Find a architect in Philadelphia, PA

Find architects in Philadelphia, PA

Find architects in Philadelphia, PA

Share a few details and we'll show you the best architects in your area.
Zip code

Find architects in Philadelphia, PA

Share a few details and we'll show you the best architects in your area.
Zip code

Top 10 architects in Philadelphia, PA

Homeowners agree: these Philadelphia architects are highly rated for knowledge, experience, communication, and more.
Studio Robert Jamieson

Studio Robert Jamieson

4.8Excellent(6)
Offers online services
19+ years in business
Serves Philadelphia, PA
Erica P. says, "As new house owners, we left a condo living and decided to move into a house. We ultimately decided to purchase an older house and customize it to our tastes and needs. I had used Houzz.com to source some architects to help us out. We found Robert and a few others but it was Robert that accompanied me to house inspection for one and then also accompanied me to view the house we ended up purchasing. From start to finish, he was there. We utilized Houzz.com albums to collect photos and ideas to share so he could get a better sense of our needs and wants. He managed pretty much everything from the contractors to the purchasing of items. He also has a great eye for detail so when he conducted the final walk (we were traveling) and approved it, I didn't worry about him missing anything. As new home owners new to renovation, we did go over budget and in the end, we did have to omit some of the items/detailing that we wanted which was frustrating but Robert provided us alternatives so that we could discuss and decide. In the end, with the budget issue and not having the home 100% to what we wanted, we are still very happy with the project. People who have seen the home before are amazed at the results. We are very happy to have found Robert. As non-creative home owners who have never renovated a home, we would have never come up with some of the concepts he produced. He enabled us to customize this house enough that it meets our aesthetic and functional needs. Robert is very diligent and detailed. I think he may have been too detailed for us (ha) but as a result of me giving in to him, we have a stand out master bathroom. I view our home a great learning experience into the area of renovation. I now have Robert to use as a standard." Read more
CEE JAY FREDERICK ASSOCIATES

CEE JAY FREDERICK ASSOCIATES

New on HomeGuide
43+ years in business
Serves Philadelphia, PA
As Architects, Landscape Architects and Planners we engage in every aspect of the design process, and work to involve our clients in every aspect to ensure responsiveness to their needs and desires, while addressing both the natural and built environment. As we don't engage in speculative work, but only work for ultimate end-users, we strive to achieve their satisfaction with, and appreciation for, the end product.
Gable Design Co.

Gable Design Co.

New on HomeGuide
3+ years in business
Serves Philadelphia, PA
Gable Design Company is an architecture and home design studio based that specializes in small scale new builds, renovations and additions. We take an empathetic, easy-going and collaborative approach to designing and visualizing your custom tailored space.
Life Liberty Builders

Life Liberty Builders

5.0(1)
2 hires on HomeGuide
11+ years in business
Serves Philadelphia, PA
Lori R. says, "My husband Got a great job in Philadelphia, so we had to find a home. But everything was so expensive. So we looked for a handyman special property. Doing that from Massachusetts was difficult, or so we thought. James of life liberty builders, we contacted he actually looked at multiple properties for us, sent feedback at no cost. Eventually we found a great home that needed allot of work. Including an addition that would be my hubby's office. Lifelibertybuilders did the remodel and addition in 2 weeks under his quoted finish date. And it was perfect. THEN because of how easy he made it we actually out of nowhere decided to try and do some fix and flips. We loved the TV shows abt flipping and allways dreamed of doing it. He made us feel like we could. Now we are 2/3 through our first investment property and we will actually rent it out! Not 1 cent over budget thus far, besides an unforseen roof repair but James actually did the repair at cost. 5 stars all day. As much as we want James all to ourselves lol, definitely hire him if you need anything done that has to do with remodeling or new construction. We saw some of his new homes when we met him, unbelievable." Read more
Monahan Design Build

Monahan Design Build

New on HomeGuide
32+ years in business
Serves Philadelphia, PA
Our Services Include Design Build // Custom Homes // Additions // Renovations Kitchens // Bathrooms // Basements // Much more... Design Build, Custom Homes, Additions & Renovations For over 25 years, Monahan Building has been constructing custom homes and providing expert renovations throughout the Main Line and Suburban Philadelphia area. Founded in 1990 by Mike Monahan, we have established ourselves as premier builders grounded in integrity, quality and service. We have built some of the Main Line’s most aspirational homes and have made our mark with consistently excellent quality construction. Monahan Building has won the Best of...
Mancini Design Build

Mancini Design Build

New on HomeGuide
Offers online services
16+ years in business
Serves Philadelphia, PA
Mancini Design Build + Development is an Architectural design build firm and real estate development business. The company focuses on sustainable development in urban neighborhoods of Philadelphia. We are specialized in the revitalization of deteriorated properties and land for the purpose of developing and placing back onto the market. Mancini takes a triple bottom line approach to measuring success. We focus not only on the financial return on investment, but also takes great pride in contributing positively to the communities in which it works and protecting the environment through sustainable development where everyone has a decent place ...
Assimilation Design Lab LLC

Assimilation Design Lab LLC

New on HomeGuide
1 hire on HomeGuide
12+ years in business
Serves Philadelphia, PA
Founded in 2012, Assimilation Design Lab LLC (ADL) is a young, dynamic architecture firm that strives to assimilate theory based design solutions with programmatic needs specific for each project and client. ADL’s core design principles are based on current contextual, technological, and sustainable conditions juxtaposed to create unique design solutions. ADL believes in a collaborative approach, working closely with the client, construction trades, and artists, from conception through the final details of construction. This approach allows the architecture to seamlessly flow, from the big picture to the smallest detail, while creating compl
Kahl Home Designs And Drafting Services LLC

Kahl Home Designs And Drafting Services LLC

New on HomeGuide
Offers online services
4 hires on HomeGuide
4+ years in business
Serves Philadelphia, PA
Kahl Home Designs and Drafting Services LLC is a local small business new to the market specializing in design, drafting, consulting and project management services for home owners looking for assistance in a home renovation project, new home design and construction, and independent contractors looking for drafting and/or design solutions for their personal clients. We value personal customer relationships and strive to be one of the most cost effective solutions in the residential design industry. Everyday, homeowners and home buyers spend thousands of dollars on professional architect services that have very high costs due to large staffi...
JMA Custom Builders

JMA Custom Builders

New on HomeGuide
Serves Philadelphia, PA
Customer Service is our number one priority. Attention to detail! Everything, getting to meet new customers
Macht Architecture

Macht Architecture

New on HomeGuide
Top Pro
Serves Philadelphia, PA
Macht Architecture sepecializes in environmentally sensitive custom residential design. I enjoy the creative design process of working with the client to achieve a beautiful project that integrates with the landscape or existing home.

Your Architectural Services questions, answered

Answers to commonly asked questions from the experts on HomeGuide.

How much does an architect cost near me?

Hiring an architect costs 5% to 20% of the total project cost, depending on the size and type. Some architects charge $100 to $250 per hour, while others charge $2 to $15 per square foot for new construction. The flat-rate cost for an architect to draw plans is $2,000 to $20,000.

What services does an architecture firm provide?

Architectural services include the planning, designing, and drawing of home plans and remodeling projects, and managing the construction contracts on behalf of homeowners. Other services include obtaining permits, producing documentation required for the city, and obtaining certificates of occupancy for completed projects.

  • Consultation and schematic design – Pre-design planning, ideas, and concepts are presented and developed with client feedback. Then a rough sketch is designed to ensure the building requirements are clearly understood.
  • Design development – The rough sketches are developed, reviewed, and refined into final drawing plans, specifications, and elevations.
  • Construction documents – The architect helps the client select materials and finishes, coordinates with other designers and engineers, and produces a set of legal contract documents ready for building.
  • Contract negotiation – The architect solicits bids from building contractors and helps the client select and hire a contractor.
  • Construction contract administration – The architect manages the contractors to resolve any conflicts, ensures the project is built to the drawing plans and specifications, and performs a final inspection.

Do I need a residential architect or a contractor?

  • Hire an architect when building a custom home or for home remodeling projects involving structural changes or costs beyond 5% of your house's value.
  • Hire a general contractor for house renovations or remodeling projects that don't involve structural changes or costs less than 5% of your home's value.
  • Hire a structural engineer for remodeling projects that involve the house's stability, such as knocking down a wall, rebuilding a chimney, or planning an addition.

Does a home architect have to be licensed?

Residential building and remodeling projects may be exempt from requiring a licensed architect in the design, depending on the state. States require locally licensed architects to stamp drawing plans for commercial building projects.

How do I find an architect in my area?

Start by searching our list of remodeling architects, then compare reviews and costs. After finding and contacting potential services:

How to choose an architect:

  • Get at least three estimates from local architects to compare.
  • Ask for recommendations from family, friends, and neighbors.
  • Select companies that are licensed, bonded, and experienced.
  • Verify their license, insurance, worker’s compensation, and bond guarantees.
  • Read reviews and check out their previous work on HomeGuide and Google.
  • Look for architects that are a member of The American Institute of Architects.
  • Ask about their warranties and guarantees.
  • Ask for a full itemized estimate in writing.
  • Avoid making large payments upfront. Come up with a payment schedule for work completed.

After asking questions and verifying their credentials, hire the best architectural services near you.

What questions to ask local architects before hiring?

When hiring an architectural designer, ask them the following questions:

  • How long have you been in business?
  • How many similar projects have you completed?
  • Are there any potential complications you foresee with this project?
  • What is your architect style?
  • Can I see your license and liability insurance?
  • Can you provide testimonials and references from past customers?
  • What type of renderings (3D, video, illustrative drawings) will you submit?
  • Can you handle special requirements such as ADA or LEED?
  • How long will the project take?
  • Do you help with finding and hiring general contractors and subcontractors?
  • What does your warranty policy include?
  • What is your fee structure and schedule?
  • What services are included in the cost?
  • Can you provide me a written estimate or contract?
  • What happens when your costs exceed the budget?
  • What do I need to provide to get started?

Reviews for Philadelphia architects

Recent success stories from people in the Philadelphia area.
Lynn H.
I first saw Robert's work in Philadelphia Magazine, which featured photos of his home renovation. As soon as I saw these photos I contacted Robert for a consultation with our lower level renovation. Our houses were designed by the same architect, Robert McElroy, and from the moment he walked in I knew he was the right person for the job. Before he came over for the consult we were only thinking of replacing the 1980's teal carpet and painting the walls. Robert envisioned making a larger bedroom for our son in what was then a storage room. He also suggested knocking out a wall in the family room to create a bigger open space. These two ideas completely transformed the downstairs layout and we're so grateful that he thought outside the box and made these suggestions. My husband and I would never have thought of these ideas on our own. I am in awe of his vision and creativity because now that the project is complete we have much more living space and natural light coming into the den. Robert also chose the hardwood flooring which looks stunning and is in keeping with the spirit of the house. Although we were short on the amount of flooring that was ordered we were able to obtain more within a few days so it really wasn't a big issue. Robert also suggested a contractor to perform the work and that company complied with all of Robert's specifications. Their quality of work was excellent. We plan on renovating our kitchen within the next couple of years and Robert will be the only one we trust because of his vision, creativity, and aesthetic sensibility.
Studio Robert Jamieson
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