The fourth-largest city in the United States is truly unique. Their six wards try to keep historical significance to areas of the city and their lack of zoning laws means a bowling alley could be next door to a meatpacking plant.

Many iconic skyscrapers make up Houston’s downtown skyline, including the Bank of America Center, Heritage Plaza, and 1600 Smith. Whether you’re looking to create your next Kirby Drive elite home or take part in the planning of one of the communities outside the city, here are the best architecture firms in Houston.

Note: “best” is determined by the size of the firm, scope of the projects completed, and overall popularity of the firm. This list is also in no order.

Brett Zamore Design

Project Types Residential, Commercial, and Pre-fabs

Brett Zamore design is one of the largest architecture firms in the Houston area. They rose to prominence through their focus on modern designs that are built to last. The firm offers customized commercial designs for many areas throughout the city. They also have a bevy of affordable housing kits that have been pre-fabricated to ensure the highest quality possible.

Brett Zamore was recognized in 2006 when the firm won the AIA Ben Brewer Young Architect Award. In that same year, they were also a Houston Business Journal Landmark Award Finalist. Receiving two honors in one year is no small feat, and makes Brett Zamore more than deserving of a spot on this list.

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Charles W. Ligon AIA Architects Inc.

Project Types Residential Construction, Residential Renovations, and Residential Restorations

This full-service architecture firm first entered the scene in 1970. Since then, they have spearheaded hundreds of residential projects. The key ingredient to their success is the incorporation of client ideas into their work. They guide people through every step of a renovation while building upon the suggestions of the homeowner. The result is a unique design philosophy that produces some of the finest housing in all of Houston.

Charles W. Ligon has earned the AIA Design Award for Weekend Lakehouse and was the Good Brick Award Winner for the Greater Houston Preservation Alliance. Their commitment to excellence is why they easily enjoy one of the top spots in the Houston architecture scene.

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CONTENT Architecture

Project Types Residential and Commercial

CONTENT architecture is known for the collaborative design process. They work to understand each client’s spatial and monetary needs before starting any project. This ensures they always stay within a reasonable scope for each assignment. They have a portfolio that includes many different industries such as sports, schools, health care, entertainment, and government facilities to name a few. It is safe to say that CONTENT has left a mark on Houston forever.

CONTENT has received a total of 6 AIA Houston Design Award over the years and has been on the AIA Home Tour 3 times. They have also won five Houzz “Best of” awards throughout their storied career.

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Cusimano Architect

Project Types Residential

Cusimano Architect is a full-service firm that was founded in 2010. Despite their short history, they have built themselves up as one of the leading authorities on new construction projects. The one of a kind solutions they develop for common architectural problems have helped them rise to prominence. Through a collaborative design process, the firm provides efficient service to many clients throughout the Houston area.

Cusimano Architect has a very consistent pedigree of quality. They even won three consecutive Houzz “Best of Service” awards for 2014, 2015, and 2016. This firm is at the top of its game and continues to bring world-class designs to the table.

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English + Associates Architects

Project Types Commercial, Civic, Educational, Interior, Medical, and Residential

This architectural firm focuses primarily on projects that respect the environment. They utilize design methods that promote sustainability to both the structure and the natural ecosystems surrounding it. The result is some innovative design solutions that stay on budget despite the additional green concerns. Back in 2010, the firm joined the ranks of the 2030 Carbon Reduction Challenge initiative.

English + Associates have won several awards throughout the years. Most notably, they were the national winners of the Best and Brightest Sustainable Companies award. This lends credence to its reputation as a green company that works to lessen the carbon footprint they leave behind.

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Eubanks Group Architects

Project Types Residential, Commercial, and Interior Design

EGA was founded all the way back in 1984. They have specialized in custom architectural projects that quickly gained them a reputation for reliable craftsmanship. They have also dabbled in the art of adaptively reusing historic structures for modern purposes. Antique architecture has always had a major influence on their design philosophy. They even offer interior design as part of their in-house service package.

Although they haven’t won any awards yet, they have become a fan favorite firm in the Houston area. They have a robust rendering section on their website that details 3D models of potential projects. This gives clients tons of flexibility when coming up with unique plans. EGA has also offered master planning services for a variety of historic projects all throughout Texas.

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Glassman Shoemake Maldonado Architects, Inc

Project Types Historic Preservation, Sustainable Design, Interior Design, Landscape Architecture, and Master Planning

Glassman Shoemake Maldonado Architects, Inc was founded back in 1996. After many potential clients struggled with the name, the firm was rebranded to GSMA at the turn of the century. GSMA has a varied portfolio that includes community buildings, affordable housing, and single-family homes. In addition to architecture and interior design, GSMA also offers a landscaping service to put the finishing touches on any property they work on.

GSMA was recognized as the AIA Houston Firm of the Year in 2013. They also have the 2015 Texas Society of Architects Design Award under their belt. It is no wonder that GSMA continues to flourish as one of Houston’s premier architecture firms.

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HarrisonKornberg Architects

Project Types Education, Retail, Healthcare, Civic, Religious, Aviation, Restaurants, and Residential

HarrisonKornberg is a firm that was established back in 2003. They offer a ton of ser vies including master planning, historic restoration, programming, interiors, and signage design for a variety of clients throughout the city. Their portfolio includes public schools, higher education facilities, gyms, shopping centers, churches, and even retail stores. HarrisonKornberg has been able to dip into many industries while still keeping the superior quality of each design.

In 2013, HarrisonKornberg received the ACMH Golden Trowel Award. This is a testament to the robust designs they provide to anyone who requests their services. They are well on their way to earning more honors in the future.

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Jackson & Ryan Architects

Project Types Civic, Education, Residential, Hospitality, Office Spaces, Religious, and Sports

Establish in 1986, Jackson and Ryan Architects have provided the greater Houston area with dozens of high-class facilities. They work with a variety of private and public clients to bring innovative new designs to life. In the past, the group has worked on animal shelters, fire stations, city halls, libraries, affordable residential housing, and museums.

Jackson and Ryan were awarded the Texas State Golden Trowel Award in 2015. This recognizes outstanding masonry and exquisite attention to detail. Their projects continue to inspire many architects with a desire to hone their eye for the most minute details during construction.

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Jacobs Architectural Group

Project Types Commercial, Residential, and Multi-Family

Jacobs Architectural Group was founded in 1999 with a strong purpose in mind. The firm wanted to build a foundation focused on integrity, communications, and results. Just over 20 years later, it is safe to say these goals have been met in spades. Their portfolio includes retail spaces, office buildings, banks, restaurants, multi-family housing units, and medical facilities.

While Jacobs Architectural Group hasn’t claimed any awards just yet, they have successfully cultivated a team of highly skilled professionals. Their results-driven approach has lead to many satisfied clients, and business is still booming for the firm. It is only a matter of time before they are recognized for their commitment to excellence in all areas of each project they design.

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