North Carolina’s breathtaking climate and mountain views, stunning coastlines, culture, history, amazing career opportunities, thriving job market, beautiful landscapes, and low cost of living make it a preferred destination for tourists. And, as locals already know, North Carolina is definitely one of the best places to live in the country.

We have compiled a list of six of the best commercial architects in North Carolina. These firms were chosen for their experience, expertise and the awards they have received over the years.

Little Diversified Architectural Consulting

615 South College Street, Suite 1600, Charlotte, NC 28202

An international architecture and design company, Little Diversified Architectural Consulting is known for developing remarkable design solutions that bring about business results in the community, retail industries, workplace, and community. Its services include architecture, interiors, engineering, branding, sustainability, digital visualization, site design, and integrated facility technology. 

Little Diversified Architectural Consulting is headed by its chairman, John Komisin. He completed a degree in architecture from the Pennsylvania State University and also studied at the University of Florence in Italy. The CEO is Phil Kaftner; he earned his degree in Degree and Master of Architecture from Clemson University. Carol Rickard-Brideau is the company’s Corporate President. She has a Bachelors’ degree from The Catholic University of America and a Master’s degree in Architecture from Virginia Tech. Charles Todd holds the position of being the Chief Operating Officer.

Little Diversified Architectural Consulting has been the recipient of various awards including the NASCAR Hall of Fame: American Architecture Award, the Southeast Construction Best Architectural Design Award of Excellence, and the Charlotte Business Journal Green Award.

STANTEC

521 East Morehead Street, Suite 425, Charlotte, NC 28202

STANTEC was established in 1982 and offers design solutions for clients and communities across the Carolinas and throughout the Southeast. The firm takes pride in everything it does, including landscape architecture, city planning, project management, traffic engineering, urban design, surveying, and stormwater management.

As one of the company’s principals, Jeff Rice has completed his degree in Civil Engineering at North Carolina State University. He has more than 18 years of experience in the industry. His work ranges from structural design and inspection to the development and construction of commercial, residential, and industrial designs.

Gord Johnston holds the position of being the President and Chief Executive officer of Stantec Architecture. He earned his Bachelor of Science and Master of Engineering degrees from the University of Alberta. He is a certified project management professional and a registered professional engineer.

The company has received numerous awards from various groups including the 2017 Marvin Collins Planning Award, the 2017 Sustain Charlotte Awards, the 2017 ASLA Honor Award in the Analysis and Planning Category, the FHWA and SCDOT Project of the Year 2016, and the 2015 North Carolina Institute of Transportation Engineers, Outstanding Project of the Year.

Studio Fusion

3800 Arco Corporate Drive, Suite 125, Charlotte, NC 28273

Established in 2000, Studio Fusion is a multi-faceted, full-service Architectural and Interior Design Company. It provides services for many project types, everything from small up-fits and restaurants to corporate headquarters. The firm focuses on involving clients in the project and taking care of their needs throughout the entire process.

Heading Studio Fusion is Ed Hickman, who has been in the architecture industry for more than 30 years. He completed his degree in Arts and Master of Architecture at Clemson University. He obtained substantial experience with multi-family, corporate office, hospitality, restaurant, mixed-use, and recreational projects. His deep understanding of design, code, zoning, and building technology requirements and construction brings significant leadership to every project.

Thanks to its experience and expertise, Studio Fusion has been awarded the Blast for the Past Preservation Award by Historic Charlotte, Inc. for William Henry Belk House in 2012. The firm has also been recognized by the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) and the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB).

Ramsay Burgin Smith Architects, Inc.

225 N Main Street, Suite, 501 Salisbury, NC 28144

Today it’s Ramsay Burgin Smith Architects; the company originally practiced under the name of Ramsay Associates. It was an architectural firm established by John Ramsay, Sr. in 1947. The company is known for its long history of achievements when it comes to a range of different projects. Those projects include complex renovations, constructions, and consultation services.

Ramsay Burgin Smith Architects is headed by President William (Bill) Burgin. He has earned his degree in Environmental Design in Architecture at North Carolina State University. He is an NCARB certified architect, as well as a member of the American Institute of Architects.

Danny Ray Norman Jr. is the Vice President of the firm and has been a member of RSBA since 1994. He completed his architectural degree from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. He is a registered architect and a member of the American Institute of Architects.

The firm has been recognized and awarded with the following honors, the NC Public Library Directors’ Association Award-Outstanding New & Improved Facility 2019, NC Public Library Directors’ Association Award-Outstanding New & Improved Facility 2010, and the 2003 NC Public Library Directors’s Association Award-Outstanding New Facility.

RdM Architecture

208 South Village Lane, Suite B, Davidson, NC 28036

RDM Architecture has supplied clients, both private and public, with a wide variety of services, including master planning, interior design, commercial architecture, and construction management. The firm works with its clients to provide them with alternatives and come up with excellent results. The firm makes use of technology and financing to present ideas that help foster communication and thus develop the client’s vision. The company offers a wide array of projects including civic, commercial, residential, education, master planning, integrated project delivery, healthcare, and hospitality.

Rick Mack is the founder and lead architect of RDM Architecture. He earned his architectural degree at the University of Cincinnati, College of Design, Architecture, Art & Planning. He started the firm in 1989 as the sole practitioner and has since dedicated himself to addressing the needs of clients.

Wilber Associates

20044 Zion Avenue, Cornelius, NC 28031

Established in 1985, Wilber Associates has been known for providing excellent architectural services. Influenced by his father, Steve Wilber, Charles and his team specialize in church design. A variety of businesses in the North Mecklenburg area contracting Wilber Associates’ services. It did not take long for them to become known for their restaurants, medical and eldercare facilities, car dealerships, and office buildings. The business flourished, and the team completed projects in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and Tennessee. Today, Wilber Associates consistently meets the architectural needs of its clients. Hightech tools and equipment are now deployed to deliver excellent services and outcomes. 

The firm is headed by Stephen Charles Wilber III. He is a member of the American Institute of Architects, the North Mecklenburg Chamber of Commerce, the National Council of Architectural Board, a Lake Norman Optimist Club Board of Directors, and the Rotary Club of North Mecklenburg-charter Member.