As home to more than 500,000 residents, the city of Fresno is the most populous in the inland city of California. So it comes as no surprise that the city is strategic for retail businesses. If you want to start one, there are already retail properties here for sale or lease.

But if you want to build or customize your location you might find this list of the five best retail architects in Fresno helpful. We put together this list after looking at the work history, professional associations, and client reviews of a number of firms. We also included a sample project of each so that you can get a better idea of the firm that might best suit your business’s architectural needs.

Design-Development Studios

218 N. Conyer Street, Unit D, Visalia, CA 93292

Design-Development Studios (DDS) is a Visalia-based architecture and design firm proud of its diversity of production skills. The firm can take on industrial, commercial, retail, restaurant, and interior projects. The firm uses the latest tech and graphic programs to develop designs and deliver projects in a professional and timely manner. 

DDS consultants and design professionals are led by principal architect Michael Parks. Michael has more than 30 years of experience in the architecture design and construction trades—experience that has enabled him to build the company’s reputation for skill and business efficiency. The extensive services of DDS include programming, site planning, building design, construction documents, and construction phase services.


One of the firm’s successful partnerships in retail is with Anthem. The firm has designed several branches for the shoe store brand throughout California, including the Valley Plaza Mall in Bakersfield, the Oakridge Mall in San Jose, the Weberstown Mall in Stockton, and the Northridge Mall in Salinas.

EBM Design Group

4412 W. Ferguson, Visalia, CA 93291

Since 1989 EBM Design Group has provided exceptional architectural services to clients throughout California and Nevada. The firm specializes in energy-conscious and accessible designs as well as computer imaging. By considering the energy costs of every project, the firm is able to make vital decisions in planning and design to minimize the use of energy while maintaining efficiency and utility. The firm’s expertise when it comes to computer imaging allows the client to virtually see the project. In this way, possible conflicts can be spotted as early as possible.


EBM Design Group has vast architectural projects such as offices, hospitals, transits, and libraries. The firm can also work on huge retail projects. One of these is this Phase III building of Tulare Outlet Mall, a 30,000-square-foot facility. The firm also designed the mall’s Phase IV and V— a combined 160,000-square-feet of retail space and restaurants.

Marvin Armstrong, Architect

1640 W Shaw Ave, Suite 102, Fresno, CA 93711

Since 2006, Marvin Armstrong Architect has been using virtual reality to help clients see the project’s interior and exterior design via a virtual camera. This is part of the firm’s Building Information Modeling (BIM) software program that handles both drawing production and quality control. The technology encourages interactive collaboration between consultants and clients. The firm’s principal architect will also personally be there through all phases of the project.


The retail projects of Marvin Armstrong Architect are all unique in their designs. The firm highlights how façade improvements are good for attracting more customers at lower remodel costs. You’ll see this in the before and after photos of the retail stores in Whitley 900 Block. The stores are now more visible with façades that suitably reflect their brands.

Townsend Architectural Group

484 N. Prospect Suite B Porterville, CA 93257

Townsend Architectural Group is formed by a small team with big credentials.  Architect Dennis serves on the Tulare County Board of Supervisors and the firm’s Senior Project Manager Mike Taylor has more than 40 years of experience in the industry. Along with Office Manager Amy Hood, this small, but competent staff also allows the firm to give many Architectural Internship opportunities to students who need to boost their credentials.

The firm provides planning and design services. Its clients include individuals, businesses, developers, municipalities, and organizations. For over 20 years, Townsend Architectural Group is also proud to be the only architectural firm in Porterville. Among many other awards, it won the Porterville Chamber of Commerce Small Business of the Year in 2017.

Vigen Incorporated

516 West Shaw Avenue. Suite 101 Fresno, CA 93704

Since its founding in 1979, Vigen Incorporated has completed more than a thousand projects for more than nine million square feet combined. The firm has also completed over 35 million dollars worth of construction projects in 1998. The firm’s productivity remains consistent as it currently works on huge projects in California, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, Montana, and Idaho.

Aside from being a planning and architectural firm, the company also provides drafting services, particularly in Fresno where the company was founded.  And even after many years in business, the company has maintained a close staff of twelve to twenty-five professionals. Vigen Incorporated primarily works with businesses and attracts lasting partnerships through good design. One example is this car wash, designed by the firm’s principal architect Len Osborne in 2015.