Chicago has long been recognized as the cradle of modern architecture. From the first skyscrapers of the late 19th century to today’s cutting-edge sustainable designs, architects in Chicago continue to shape the global discourse on urban development and innovation. This guide presents the top 50 architecture firms in Chicago for 2025, showcasing their achievements, specialties, and notable works.
Whether you’re a developer, homeowner, business owner, or urban planner, this list will help you find the best architects in Chicago across various specialties including residential, commercial, institutional, and green design.
Why Hire a Chicago-Based Architect?
Chicago’s architectural pedigree is unmatched. Here’s why working with a Chicago architecture firm can give your project a distinctive edge:
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Historical Significance: Home to pioneers like Louis Sullivan, Frank Lloyd Wright, and Mies van der Rohe.
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Innovation Hub: Leading in sustainable, adaptive reuse, and mixed-use developments.
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Global Recognition: Firms headquartered in Chicago are awarded globally.
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Diverse Expertise: From skyscrapers to lakefront residences to civic centers.
Featured: Top 10 Architects in Chicago [2025 Edition]
Here is a side-by-side comparison of the top 10 architecture firms in Chicago based on project impact, innovation, awards, and design diversity:
| Rank | Architecture Firm | Founded | Specialties | Notable Projects | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Studio Gang | 1997 | Civic, Cultural, High-rise, Sustainability | Aqua Tower, Vista Tower | studiogang.com |
| 2 | SOM (Skidmore, Owings & Merrill) | 1936 | Skyscrapers, Urban Planning, Transportation | Willis Tower, Burj Khalifa (design team) | som.com |
| 3 | Perkins & Will (Chicago Studio) | 1935 | Healthcare, Education, Workplace | Rush University Medical Center | perkinswill.com |
| 4 | Solomon Cordwell Buenz (SCB) | 1931 | Residential Towers, Institutional | 1000M, The Parker | scb.com |
| 5 | Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill | 2006 | Super-tall Buildings, Sustainability | Jeddah Tower, Chicago Central Area Plan | smithgill.com |
| 6 | Gensler (Chicago Office) | 1965 | Workplace, Hospitality, Retail | McDonald’s HQ, O’Hare Expansion | gensler.com |
| 7 | Jahn | 1981 | Futuristic Design, Public Architecture | James R. Thompson Center | jahn-us.com |
| 8 | Booth Hansen | 1980 | Cultural, Mixed-use, Historic Preservation | Old Town School of Folk Music | boothhansen.com |
| 9 | Wheeler Kearns Architects | 1987 | Non-profit, Residential, Institutional | Logan Center for the Arts | wkarch.com |
| 10 | Brininstool + Lynch | 1989 | Residential, Commercial, Modernist Design | Racine Art Museum | brininstool-lynch.com |
Chicago is known for its innovative yet experimental buildings which have earned the city the phrase ‘Transition in Architecture’. The city has been an open canvas for architects such as Daniel Burnham and Louis Sullivan, who shifted from loading-bearing structures to steel-frame skyscrapers. Though the city was destroyed in the 1871 Chicago fire, it provided a fresh experimental ground for architects like Mies Van DerRohe, Frank Lloyd Wright, and many more.
Studio Gang | Top Architecture Firms/ Architects in Chicago
Founded: 1997
Founder: Jeanne Gang
Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois
Specialties: Civic and cultural buildings, residential towers, sustainable urbanism
Notable Projects: Aqua Tower, Vista Tower, Nature Boardwalk at Lincoln Park Zoo, Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts, Beloit College Powerhouse
Overview: Studio Gang is one of the most influential architecture firms in Chicago, known for combining innovative design with environmental performance and social responsibility. Under the leadership of Jeanne Gang, the firm has redefined how buildings interact with their communities and surroundings. From the rippling facade of Aqua Tower to the adaptive reuse of an old power plant into a vibrant student center, Studio Gang creates spaces that empower people. Their work has received international acclaim and numerous awards, including from the AIA and Cooper Hewitt National Design Museum. The firm also actively participates in public discourse on urban sustainability, resilience, and equity.
Website: www.studiogang.com
Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM)
Founded: 1936
Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois (Global HQ)
Specialties: Skyscrapers, urban planning, civic infrastructure, engineering-integrated design
Notable Projects: Willis Tower, Burj Khalifa (design team), John Hancock Center, Chicago Federal Center, One World Trade Center (NY)
Overview: SOM is synonymous with modernist innovation and tall building design. With a legacy rooted in Chicago, this globally respected architecture firm has designed many of the world’s most iconic skyscrapers and urban landmarks. The Chicago office serves as a hub for experimentation and technical excellence, often pioneering sustainable engineering solutions and adaptive urban planning strategies. SOM’s multidisciplinary teams integrate architecture, interiors, structural engineering, and planning to deliver transformative results. Their deep portfolio in civic, transportation, and cultural design further establishes them as one of the most experienced and versatile architecture firms in Chicago and worldwide.
Website: www.som.com
Perkins & Will (Chicago Studio)
Founded: 1935
Chicago Studio: Flagship location
Specialties: Healthcare, education, interiors, life sciences, sustainability
Notable Projects: Rush University Medical Center, Case Western Health Campus, Jones College Prep, Concordia University Science Complex
Overview: Perkins & Will’s Chicago office is a powerhouse in research-based, human-centered architecture. As a leader in sustainable design, the firm is widely recognized for advancing wellness in built environments through LEED Platinum and WELL-certified projects. Their healthcare and education work emphasizes flexibility, daylight, and long-term value. Through its design excellence and thought leadership, the firm contributes significantly to the evolution of architecture in Chicago. They publish transparency reports, advocate material health, and operate one of the largest in-house research teams in the industry.
Website: www.perkinswill.com
Solomon Cordwell Buenz (SCB)
Founded: 1931
Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois
Specialties: High-rise residential, mixed-use, academic and civic buildings
Notable Projects: 1000M, The Parker, Northwestern University Lakeside Studio, UChicago Woodlawn Residential Commons
Overview: SCB is a nationally recognized firm headquartered in Chicago, with over 90 years of experience shaping city skylines and university campuses. Known for creating elegant, livable, and context-sensitive architecture, SCB integrates modern design with practical performance. Their residential towers such as 1000M contribute to Chicago’s evolving lakefront while their university and civic projects promote inclusive, community-centered design. SCB also excels in sustainability, integrating smart systems and resilient design principles into all of its work. The firm’s multi-disciplinary approach brings together architecture, planning, and interiors for a holistic user experience.
Website: www.scb.com
Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture
Founded: 2006
Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois
Specialties: Super-tall towers, performance-driven design, net-positive buildings
Notable Projects: Jeddah Tower (Saudi Arabia), Masdar Headquarters (UAE), Astana Expo City, Chicago Central Area Plan
Overview: Founded by the designers of the Burj Khalifa, AS+GG is a global leader in ultra-tall and energy-efficient architecture. Based in Chicago, the firm is known for creating buildings that push both height and sustainability limits. Their integrated approach fuses architecture with high-performance engineering and urban strategy to minimize environmental impact. Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill’s designs frequently become landmarks and symbols of ecological innovation. The firm’s commitment to net-zero and carbon-neutral buildings makes it a visionary practice in the future of urban development.
Website: www.smithgill.com
Gensler (Chicago Office)
Founded: 1965
Chicago Office Established: 1993
Specialties: Workplace interiors, commercial offices, hospitality, transportation design, branded environments
Notable Projects: McDonald’s Global Headquarters, O’Hare International Airport Global Terminal, Motorola Mobility HQ
Overview: Gensler’s Chicago studio is a major driver of corporate and civic design across the Midwest. As part of one of the world’s largest architecture and design firms, the Chicago team works across a broad spectrum of industries. They are known for highly functional and visually compelling spaces that respond to evolving workplace trends, user behavior, and brand identity. With a strong focus on collaboration and innovation, Gensler integrates architecture, interior design, and strategy into cohesive experiences. Their Chicago projects often serve as benchmarks in commercial and urban development.
Website: www.gensler.com
Jahn
Founded: 1981
Founder: Helmut Jahn
Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois
Specialties: Civic architecture, airports, high-tech commercial buildings, public infrastructure
Notable Projects: James R. Thompson Center, United Airlines Terminal 1, Sony Center (Berlin), Post Tower (Germany)
Overview: Jahn is an internationally acclaimed architecture firm rooted in Chicago and driven by bold, futuristic design. Led by the late Helmut Jahn, the studio pioneered a high-tech aesthetic defined by glass, steel, and sweeping geometry. Their projects combine technical innovation with expressive form, redefining public space and infrastructure on a global scale. In Chicago, their most iconic work—the Thompson Center—remains a controversial but beloved symbol of postmodern civic design. The firm continues to operate globally, delivering forward-thinking architecture that challenges convention.
Website: www.jahn-us.com
Booth Hansen
Founded: 1980
Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois
Specialties: Historic preservation, cultural institutions, custom residences, adaptive reuse
Notable Projects: Old Town School of Folk Music, Lincoln Park Zoo Education Pavilion, Loyola University Cudahy Science Hall
Overview: Booth Hansen is a Chicago-based architecture firm recognized for balancing historic preservation with forward-looking design. Their projects often involve adaptive reuse of existing structures and detailed cultural programming, from music schools to university buildings. Their residential portfolio includes award-winning urban and lakefront homes. With a deeply contextual approach, Booth Hansen enhances Chicago’s architectural heritage while introducing contemporary design interventions. They also contribute to community and arts-focused initiatives throughout the city.
Website: www.boothhansen.com
Wheeler Kearns Architects
Founded: 1987
Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois
Specialties: Non-profit architecture, residential projects, community-based design
Notable Projects: Logan Center for the Arts, Thresholds Center for Mental Health, Marwen Arts Education Center
Overview: Known for its thoughtful, socially responsive designs, Wheeler Kearns Architects is one of the most respected boutique firms in Chicago. Their work focuses on creating spaces that empower communities, from mental health centers to arts institutions and private homes. Each project demonstrates a sensitivity to human experience, materiality, and site context. The firm is also active in community engagement, ensuring their designs align with real-world needs. Their design approach is often minimalist but rich in texture and spatial narrative.
Website: www.wkarch.com
Brininstool + Lynch
Founded: 1989
Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois
Specialties: Contemporary residential, commercial interiors, urban infill projects, minimalist architecture
Notable Projects: Claremont House, Racine Art Museum, Wood House, Basecamp Townhomes
Overview: Brininstool + Lynch is an award-winning firm celebrated for modern, elegant architecture with a restrained yet expressive style. Their work spans single-family residences, adaptive reuse commercial buildings, and multi-unit housing—particularly in Chicago’s urban neighborhoods. With clean lines, rich materials, and refined detailing, the firm’s minimalist ethos appeals to both developers and private clients. Their designs often appear in architectural publications and have received numerous AIA awards for design excellence.
Website: www.brininstool-lynch.com
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Architects in Chicago
Who are the best architects in Chicago?
Some of the best architects in Chicago include Studio Gang, SOM (Skidmore, Owings & Merrill), Perkins & Will, and Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture. These firms are known for their award-winning designs in residential, commercial, and civic architecture, and have played a major role in shaping Chicago’s skyline.
Who are top 10 architects in Chicago?
The top 10 architects in Chicago in 2025 include: Studio Gang, SOM (Skidmore, Owings & Merrill), Perkins & Will, Solomon Cordwell Buenz (SCB), Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill, Gensler (Chicago Office), Jahn, Booth Hansen, Wheeler Kearns Architects, Brininstool + Lynch. These firms represent the most influential and innovative architecture practices in Chicago today.
Where can I find the List of Architects in Chicago with Contact Details?
You can find a complete list of architects in Chicago with contact details on our dedicated directory here: List of Architects in Chicago with Contact Info. This comprehensive guide includes firm names, websites, specialties, phone numbers, and email addresses to help you directly connect with leading Chicago architecture firms.
Who are some best residential architects in Chicago?
If you’re looking for the best residential architects in Chicago, consider firms like Wheeler Kearns Architects, Booth Hansen, Brininstool + Lynch, and Dirk Denison Architects. These firms specialize in modern homes, renovations, multi-family housing, and context-driven residential architecture in Chicago neighborhoods and suburbs.
Who are the most famous architects from Chicago?
Chicago has been home to several legendary architects, including Louis Sullivan, Frank Lloyd Wright, and Mies van der Rohe. In recent times, names like Jeanne Gang (Studio Gang) and Helmut Jahn have gained global recognition for their transformative work in the city and beyond. These renowned Chicago architects have made lasting contributions to the world of design.
Who are the best small architecture firms in Chicago?
Some of the best small architecture firms in Chicago include SPACE Architects + Planners, Filoramo Talsma Architecture, Ranquist Development Group, and John Ronan Architects. These boutique studios are known for personalized service, contemporary aesthetics, and high-quality residential and commercial design across the Chicago region.
What is the best way to choose an architect in Chicago?
To find the right architect in Chicago for your project: Start by identifying your project scope and design goals. Then shortlist Chicago architecture firms with experience in similar projects. Review their portfolios, check client reviews, and set up consultations to ensure their design philosophy aligns with your vision.
Are Chicago architecture firms good for green building?
Yes, many Chicago architecture firms are pioneers in sustainable and green design. Firms like Perkins & Will, Studio Gang, and Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill are LEED-accredited and focus on net-zero, energy-efficient, and environmentally responsible buildings. Chicago continues to be a leader in urban sustainability and green architecture.
