projects: ARC at Old Colony, Wyndham Grand Chicago Riverfront, Christopher House Charter School

Celebrated for revitalizing urban cores and shaping iconic skylines, this studio is a mainstay among top American architecture firms. Their design solutions span residential, commercial, and urban planning sectors, always emphasizing livability and architectural character. Known for sensitive infill work and landmark high-rises, they balance community identity with future-ready infrastructure.

9. bKL Architecture

Specialization: Urban Design, Architecture, Social & Cooperative Housing, Historic Preservation

Notable Projects: Whitney Young Library Chicago, The St. Regis Chicago (Vista Tower), Whitney Young Library Chicago

Forward-thinking and globally inspired, this studio leads with vision and versatility. Their approach combines aesthetic clarity with civic purpose, delivering impactful work across education, residential, and cultural sectors. Among the top architecture firms in the US, they’ve earned acclaim for pushing boundaries without compromising function. 

10. Cordogan Clark & Associates

Specialization: Urban Design, Architecture, Social & Cooperative Housing, Historic Preservation

Notable Projects: Fay-Cooper Cole Hall - Northern Illinois University, Corporate Headquarters and Resort Hotel Zhuhai, Herget Middle School - Aurora

This multidisciplinary studio brings architecture, engineering, and planning together under one roof. Whether designing schools, performing arts centers, or civic spaces, they are known for merging creativity with cost-effective solutions. Their diverse portfolio and integrated process place them among firms to watch. As one of Illinois’ most versatile top architecture firms in the US, they adapt with ease, always meeting the real-world needs of clients and communities.

How Novatr’s BIM Courses Empower Architects to Work in Top Firms 

As a future-focused learning platform, Novatr equips architects with job-ready BIM expertise that bridges the gap between traditional education and real-world practice.

Its comprehensive BIM Professional Course is designed for architects looking to land top architecture firm jobs across the globe. With a flexible structure and global mentors, this program helps professionals build the confidence, skill, and portfolio needed to stand out.

Here is what makes Novatr’s BIM course a real game-changer:

• Project-based curriculum where learners apply concepts by working on real architectural briefs.

• Live sessions and one-on-one mentoring from professionals at leading international studios.

• End-to-end placement guidance, including resume building and interview prep tailored to BIM roles.

• Dual certification from Novatr and Autodesk, giving learners industry recognition.

• Capstone project aligned with ISO 19650 standards, demonstrating real-world project readiness.

• Practical training in 10+ BIM tools used by top architecture firms today.

• Personalized portfolio support that helps your work stand out in competitive hiring rounds.