Minneapolis, Minnesota is a fantastic location for commercial and residential properties. With its vibrant economy, diverse industries, and thriving job market, it offers ample opportunities for businesses to flourish. The city also provides a high quality of life, with its excellent parks, renowned cultural scene, and a strong sense of community. The city’s residential neighborhoods offer a range of housing options, ensuring there’s something to suit every lifestyle. Whether you want to build your dream commercial or residential property in Minneapolis, here are the city’s eight best architectural firms.


Snow Kreilich Architects

219 North Second St., Suite 120, Minneapolis, MN 55401

Snow Kreilich Architects is a nationally recognized architectural studio in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Formerly known as Julie Snow Architects, it has garnered numerous awards and accolades for its exceptional designs. The studio focuses on meticulous design investigations, resulting in intelligent, well-detailed buildings that consistently exceed expectations. The firm’s principals, Julie Snow and Matthew Kreilich, bring extensive expertise. Julie Snow, a fellow of the American Institute of Architects, has taught at esteemed institutions and received outstanding teaching and design awards. Matthew Kreilich, also a fellow of the American Institute of Architects, has received recognition for his design leadership and holds a Master of Arts degree. 

Snow Kreilich Architects has been featured in esteemed publications such as Finance & Commerce and Hospitality Design and maintains affiliations with the American Institute of Architects and the International Living Future Institute.


UrbanWorks Architecture, LLC

901 North Third St., Suite 145, Minneapolis, MN 55401

UrbanWorks Architecture, LLC is a renowned architectural firm driven by the belief that great buildings, successful urban spaces, and client achievements are deeply interconnected. With expertise in multifamily and mixed-use projects, it excels in navigating the challenges of a complex marketplace. By actively collaborating with clients and incorporating their diverse perspectives, UrbanWorks ensures a comprehensive and creative design process. The firm has received awards such as the Top Projects and Best Architect accolades from Finance & Commerce and a Merit Award from the American Institute of Architects (AIA). Affiliated with AIA, NAIOP, and the Minnesota Multi Housing Association, UrbanWorks maintains strong industry connections. Its work has been featured in notable publications, including the Minneapolis-St. Paul Business Journal and Star Tribune. 

Led by principals Tod Elkins, Scott Beckman, David Haaland, and David Miller, UrbanWorks combines decades of diverse architectural experience with a focus on collaboration and community impact.


ESG Architecture & Design

500 Washington Ave. South, Suite 1080, Minneapolis, MN 55415

ESG Architecture & Design, headquartered in Minneapolis, is a nationally recognized firm specializing in multifamily residential, hospitality, and creative office projects. With a dedication to shaping cities and elevating experiences, it employs a fully collaborative design approach rooted in urban and architectural design principles. ESG’s expertise lies in engaging diverse stakeholders and building consensus to maximize project potential while exceeding client expectations. Its range of informed and integrated services reflects the firm’s commitment to providing holistic solutions. ESG has received prestigious awards such as the FAB Awards – IIDA for Workplace Small and Hospitality categories. It is affiliated with the American Institute of Architects. 

ESG’s principals, led by President Aaron Roseth, bring extensive experience and expertise to deliver enduring projects that enhance the form and fabric of the built environment.


Collage Architects, LLC

708 15th Ave. NE., Minneapolis, MN 55413

Collage Architects, LLC is a thriving architectural firm known for its commitment to successful building projects. With a team of diverse and talented professionals, it brings individual expertise and perspectives to improve each project it undertakes. Collage Architects specializes in commercial redevelopments, skillfully merging developer requirements and tenant needs to create original spaces. Known for its exceptional work, Collage Architects has received prestigious recognition, including the 2021 Project of the Year award from the DBIA. 

Pete Keely, the president of Collage Architects, brings 30 years of industry experience. He has held critical roles in prominent organizations such as Landmark Community Builder Collaborative and Collage Urban Design Studio. Pete is a member of the American Institute of Architects.


Christopher Strom Architects

3308 Gorham Ave., St. Louis Park, MN 55426

Christopher Strom Architects is a highly respected architectural firm renowned for its commitment to creating remarkable designs that bring elegance to everyday living. With a focus on custom home designs, lakefront retreats, and accessory dwelling units, it skillfully translates the client’s aspirations into a distinctive architectural language. By listening attentively and caring deeply about homeowners’ investment, the firm delivers exceptional design and an unparalleled custom design experience. 

Led by Principal Architect Christopher Strom, who possesses 20 years of industry experience, the firm has garnered numerous regional and national accolades, including the prestigious AIA-Minnesota Young Architect Award. Its work has been featured in esteemed publications like Midwest Home and Lake Society Magazine. With a passion for each project, Christopher Strom Architects effortlessly transforms clients’ visions into reality.


TEA2 Architects, Inc.

2724 West 43rd St., Minneapolis, MN 55410

TEA2 Architects, Inc. is a highly respected residential architecture firm with a 40-year legacy. Specializing in custom homes and renovations, TEA2 Architects has earned a reputation for creating exquisitely designed and livable spaces. The firm’s team of 25 professionals works collaboratively, cultivating an uncommon level of creative energy that enriches every home they design. TEA2 Architects has received prestigious recognition, including 20 Home of the Month Awards from AIA MN/Star Tribune as well as recently three first-place Midwest Home Design Awards for Traditional Architecture, Exterior Use of Stone, and more. The company is affiliated with the American Institute of Architects and the Green Home Institute. TEA2 Architects’ work has also been featured in notable publications such as Architectural Digest, Fine Homebuilding, Artful Living, and Midwest Home.

Principal Dan Nepp, a licensed architect since 1990, brings extensive expertise and has received numerous accolades, including the 2008 Architect of Distinction Award.


Christian Dean Architecture, LLC

3255 Garfield Ave., Suite 150, Minneapolis, MN 55408

Christian Dean Architecture, LLC is a dynamic and full-service creative practice in Minneapolis. Focusing on modern residences and commercial projects, it operates on the principle that each home and company is unique, aiming to discover the distinctness of every project it undertakes. Guided by the client’s sensibility, Christian Dean Architecture believes that good design asks questions and reflects the local influences that shape it. The firm has received recognition for its exceptional work, including the RAVE Awards for Remodel/Addition and the Home of the Month accolade by Star Tribune. 

Christian Dean, the owner, brings 20 years of industry experience and is a member of the prestigious American Institute of Architects. Having studied Architecture at the University of Michigan and the University of Minnesota, Christian Dean brings expertise to every project.


CityDeskStudio, Inc.

550 Vandalia St., #101, Saint Paul, MN 55114

CityDeskStudio, Inc. is a creative and collaborative architectural practice that creates spaces that enrich clients’ lives. Its designs strongly emphasize residential and small commercial projects, reflecting a modern contextual approach. By focusing on the organization of rooms, the play of light and shadow, and the thoughtful selection of materials, CityDeskStudio believes in elevating everyday experiences. The firm has been recognized for excellence, including the prestigious Home of the Month award by MN AIA/Star Tribune in 2023. As a member of the American Institute of Architects, CityDeskStudio upholds the profession’s highest standards. Its work has been featured in notable publications such as Midwest Home and Star Tribune. 

Led by principal and owner Ben Awes, CityDeskStudio combines architecture, furniture design, and fabrication expertise to create inspiring and engaging spaces.

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