Boise, Idaho, shines. You’ll love its vibrant downtown, abundant outdoor recreational opportunities, thriving arts scene, and welcoming, friendly community. Its charm is magnified by its access to picturesque natural landscapes and four distinct, enjoyable seasons. The list below contains five of the best architectural firms in Boise, Idaho. Our editorial team chose them for their awards, experience, and portfolios.
CSHQA, Inc.
200 W Broad Street, Boise, ID 83702
CSHQA, Inc., was founded in 1889—it stands as Idaho’s oldest architecture firm, and it remains committed to crafting enduring, healthy spaces. With nearly 100 professionals on board, the firm offers comprehensive services encompassing architecture, engineering, interior and environmental design, landscape architecture, telecommunications, and building forensics. Projects under its purview span diverse sectors, including commercial, industrial, retail, restaurant, hospitality, aviation, civic, education, and healthcare.
The firm’s dedicated principals boast impressive credentials, from NCARB Certification to numerous architectural licensures across states. Their experience and leadership uphold CSHQA’s core values of Collaboration, Knowledge, Creativity, Integrity, and Excellence. The firm’s work has been recognized by the City of Boise Building Excellence Award and the Pinnacle Award from the Natural Stone Institute.
The firm’s work has been featured in Architect Magazine and Hospitality Design Magazine, so it’s clear that CSHQA’s commitment to quality architecture and stellar service is recognized far and wide.
erstad Architects
310 North 5th Street, Boise, ID 83702
Founded in 1998, erstad Architects has a well-earned reputation for delivering architectural excellence across a broad spectrum of project types. You’ll want to take a look at its a rich portfolio of work, which includes everything from historic renovations and urban office complexes to full-service community recreation centers and residential additions. The firm’s wealth of knowledge includes over 127 years of combined architectural experience.
Led by founding partner Andrew Erstad—a member of the American Institute of Architects and a LEED AP—the team’s focus on design, creativity, excellence, and value is evident. Its work has not gone unnoticed: the firm has won multiple awards, including the Grow Smart Award from Idaho Smart Growth and the City of Boise Building Excellence Award. Architect Magazine and The Idaho Statesman have further underscored the firm’s industry stature.
A quarter-century into its existence, erstad Architects continues to make its mark, proving the enduring quality of its architectural solutions.
LKV Architects
2400 E Riverwalk Drive, Boise, ID 83706
With roots that trace back to the 1960s, LKV Architects was formally established in 1975 and has since earned a strong reputation for its architectural prowess and steadfast commitment to clients. With the collective experience of its current architects surpassing 90 years, it has a storied history of commercial and institutional architecture that includes a significant focus on educational and public facilities.
The partner team—comprising Amber Van Ocker, Brook Thornton, Toby Norskog, and Ron Polintan—includes plenty of industry experience, architectural insight, and LEED-accredited expertise. The recognition it has received—including the First Place Award in Public Project by the Idaho Business Review and the Orchid Award for Contribution to Historic Preservation from Preservation Idaho—speaks volumes about its prowess.
With its work gaining attention from various press outlets—including Yahoo News and Idaho Education News—LKV Architects has firmly established itself as a stalwart in Boise’s architectural landscape during its 48-year journey.
ZGA Architects & Planners
408 E Parkcenter Boulevard, Suite 205, Boise, ID 83706
ZGA Architects & Planners has consistently provided comprehensive architectural, planning, design, and construction administration services for half a century. Since its inception in 1973, the firm has been guided by core principles that prioritize long-term client service and design excellence. The company caters to a wide array of markets, including higher education, healthcare, corporate, commercial, government/military, historical preservation, industrial, and multi-family housing.
Principal Steve Turner has 43 years of combined experience in architecture and the construction field and has been a part of the ZGA team since 1991, demonstrating a deep commitment to the firm. The firm’s accolades include a 2020 award for Best Project in Manufacturing from ENR. Press features in the Engineering News-Record and Idaho Business Review underline its position in the industry.
ZGA Architects & Planners is dedicated to collaboration and creativity, and client priorities underline the fundamental characteristics of each project.
Cole Architects, PLLC
404 S 8th Street, Suite 250, Boise, ID 83702
Established in 1995, COLE Architects, PLLC, has built a reputation for client-centric work and meticulous attention to detail, as evidenced by its diverse and award-winning portfolio. Despite significant changes in the industry and team expansion, the firm has sustained its position as a premier architectural firm in the region. The firm delivers master planning, interior design, and architectural services across various project types, including recreation, emergency response, education, and commercial ventures.
Principal Matt Huffield has 27 years of extensive architectural experience, having worked on hundreds of projects across 35 states. The firm won the 2022 Silver Firehouse Station Design Award and the Senior Housing News Design Award in the Hospice category. It has also been featured in numerous press outlets, including Idaho Business Review and Boise Dev. With 28 years in the business, COLE Architects exhibits an unwavering commitment to clients and upholds a tradition of design excellence.
