Community is what makes commercial spaces come alive. Whether you’re looking to build a corporate working space or a community-serving retail facility or institution, you need an architect that will consider the contextual and communal needs of the people who will inhabit these spaces. In addition, understanding mega-trends and gaining a grasp of how your development is likely to progress in the future can be challenging.
To help you choose the right designer equipped to handle any building requirements you might require, our team has curated a list of the best commercial architects in Sacramento, California. These firms were selected for their accreditations, certifications, and professional affiliations. We also considered the recognition each firm has received in the form of industry awards, client reviews, and press features. We have laid out the range of services the firms offer, their specializations, and the length of time they have been in the industry.
Dreyfuss + Blackford Architecture
3540 Folsom Blvd., Sacramento, CA 95816
Established in 1950, Dreyfuss + Blackford is one of the most respected architecture, interior design, and planning firms in Northern California. The firm has received more than 100 regional and national awards for design, efficiency, economy, site sensitivity, and community compatibility. Its collaborative design approach harnesses the talent of the team, and as a non-hierarchical, “flat” organization, decisions grow from the bottom up. Dreyfuss + Blackford is deeply committed to developing environmentally sound buildings that make the best use of our natural resources. It has been active in the US Green Building Council (USGBC) since its inception and has facilitated the use of Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) in its work.
Kristopher Barkley, Gus Fischer, Scott Shannon, Jason A. Silva, and John C. Webre stand as the Partners of Dreyfuss + Blackford. They are all members of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), with Barkley having served as the President of the Central Valley Chapter. They each lead a team of highly qualified professionals who all work closely with clients to identify options that will yield the most effective design solution. Their skill and creativity are demonstrated in the design of the AIA California (AIA CA) Headquarters. After embedding itself in AIA CA’s work environment, the team came up with a space tailored to their organizational needs, which includes neighborhoods and spaces supportive of different work modes, as well as areas encouraging collaboration.
Mogavero Architects
1331 T Street, Sacramento, CA 95811
Mogavero Architects offers multi-disciplinary capabilities in all aspects of design, planning, architecture, landscape architecture, development and community advocacy. The USGBC-certified practice integrates macro site-design considerations and sustainable building systems into its projects. Throughout the design process, the firm investigates each element carefully to minimize expensive change orders during the course of construction. It simultaneously works with contractors in evaluating the accuracy of estimates to produce projects that meet the budget. While doing this, the firm does consensus-building and decision-making with public agencies, private organizations and individuals to ensure the result is reflective of the users’ values.
Through Senior Principal David Mogavero’s service as past president and board member of the Environmental Council of Sacramento and the Planning and Conservation League, he has promoted the widespread adoption of sustainable building and smart growth practices and policies. Currently a board member of the Council of Infill Builders, he is a member of the AIA and a LEED Accredited Professional along with principals Craig Stradley and Renner Johnston. Together, they have guided the team in designing this affordable mixed-use project, which has received awards from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and the Pacific Coast Builders Conference (PCBC). The building complex is the first significant structure upon entrance to the City, equipped with residential units, retail space, and dedicated parking. The alternating colors of the north elevation with deep shadows and white “fins” provide an interesting change of elevation.
LPA, Inc.
431 I Street Suite 107, Sacramento, CA 95814
Bestowed with the Firm Award by the AIA California Council, LPA is a fully integrated firm of architects, engineers, interior designers and landscape architects structured into flexible work teams. LPA’s work crosses sector boundaries by developing efficient education, civic, healthcare, landscape, sports, entertainment, mixed-use, and office projects. Its core process is based on engaging with and developing a deeper understanding of the needs and goals of all stakeholders, focusing on the user experience. LPA is accredited by the USGBC, and is one of the only firms with an in-house research team, using data to shape the design and maximize the value of all its projects.
Kelly Angell and Anthony Harris manage the Sacramento team, both holding membership with the AIA. Half of Kelly’s near 20 years of experience has focused on higher education facilities. She is a LEED Accredited Professional for Building Design and Construction (LEED AP BD+C), Construction Documents Technologist (CDT), and Project Management Professional (PMP). On the other hand, Anthony has more than 25 years of architectural design experience in the educational, commercial, and civic fields in the public and private sectors. Certified by the Construction Specifications Institute (CSI), he couples his design expertise with technological tools. Together, Kelly and Anthony work with a talented team of professionals to build many spaces such as this impressive office renovation of a historic bank building.
LPA redesigned and upgraded several of the upper floors of this 1915 structure as flexible, open working spaces for modern clientele. Removing the old office walls revealed rows of original, identical wood-framed windows. Now, natural light floods in, reaching into glass-walled, private rooms and illuminating corridors. A warren of individual offices is transformed into flowing work and meeting spaces.
Kuchman Architects
2203 13th Street, Sacramento, CA 95818
Kuchman Architects, founded in 1985, is committed to creating sustainable, visually interesting, pedestrian-friendly mixed-use neighborhoods. It employs and promotes smart growth principles and energy-efficient design. The firm carries extensive urban experience in both multi-family residential and commercial planning and architecture.
After Bob Kuchman’s retirement in 2019, Philip Harvey has been the only Principal Architect of the firm. Philip’s professional experience includes real estate development, with more than 12 years as the Senior Vice President in a major Sacramento development company. He served for over 16 years on the Planning Commission of the City of Sacramento. In addition to his architecture experience, he is proficient in entitlement process review, policy development, and environmental review. Bob is a LEED AP, a member of the AIA, Urban Land Institute (ULI), and the International Code Council. The firm has been recognized with the UN World Habitat Award as well as Project of the Year by the Sacramento Business Journal.
An outstanding commercial project the firm completed is Cannery Place. The mixed-use project is built with a two and three-level concrete parking garage encompassed by an affordable five-story, wood-framed apartment project. The building is unwound from the garage to create a ground-level plaza for residents. Above the tiered garage structure are two large outdoor terraces for residents.
Williams + Paddon Architects + Planners
1715 R Street Suite 200, Sacramento, CA 95811
Williams + Paddon was established in 1981 as a multi-disciplinary firm providing architecture, interior design, programming, and master planning services. The company operates on the belief that quality architecture requires a continuing commitment to design excellence, technological leadership, responsive service, sound business practice, and environmental stewardship.
Four principals oversee the firm and facilitate open collaboration between team members and clients. Jack Paddon serves on the Division of the State Architect Green Committee and with the Collaboration for High-Performance Schools Standards and Implementation Committee, where he shares his passion for passive envelope design and Zero Net energy systems. Meanwhile, LEED AP and Certified Interior Designer (CID), Naaz Alikhan, currently contributes as a member of the City of Roseville Economic Development Advisory Committee and is a Board Member of the Sacramento Metro Chamber of Commerce and Valley Vision. Terry Green is the Principal of Design, and is a member of the AIA and a LEED AP as is Greg Tonello, the fourth principal. The team of four has guided Williams + Paddon to developing a diverse roster of civic, housing, retail, education, healthcare, and office projects.
One of the firm’s finest works is the Benvenuti Performing Arts Center. The challenge was incorporating necessary elements for a full fly loft space inside the theatre, specialty lighting, and motorized rigging components. The team’s design overcame this and created a building that features clean, bold exterior lines with a raked roof and corrugated metal siding.
AC Martin
3009 Douglas Boulevard Suite 290, Roseville, CA 95661
AC Martin is a California-based architecture, planning, interior architecture, and research firm that uses an integrated design approach to create enduring environments for the 21st century. Founded by Albert C. Martin Sr., the USGBC-accredited firm continues a long-standing tradition of shaping spaces by creating user-focused, sustainable, and thoughtful solutions that are relevant to society’s needs. AC Martin continues its research-based innovative design approach that resonates on a human behavioral level and transforms the way that people experience architecture.
Christopher C. Martin, Chairman of AC Martin, is a Fellow of the AIA (FAIA) and a founding member of the Los Angeles Business Improvement District. Having recently completed the Wilshire Grand Redevelopment Project in downtown Los Angeles, where Martin Project Management (MPM) served as the Owner’s Development Manager, Chris has resurrected the role of Master Architect. He sets the standard for AC Martin’s Managing Principals, including Deborah Lesnefska, AIA, who handles the Sacramento team. She specializes in K-12 schools with an emphasis on sustainable design as an opportunity for environmental education.
Following AC Martin’s commitment to green designs is this LEEDv3 Platinum Certified facility, which has an array of teaching spaces, administrative offices, and support programs. The building features a 335-seat auditorium with full black-out motorized shades, acoustically sensitive glass, and a large pre-function space. Additionally, a flat floor model allows for reconfigurable seating.
Comstock Johnson Architects
10520 Armstrong Avenue, Mather, CA 95655
Founded in 1982 and licensed in seven states, Comstock Johnson Architects (CJA) offers a full spectrum of architectural services, from programming to project management support. The firm helps clients access their needs and wants, and translates them into inventive layouts of spaces. CJA evaluates code influences on the design while developing plan solutions to meet program and architectural theme objectives. It selects the most appropriate materials and finishes to achieve the dynamic interiors that match the client’s vision and budget. By writing design guidelines and developing plans for multiple structures, the company investigates the relationships between all project elements and delivers the insight essential to creating effective circulation and flow.
Both members of the AIA, Daniel Eriksson and Kevin Wilcox are well-matched as Principals of CJA. Daniel is certified by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB), while Kevin is a LEED AP. They ushered the IIDA-certified practice into earning accreditation from the CSI, the Sacramento Regional Builders Exchange, and the West Sacramento and Rancho Cordova Chambers of Commerce. The CJA team has consciously designed a long portfolio of office buildings, retail centers, multi-family housing, and industrial, educational, and research and development facilities.
An example of this is the contemporary, two-story office building rich with varying shades of red thin brick, copper-colored storefront, and solar bronze tinted glazing. The polished lobby is revealed through the aluminum and glass curtain wall system, beyond the building entries articulated with grand metal panel clad buttresses.
HMR Architects
2130 21st Street, Sacramento, CA 95818
HMR Architects has consistently delivered quality architectural and engineering services that measure up to the standards of the AIA. It provides assistance in programming, site planning, design, governmental approvals, construction documents, value engineering, constructability reviews, and construction administration. The firm’s notable expertise in historic preservation has garnered a wide-ranging reputation for excellence in the preservation and rehabilitation of historic structures and landscapes. It utilizes its LEED-accredited and California High-Performance School-experienced staff to incorporate sustainable design as requested by the client. The HMR team is sensitive to existing natural surroundings and insists on a clear and thorough understanding of the context to which each project contributes.
Every project team is led by Principal, Scott Pullen, whose 28+ years of experience has brought HMR to deliver spaces in the form of K-12, higher education, commercial, retail, government, and healthcare facilities. Prominent among HMR’s work is this ground-up campus encompassing 55,534 square feet on almost 13 acres, constructed as a “Small High School” focused learning environment. The project was a complete team effort between the owner, design team, contractor, and the Division of the State Architect. Constructed in less than 18 months, the school was designed in two phases with a reuse of the plans for the Multi-Purpose Building.
WMB Architects
2000 L Street Suite 125, Sacramento, CA 95811
For over 45 years, WMB has consistently created value for the community, educational, commercial, and religious projects throughout northern California and Nevada. The WMB team encompasses a broad depth of experience and expertise with diverse skills in architecture, interior design, and master planning. WMB is experienced in leading teams made up of consulting engineers and specialists, owner representatives, user groups, and systems vendors in developing and executing a successful design. It works diligently to forge cooperative relationships with both jurisdictional agencies and contractors to ensure that its projects are permitted and constructed efficiently. The firm’s design process is rooted in initiating proactive problem-solving, employing an economy of systems and function, and listening and responding to client needs.
WMB Architects’ four principals strengthen the team’s shared passion for individual and social needs. Melanie Vieux specializes in commercial architecture and interior design, is a LEED AP, and a Board Member of the Mary Graham Children’s Foundation and the Rotary Club of Stockton. Doug Davis, LEED AP and Certified Access Specialist, is a member of the City of Stockton Architectural Review Committee. Tom Bowe specializes in commercial, healthcare, educational, and adaptive reuse, and serves as Vice-Chair of the O’Connor Woods Housing Corporation. Together, Melanie, Doug, and Tom, along with the fourth principal, Tim Mattheis, supervised the WMB team in designing the Financial Center Credit Union. The aircraft-inspired building features eight full-service teller stations, a conference room, and a break room. Finish materials of corrugated metal panels, polished concrete, and reclaimed wood brought the structure’s aviation concept to life.
