Minnesota, known as the Land of 10,000 Lakes, is filled with natural beauty and a vibrant architectural scene. From the modern skyline of Minneapolis to the historic charm of St. Paul, Minnesota offers diverse architectural styles and projects that reflect its rich heritage and forward-thinking mindset.
If you’re searching for the best architectural firms in Minnesota, look no further. The list below features the leading firms that have made their mark in the state’s architectural landscape. These firms offer a comprehensive range of architectural services, including design, planning, and project management, catering to various project types, from residential and commercial to institutional and cultural.
MSR Design
510 Marquette Ave S Ste 200, Minneapolis, MN 55402
MSR Design enriches lives by designing a better future. Since 1981, the firm has produced work of enduring value, tailoring our design solutions to each client, resulting in a diverse mix of sustainable, equitable, healthy, beautiful projects. MSR Design has designed dozens of high-performing projects that meet Living Building Challenge (including LBC Petal certification of the firm’s studio space), LEED (including two LEED Platinum certified projects), or other sustainable design standards. The firm has received two national AIA Committee on the Environment (COTE) Top Ten Awards. Other recent international and national awards MSR Design has won include the 2022 IFLA/Systematic Public Library of the Year Award, a 2023 AIA Architecture Award, and two 2023 AIA/ALA Library Building Awards.
MSR Design is a Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE), certified by the Women’s Business Development Center-Midwest (WBDC-Midwest), a regional certifying partner of the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC).
Mohagen Hansen
1000 Twelve Oaks Center Dr Ste #200, Wayzata, MN 55391
Founded in 1989, Mohagen Hansen started in Todd Mohagen’s basement and has since grown into a full-service architecture, interior design, and planning firm with various projects throughout the country. Over the years, it has worked hard to maintain its reputation as one of the best in the business. Mohagen Hansen is ably led by Mark L. Hansen and Toddd Mohagen, whose years of experience and expertise have made the company what it is now. Today, it houses a staff of more than 40 full-time professionals with impressive interior design and architecture backgrounds. The firm inspires clients and motivates its team to become better, bigger, and more efficient.
Mohagen Hansen has taken pride in all of its achievements since its founding. In 2020, the NAIOP Award of Excellence was presented for its Nolans Main Residences, Crown Iron Works, and Northern Stacks V projects. The company is also affiliated with the National Association of Industrial and Office Properties, the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards, and the American Institute of Architects.
Christian Dean Architecture
2909 Bryant Ave S #304, Minneapolis, MN 55408
Based in Minneapolis, Christian Dean Architecture is a full-service creative practice specializing in commercial projects and modern homes. Established in 2013, it operates on the premise that each company and home is unique and strives to discover the distinctness of each one. Heading Christian Dean Architecture is its main principal, Christian Dean, a graduate of the University of Minnesota. He oversees the company’s daily operations, ensuring that the company offers the highest quality on each project and provides excellent customer care.
Christian Dean Architecture has received various awards since its founding. This includes the 2021 MSP Magazine Home Rave Awards and the 2019 AIA MN Honor Award. The company also has affiliations with the American Institute of Architects and Green Home Institute.
Wilkus Architects
15 Ninth Ave, North Hopkins, MN 55343
Wilkus Architects was founded in 1990 and has completed various projects in 49 states, Mexico, Canada, and the Middle East. The company specializes in commercial, retail, hospitality design, and restaurant. Over the years, it has experienced consistent growth and has focused on client interactive projects. Wilkus Architects runs under the leadership of Michael J. Wilkus, who attended the University of Minnesota with a degree in arts and architecture. Michael is committed to expanding the formed relationship with other professionals and addressing the construction concerns of different corporations and municipalities.
Wilkus Architects has been widely recognized for its accomplishments and industry contributions. In 2018, it was awarded by the Minnesota Shopping Center Association with the MSCA Starr Award. The company is also affiliated with the American Institute of Architects and the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards.
Christopher Strom Architects
3308 Gorham Ave, St. Louis Park, MN 55426
Established in 2014, Christopher Strom Architects specializes in custom homes, lakefront retreats, and accessory dwelling units. The firm aims to provide its clients with thoughtful, inspired architecture that adds grace to everyday living. They translate their clients’ wants and ideas into architectural masterpieces. Christopher Strom, who graduated from St. Olaf College with a degree in studio art, ably leads the firm. He also attended the University of California, earning his master’s in architecture. Among his many achievements was being awarded the Young Architect Award presented by the American Institute of Architects Minnesota.
Christopher Strom Architects is an award-winning architecture firm that has received recognition since its founding. This includes multiple Home of the Month awards, presented by the Star Tribune, and the 2021 RAVE Awards from the Mpls St. Paul Magazine. The firm is affiliated with the American Institute of Architects.
CITYDESKSTUDIO
550 Vandalia St #101, Saint Paul, MN 55114
Founded in 2004, CITYDESKSTUDIO offers complete architectural design services for residential and small commercial projects. The company believes that creating buildings and structures is collaborative work with its clients, helping them with challenges and encouraging them to pursue their inspirations. It exists for projects built on respect for its clients and the people that work for them.
CITYDESKSTUDIO runs under the leadership of Ben Awes, who received a Master of Architecture from the University of Minnesota College of Design. He leads a team of efficient artisans who strive to make every project the best possible. Under Ben’s direction, the company has been presented with multiple awards since its inception. This includes the 2020 Minneapolis St. Paul Magazine Residential Architects Vision and Excellence Award. In addition, CITYDESKSTUDIO is affiliated with the American Institute of Architects.
U+B Architecture & Design, Inc.
2609 Aldrich Ave S Ste 100, Minneapolis, MN 55408
U+B Architecture & Design, Inc. was established in 2003 and is a collaborative architectural practice that offers its clients a solution-oriented approach toward design and architecture. Based in Uptown Minneapolis, it works seamlessly with commercial and residential clients, providing the highest quality of service. Its team provides excellent design solutions and maximum value while developing long-lasting client relationships.
U+B is led by its principals, Mark Burgess and Paul Udris, with years of experience and expertise in the industry. Mark completed his education at Rice University, while Paul attended Yale University School of Architecture. Together, they look into the company’s daily operation and ensure the clients of the best quality of service the company has to offer. U+ B is a recipient of the Residential Architects Vision and Excellence Award and is also affiliated with the American Institute of Architects.
Shelter Architecture
275 Market St Ste 292, Minneapolis, MN 55405
Established in 2004, Shelter Architecture is an architecture and interior design firm in downtown Minneapolis. Its creative team creates high-caliber designs, and the projects are sustainable, liveable, and beautiful environments in which to work and live better. Shelter was founded to explore and implement sustainable design techniques; to increase inclusion and accessibility for people of all ages and abilities; and to make a positive impact in the world through professional and humanitarian efforts. We believe, wholeheartedly: High-quality design can improve people’s lives.
In 2022, Shelter Architecture received Star Tribune Readers Choice – Minnesota’s Best Silver Award. They received a Bronze Award in 2021 as well. The company also holds affiliations with the American Institute of Architects and the American Society of Interior Designers.
