Large Architecture Firms
The Philadelphia region is home to a number of award-winning firms, some that have become national and international names. This list highlights a handful of these firms, each with a different approach to designing.
BRR Architecture focuses on contemporary design that encourages collaboration, while also creating sleek and industrial buildings. This firm treats clients like partners and uses a simplified building process that thrives on communication.
1. ADL
ADL, also known as Assimilation Design Lab, is an award winning Philadelphia based architecture firm that focuses on sustainability and interior design. Founded in 2012, the firm strives to assimilate theory-based design solutions with programmatic needs specific for each project and client.
Their core design beliefs are based on current contextual, technological and sustainable conditions. They work closely with their clients, consultants and builders to create unique design solutions.
2. Purdy O’Gwynn
Founded by Linda O’Gwynn and Tom Purdy, this slick small-firm has a long list of awards to its name and an impressive portfolio of recognizable projects in the city. It’s no secret that the firm’s mainstay is residential design, but it also excels at commercial, urban planning and landscape architecture.
They also have a well-designed and functional penguin named after founder Tom Purdy that gets a lot of attention from kids and dogs alike. The firm has even branched out into the hospitality and tourism sectors with a number of hotel and restaurant designs to its credit.
3. Continuum
Continuum is a large architecture firm that is known for its innovative and technology-based designs. It serves clients in different market sectors, including academic, corporate, healthcare, and science.
Its portfolio includes landmark buildings for several industry leaders, including Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and Emory University. Its work in the healthcare sector has garnered multiple awards from leading industry organizations.
The firm is renowned for its design of modern and sustainable medical facilities that are meant to serve the needs of patients, their families, and staff. Its modern architecture revolves around biophilic design strategies that are designed to boost the mood and spirits of occupants.
4. Locus
Philadelphia is home to a variety of large architecture firms. They’re a great choice for large-scale projects, whether you’re building a new home or renovating an existing one.
Locus believes that buildings can create a compelling sense of place, one that connects people to each other and the planet. Through a process of collaboration and discovery, they create places that are both functional and inspiring.
The firm designs facilities for educational institutions, multi-unit residential housing, and amenity spaces. They also work on master plans and public parks. Their latest project is the Lea Elementary School playground in West Philly.
5. Cannon Design
Cannon Design is an ideas-based practice that works with clients to plan and design buildings that contribute value to the built environment. Their work includes projects in a variety of industries, such as science + technology, education, healthcare, residential, and hospitality.
Cannon Design is currently hiring for multiple positions nationwide and some internationally. They offer flexible schedules and opportunities for career advancement.
6. Interface Studio Architects
ISA is an eight-person firm with a reputation for producing high-end residential and commercial buildings of all shapes and sizes. Among their more recent projects is the Shepherd Lofts, a 25-unit condo project in the Garden Court neighborhood. Designed to complement the adjacent church, this is one of the most expensive and innovative condominiums in Philadelphia.
In a city that is ripe for new and exciting design firms, ISA is a name to watch. It’s also a winner of the AIA Philadelphia’s annual PEAPrize award, which honors an architecture firm that’s producing an outstanding portfolio of design and innovation.
7. Bergmann
Rochester, NY-based Bergmann has absorbed Center City Philadelphia design firm spg3 into its network of architecture and engineering offices. This will reinforce the firm’s commitment to the region and expand its capacity to serve current and future customers. The new office will provide retail, hospitality and entertainment, civil and expanded commercial services to regional and national clients. The acquisition also includes SPG 3’s nine staff members.
Founded in 1971, Bergmann employs more than 400 professional and technical staff in the Northeast, Midwest and Atlantic regions. The firm’s teams develop connections with partners, communities and clients to deliver results that will stand the test of time and promote sustainability.