New York City is a vibrant hub for both commercial and residential properties, offering countless opportunities and unmatched energy. With its thriving business landscape, diverse neighborhoods, and iconic landmarks, New York attracts businesses and residents from around the world. Whether you’re looking to establish a business or find a place to call home, New York’s unique charm and endless possibilities make it an exceptional choice. Here are the city’s eight best architectural firms—you’re sure to find the one that can bring your dream property to life.
COOKFOX Architects
250 West 57th Street, 17th Floor, New York, NY 10107
COOKFOX Architects, established in 2003 by Rick Cook and Bob Fox, is an architectural firm known for its beautiful, innovative, and sustainable designs. With a focus on environmentally responsible and biophilic architecture, COOKFOX aims to create spaces that foster occupant well-being and contribute to a healthier urban landscape. Led by Rick Cook and eight partners, the firm has an impressive reputation and you will see why when you peruse its diverse portfolio—it includes everything from small-scale gems to complex urban transformations.
COOKFOX has received numerous accolades, including the Merit Award at the AIANY Design Awards and the Design Awards of Honor from the Society of American Registered Architects. Its work has also been featured in publications such as the New York Times, Forbes Magazine, and DETAIL Magazine, solidifying its position as an industry leader.
Architecture Research Office
170 Varick St, 7th Floor, New York, NY 10013
Architecture Research Office is a highly respected architectural firm based in New York City. Established in 1993 by Stephen Cassell, Kim Yao, and Adam Yarinsky, the firm is driven by its belief in the transformative power of curiosity and inquiry. Focusing on research and purpose, it seamlessly combines beauty, form, strategy, and intelligence in its architectural designs. The firm has been recognized with prestigious awards, including the 2020 AIA Architecture Firm Award and multiple appearances by AN Interiors as a top 50 firm.
The firm’s principals, Stephen Cassell, Kim Yao, and Adam Yarinsky, are accomplished architects with impressive educational backgrounds and affiliations, including AIA. Their leadership and expertise have contributed to the company’s reputation as a leading architectural practice. The firm’s work has been featured in notable publications like The New York Times, Commercial Observer, and Curbed New York.
MBB Architects
48 West 37th Street, 14th Floor, New York, NY 10018
MBB Architects is a respected women-owned firm that has been operating in New York City since 1998. Backed by a diverse team of 28 professionals—including architects, planners, sustainability specialists, and interior designers—the company harnesses the power of design to tackle complex societal challenges. MBB Architects has received numerous accolades, including the prestigious AIA New York State Firm of the Year award in 2022 and the SARA NY Design Award of Excellence in 2022 and 2023. Expert in revitalizing historic buildings and designing cultural, educational and residential spaces, the firm is also hands-on and collaborative throughout the construction process. MBB Architects has been featured in publications such as Architectural Record, Interior Design, the New York Times, and New York Magazine.
Led by principals Mary Burnham, Jeffrey Murphy, and Sara Grant the team brings a wealth of experience and expertise to its projects, delivering thoughtful designs that uplift communities and promote a more equitable and sustainable world.
SHoP Architects
233 Bdwy, 11th Floor, New York, NY 10279
SHoP Architects, founded two decades ago, is renowned for its commitment to creating exceptional buildings and environments that enrich public life. With a collaborative and open-minded approach, it leverages diverse expertise to address various design challenges, from innovative program concepts to advanced fabrication techniques. The firm’s work showcases beautifully crafted spaces tailored to its functions, demonstrating that intelligent and evocative architecture can thrive within real-world constraints. SHoP Architects, staffed by a team of 180 interdisciplinary professionals, is currently engaged in transformative projects worldwide. It has won a number of prestigious awards, including the AIANY Design Awards and the ULI Global Award for Excellence.
Principals Gregg Pasquarelli, Christopher Sharples, Coren Sharples, and William Sharples, bring a wealth of collective experience and diverse expertise to propel the firm’s innovative design and planning endeavors.
Christoff:Finio Architecture
250 West Broadway, 4th Floor, New York, NY 10013
Christoff:Finio Architecture is a distinguished architecture and design studio based in New York. Led by partners Taryn Christoff and Martin Finio, the eight-person team is well-known for its commitment to creating buildings and environments that hold significance within their surroundings. The firm’s projects, characterized by thoughtful responses to context, culture, and performance goals, demonstrate the firm’s dedication to crafting meaningful spaces. Christoff:Finio Architecture has been repeatedly recognized for its excellence, receiving the Architecture Merit Award at the AIA New York Design Awards in 2019 for its work on Shelter Island.
The studio is affiliated with the American Institute of Architects (AIA), and Martin Finio is a Fellow of the AIA. The firm’s expertise and innovative approach have been featured in notable publications, including Archinect, Behind The Hedges, and Oculus Magazine.
Desai Chia Architecture
3 W 18th Street, 6th Floor, New York, NY 10011
Desai Chia Architecture, founded by Katherine Chia FAIA and Arjun Desai, has established itself as a leading design firm since it was founded in 1996. Driven by a commitment to authentic and expressive design, it has created unique environments across cultural, residential, and commercial projects and during close collaborations with artists. The firm’s portfolio includes a diverse range of work, with projects in development both in the United States and abroad. Desai Chia Architecture has received numerous accolades, including multiple American Architecture Awards and MasterPrize Awards, and recognition in Metropolis Magazine.
As principal, Katherine Chia brings extensive experience as a registered architect and she has contributed to esteemed institutions. Arjun Desai’s background includes significant civic project involvement. Together, their leadership and expertise drive the firm’s exceptional design accomplishments.
Steven Harris Architects
50 Warren Street, New York, NY 10007
Steven Harris Architects is an award-winning design firm well-known for its public and private commissions expertise. Thanks to a collaborative approach to design, the office encourages an open exchange of ideas that produces unique, site-specific projects. Its commitment to tailored designs has earned it numerous recognitions, including the prestigious Merit Award from AIA NY in 2022. As AIA and LEED AP team members, the firm prioritizes sustainable, innovative design practices.
Steven Harris, the founding partner, brings extensive knowledge and experience to the firm. Not only is he a Professor of Architecture at Yale, but he has also been inducted into the Interior Design Hall of Fame in recognition of his exceptional contributions to the field. The firm’s projects have been featured in notable publications like Architectural Digest, Elle Décor, and Interior Design.
LEVENBETTS
508 West 26th Street, #317, New York, NY 10001
LEVENBETTS is an esteemed architecture practice based in New York City. Established in 1997 by David Leven and Stella Betts, the firm has a stellar reputation for its innovative designs and a commitment to harmonizing architecture with its surroundings. LEVENBETTS excels in projects ranging from urban design and public architecture to residential homes, commercial workspaces, exhibitions, and furniture design. The firm has been recognized with prestigious awards, including the AIA New York Chapter Design Honor Award. LEVENBETTS is affiliated with the American Institute of Architects, and its principals, David Leven and Stella Betts, are accomplished professionals.
David Leven brings extensive experience and academic contributions as a full-time Professor at Parsons, the New School for Design. Stella Betts holds is an adjunct professor at Columbia University’s Graduate School of Architecture, Planning, and Preservation.
