Sacramento, California, presents an enviable blend of urban amenities and natural beauty. Its vibrant downtown, dotted with historic landmarks, coexists with lush parks and rivers, offering residents a dynamic lifestyle. Notable as the Golden State’s capital, it’s a cultural richness and diversity hub. The list below contains seven of the best architectural firms in Sacramento, California. They were chosen based on their awards, experience, and portfolios.
Dreyfuss + Blackford Architecture
3540 Folsom Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95816
Dreyfuss + Blackford Architecture, a reputable firm established in 1950, thrives on a commitment to design excellence, innovation, and sustainability. This commitment has propelled it to be among Northern California’s most respected Architecture, Interior Design, and Planning entities. Serving various markets, including corporate, public, healthcare, and institutional, it offers a comprehensive range of services from architecture to graphic design.
Kris Barkley, the Design Director and President, brings three decades of experience and many accolades to his role. Under his guidance, the firm has secured numerous prestigious awards, with recent recognition from the Sacramento Business Journal and Design-Build Institute of America.
Press features have appeared in noteworthy publications like Architect’s Newspaper and Interior Design Magazine. With accreditation from AIA and LEED, the firm’s impressive portfolio boasts several LEED-certified projects, a testament to its dedication to a sustainable future. With 73 years of architectural excellence, Dreyfuss + Blackford Architecture continues to pave the way for design innovation.
SmithGroup
1710 R St, Suite 290 , Sacramento, CA 95811
SmithGroup, a multi-national, award-winning firm, has been at the forefront of design and engineering since its inception in 1853. Founded by Sheldon Smith, it combines research, data, advanced technologies, and design thinking to tackle the most formidable challenges. With a network of 1,200 professionals across 15 offices in the U.S. and China, it offers comprehensive services in architecture, engineering, landscape architecture, urban design, and environmental science.
At the helm, Vice President Joyce Polhamus, an architect with over 30 years of experience, leads the San Francisco office. Principal Arun Kaiwar heads the Sacramento office alongside Polhamus, bringing his project management expertise to the table. Their collective vision has manifested in several distinguished awards, including the APA Advancing Diversity and Social Change in Honor of Paul Davidoff Award and Architect Magazine’s Architecture & Interiors Awards.
Media features have appeared in outlets such as Architect Magazine and Engineering News-Record. Boasting certifications from AIA, USGBC, DBIA, and more, SmithGroup showcases a 170-year commitment to design excellence and innovation.
Williams + Paddon Architects + Planners
1715 R St, Suite 200, Sacramento, CA 95811
Founded in 1981, Williams + Paddon Architects + Planners combines architectural design, technological leadership, responsive service, and environmental stewardship to create its design legacy. This multidisciplinary firm offers Architecture, Interior Design, Programming, and Master Planning services.
Founding Principal Jack Paddon, a California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo graduate, brings more than 36 years of architectural leadership to his work, and is known for innovative and sustainable design. He contributes his passion for sustainable education environments to the DSA Green Committee and CHPS Standards & Implementation Committee. Alongside him, Naaz Alikhan, a Managing Principal with a diverse background and a love of travel, heads the Interior Design division. As a recognized leader, she is active in various professional and community organizations.
Williams + Paddon holds AIA, USGBC, and Building Decarbonization Coalition certifications. Its award-winning work includes the 2020 California Government Operations Agency California Mass Timber Building Competition and the Best Public Project award.
WMB Architects
2000 L St, Suite 125, Sacramento, CA 95811
Established in 1971, WMB Architects has dedicated over half a century to delivering top-tier architectural services across Central and Northern California. Its repertoire spans diverse project types, including higher education facilities, community centers, performing arts centers, civic buildings, wineries, retail facilities, medical facilities, and libraries. From initial planning to commissioning, advocacy for clients and their projects forms the crux of its commitment.
Led by President and Principal Architect Tom Bowe, a seasoned professional with a 45-year career in architecture and degrees from the University of California, Berkeley and the University of Michigan, WMB Architects carries a heritage of exceptional design. It has been recognized with the 2005 Heritage Award of Excellence and the 2003 Award of Excellence Grand Award. As a testament to its sustainable approach, it holds LEED Gold and WELL Silver Certifications. ABC10, The Sacramento Bee, and the Sacramento Business Journal have featured the firm’s work and expertise.
Jeffrey DeMure + Associates Architects Planners
3001 Douglas Blvd, Suite 110, Roseville, CA 95661
Based in Granite Bay, Jeffrey DeMure + Associates Architects Planners, Inc., has emerged as a specialized firm adept in designing private and community living spaces. The team, under the guidance of CEO Jeffrey DeMure, an architecture graduate from the University of Arizona, has been offering services in residential design, land use, and community planning for 19 years. One of its standout achievements includes winning the Attached Community of the Year award for the Heirloom project. With accreditations from the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), it maintains a strong commitment to delivering exceptional designs that intertwine quality and functionality.
The firm’s creative endeavors have also garnered the attention of Builder Online, further elevating its standing in the architectural domain. Amid an ever-evolving architectural landscape, Jeffrey DeMure + Associates Architects Planners, Inc., continues to leave an indelible mark with its thoughtful designs and dedicated service.
Piches Architecture
115 Taylor St, Roseville, CA 95678
Established in 1991, Piches Architecture has carved its niche in custom residential design, adorning new and remodeling projects with its unique architectural touch. Guided by the vision of its Principal, Dave Piches, the firm offers a spectrum of services, encompassing full service and consultation. It aims to craft homes that leave a unique statement, whether modern or traditional, ensuring they remain environmentally considerate and energy efficient. Reiterating its commitment to delivering top-tier services, the firm has numerous clients who return for multiple projects.
Dave Piches’s broad portfolio includes new construction, historic renovation, and adaptive reuse projects, with a consistent focus on diversified project types and design emphasis. The firm’s efforts culminated in receiving the Capital Award for Interior Design. With accreditations from the AIA, RUFF, and the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Piches Architecture continues to pioneer architectural ingenuity and creative design.
