The Best Commercial Architects in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Last updated on June 25th, 2024 at 05:19 am

When planning a commercial construction project in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, selecting the right architect is a critical first step. With project costs typically ranging from $200,000 to $1.7 million—and high-end ventures reaching up to $1.9 million or more—it’s essential to choose an architect who can manage both the financial and design complexities. These projects can take up to 42 weeks to complete, assuming no unexpected delays, which are common in the construction industry.

Pittsburgh, home to approximately 302,898 residents, boasts a median home value of $234,424. The city’s rich architectural heritage and vibrant community make it a dynamic environment for commercial development. The demand for innovative and reliable architectural services is high, given the diverse nature of projects ranging from office buildings to retail spaces.

Pittsburgh’s commercial architecture industry is a cornerstone of the city’s economic vitality. The industry contributes significantly to the local economy through construction and related services and shapes the urban landscape, enhancing the city’s appeal and functionality. This makes the role of a skilled architect even more critical, as they must balance the aesthetic, functional, and regulatory aspects of commercial projects to meet the city’s evolving needs.

Finding a dependable architect can make all the difference in your commercial project’s success. The right professional can help you navigate the intricate design and construction process, saving you significant time, money, and stress. In this article, we will highlight some of the best commercial architects in Pittsburgh and offer you a guide to making an informed decision.

Finding a dependable architect can make all the difference in your commercial project’s success. The right professional can help you navigate the intricate design and construction process, ultimately saving you significant time, money, and stress. In this article, we will highlight some of the best commercial architects in Pittsburgh, offering you a guide to making an informed decision.

Overview: The Best Commercial Architects in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

See Ranking Methodology at the bottom of this article to learn more. 

R3A Architecture

48 South 14th Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15203

Otherwise known as Renaissance 3 Architects, R3A is a full-range architecture firm manned by 26 talented professionals and led by its two principals, Deepak Wadhwani and James Sheehan. The firm specializes in architecture, interior design, planning, and consulting engineering services. It also draws experience heavily from the vision of its principals. Wadhwani is a co-founding principal and a LEED accredited professional. He oversees the firm’s strategic planning, marketing, administration, and financial management. In addition to this, he also once served as former Director of the Pittsburgh branch of the AIA. Sheehan, on the other hand, is responsible for marketing and new project development as well as feasibility studies, programming, and conceptual design. 

The project above spans roughly 25,000 square feet and was completed in 2016. It challenged the firm’s team to work on its space planning, conceptual development, and workflow analysis. The team also worked on extensive documentation and utilized a contemporary theme. 

NEXT Architecture

1133 Penn Ave. Ste. 100, Pittsburgh, PA 15222

NEXT Architecture is a full-range architectural firm noted for its comprehensive work and interior design services. Its services include strategic and master planning, programming, design, image and branding consultation, project management, furniture selection, and engineering consultation. Since its establishment, the firm has curated an excellent clientele list. This also includes lasting partnerships with some of the area’s best and leading subcontractors and firms. The photo below depicts the firm’s finest work.

Located in the heart of Pittsburgh, this space was completed for the Speckled Egg in The Union Trust Building. The project spans nearly 5,000 square feet and entails a bar, mixed dining areas, and a coffee counter. Some unique finishes include cork, brass, and natural plants, adding to its chic and contemporary aesthetic. 

Architectural Innovations, LLC

1003 McKnight Park Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15237

Architectural Innovations, LLC provides a complete range of services and has finished work for various market types. These include governmental, municipal, healthcare, education, recreational, retail, religious, tenant improvement and residential spaces. The firm primarily utilizes a multi-disciplinary approach and assists its clients throughout the entire process, from pre-design and inception to post construction and completion. 

Since its establishment, the company has worked on over a thousand projects. The firm is proud to be a certified small and woman business enterprise and has won numerous accolades for its unique works. 

GBBN Architects

5411 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15206

GBBN extends its services throughout the area and is regarded for its mastery in every aspect of the architectural process. It can take on projects regardless of size or scale and specializes in various architectural themes. Composed of a team of talented and diverse professionals, GBBN is the proud recipient of a multitude of accolades. Most recently, it was recognized with the Architecture Excellence Cote Award from the AIA of Pennsylvania for its Tree Pittsburgh project, which is depicted in the photo below.

This project spans three acres and features an impressive net-zero energy model for sustainable design. The brand wanted a sustainable headquarters that would provide its employees easy access to many trees, challenging the firm to create its own “urban” forest. The building utilizes an open floor plan and is situated on a former steel mill above the Allegheny River. 

MCF Architecture

437 Grant Street, Suite 1600, Pittsburgh, PA 15219

With over a hundred years of experience in the industry, MCF Architecture is the 19th longest-running architecture firm in the United States. It has a successful 90% repeat clientele rate and provides brands with a complete and comprehensive range of services. That said, it has secured a long-standing national reputation for itself and has been regarded for its award-winning designs. It credits its success to its programming and comprehensive data-driven designs. Its services also include Building Information Technology (BIT) techniques, sustainable design, and project management. The photo below best depicts the firm’s talent for commercial work.

Completed for the Eastern Atlantic Stations Regional Council of Carpenters, the project above serves as an event venue for the Carpenters Union Additions & Renovations. It features an all-new banquet space, restrooms, conference rooms, and a kitchen. 

WTW Architects

Timber Court 127 Anderson Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15212

WTW Architects draws inspiration from over half a century of design experience and is regarded for its complete range of services. Since its establishment, the company has won numerous distinctions for its work. Most recently, it received a Facility Design Excellence Award from the Association of College Unions International. The firm is personally led by its principal, Larry Pane. He is experienced in every phase and aspect of the process and draws inspiration from nearly three decades of working in and around the industry. Clients may rest easy knowing that all of the firm’s work benefits from his experience. Among top Pittsburgh architects, the firm was featured in the 2024 Building Design + Construction article.

The project above showcases the firm’s work for the Reed Smith Law Offices. It spans 174,000 square feet and is located in Pittsburgh. The project is LEED Gold Certified and encompasses an extensive transformation. Two of its floors were designed to specifically cater to client contact and showcase a great conference center, cafeteria, and outdoor patio. 

Perkins Eastman

525 William Penn Place Suite 2510, Pittsburgh, PA 15219

Perkins Eastman is a global design firm founded on the belief that design can directly and positively impact people’s lives. The firm’s award-winning practice draws on its 1,000 professionals networked across twenty-one offices worldwide. By keeping the user’s needs foremost in the design process, the firm enhances the human experience across the built environment spectrum.

The company specializes in a wide range of building types, which include everything from office buildings and tenant improvements to senior living communities and educational institutions. The firm’s portfolio also includes completed workplace and commercial projects for companies including Philips, SAP, WeWork, Smith+Nephew, and Blue Apron.

Perkins Eastman’s redesign of the ground-floor public spaces in 525 William Penn Place in downtown Pittsburgh brings ample daylight and views via a new monumental glass curtain wall and entry pavilion. The firm’s work, which included the architecture and interior design for the space, has re-energized the tower, transforming it into a leading business address for downtown Pittsburgh. 

IKM Architecture

Eleven Stanwix Street Suite 2200, Pittsburgh, PA 15222

IKM Architecture operates out of two offices. It specializes in architecture, planning, and interior design services and is an active member of vital organizations like the AIA and the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). The firm strives to provide innovative and excellent techniques, assuring brands of the quality of its work. It is the proud recipient of a multitude of distinctions. These include several accolades from the AIA and features in publications like the Pittsburgh Business Times. Since its inception, the company has worked on technically complex work, which has enabled it to curate an outstanding portfolio for itself. Its work can best be seen in the photo below.

Completed for Heinz Endowments, one of the 50 largest philanthropic organizations in the United States, this project spans 7,600 square feet. It challenged the firm with its extensive renovation and showcased excellent new features, including all-new conference rooms, reclaimed elements, and a modern appeal. 

Strada, LLC

611 William Penn Place Suite 700, Pittsburgh, PA 15219

Strada, LLC is regarded for its comprehensive range of services, which include every aspect of the architectural process, such as landscaping, interior design, urban design, site analysis, graphic design, master planning, and feasibility studies. The firm is also noted for its sustainability efforts, establishing a reputation as one of the best architects in Pittsburgh. Most of its projects are Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Certified and come with energy models. Composed of a talented and experienced team of professionals, Strada utilizes a cross-disciplinary approach that combines the visions and experiences of its architects, interior designers, urban designers, landscape architects, and graphic designers. Its work can best be seen in the project below.

Completed for the Brunner Offices, this project spans 42,276 square feet and entailed the firm to work on its architecture and interior design. It is located in Pittsburgh. Brunner is an award-winning advertising agency. Hence, the company was challenged to create a design aligned with its brand. This space features an ecosystem of layered places of work spaces and lounges. 

Bohlin Cywinski Jackson

611 William Penn Place Suite 1300, Pittsburgh, PA 15219

Bohlin Cywinski Jackson provides a complete range of architectural services and operates out of six studios spread across the country. It focuses on innovative approaches and maintains a highly open and hands-on approach, assuring clients that all of its spaces are completed with only the best techniques. The firm draws inspiration from nearly six decades of industry experience. Throughout those years, it has been the proud recipient of over ten National Honor Awards from the prestigious American Institute of Architects (AIA), in addition to over 675 distinctions recognizing the company’s skill and expertise. The project below is an example of the firm’s talent. Among the top Pittsburgh architects, the firm received the AIA Merit Award in 2023.

Located in Philadelphia, this project spans roughly 59,000 square feet and was finished in 2015. It features three stories of office and retail space and has clear glass facades. Uniquely, the project showcases a rooftop active with innovative stormwater management design. 

Desmone Architects

3400 Butler Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15201

Desmone Architects comprises an excellent team of architects, interior designers, and marketing professionals. It is the proud recipient of many accolades from esteemed organizations like the AIA. Several of its projects have also received impressive certifications and features in well-known publications. The company is regarded for its full range of services, cutting-edge designs, and techniques. An example of its talent and skill can be seen in the photo below.

This project showcases the firm’s work on 2 Doughboy Square, Pittsburgh’s first WELL Certified Gold Building. It spans 16,500 square feet and was completed in 2020. The firm’s team employed a modern design and features clean, minimalist finishes. 

DLA+ Architecture & Interior Design

Foster Plaza 10 Suite 500, 680 Andersen Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15220

DLA+ showcases a full range of architecture and interior design services and is noted for its outstanding strategic architectural solutions. It takes great pride in its large repeat clientele rate, in addition to the positive reviews it has received over the years. The firm’s company is composed of a talented and experienced team of professionals who are each skilled in every phase and aspect of the entire architecture and interior design process. It typically infuses various sustainability practices into its work, assuring clients of the high efficiency and responsiveness of its work. In addition to this, the firm also has a design-build background, allowing it to use a seamless process and lessen the challenge for clients in looking for additional subcontractors. Several of the firm’s works are LEED Gold Certified, with the photo below depicting one of its best works. Among the best Pittsburgh architects, they were featured in Pittsburgh Magazine in 2023.

The project above spans 15,400 square feet and was completed in 2019. For this space, the firm was tasked not only with its architecture but also with its interior design and construction administration. It worked on designing the main lobby, along with its exteriors, work cafe, technology bar, and new restrooms. 

Ranking Methodology

To evaluate the performance of contractors, our methodology employs a systematic approach that considers various factors contributing to customer experience and satisfaction. We focused on assessing the commercial architects in the Pittsburgh area. The methodology involves assigning weightings to specific categories based on their significance in determining customer service quality. Here’s the breakdown of the categories and their respective weightings:

• Average Customer Satisfaction (35%): This metric represents the average rating given by customers across the same review platforms as the Average Customer Satisfaction Score. A higher average rating indicates greater overall satisfaction with the service provided.
• Service Rating Score (25%): We analyze the ratio of high (4-5 stars) to low (1-2 stars) ratings for each business across multiple review platforms: Google, Houzz, and Yelp. A higher percentage of positive reviews contributes to a higher score, reflecting better customer satisfaction.
• Complaint Percentage (25%): We analyze the ratio of complaints to total reviews for each business. A lower complaints ratio indicates better service quality and results in a higher score.
• Business Hours and Availability (10%): The operating hours of each business are assessed to gauge accessibility. Companies with extended operating hours are awarded a higher score, as they offer greater convenience to customers.
• License Status (5%): We verify the licensing status of each contractor with their local licensing board to ensure legal compliance. Companies with valid licenses receive a higher score, reflecting professionalism and adherence to regulations.
• Total Score: We determined the overall rating for every contractor by calculating a weighted average, with the category weight determining the amount the subscore contributed to the total score 

Additional Note: Service Rating Score, Average Customer Satisfaction, and Complaint Percentage are calculated with a Bayesian estimate to account for if the contractor has a low number of total reviews. A Bayesian average is a statistical method used to calculate the average of a set of data points while taking into account prior information or beliefs about the distribution of the data. It combines the observed data with a prior distribution to generate a more accurate estimate of the true average.