Denton is a bustling college town with thriving music and cowboy scenes. While its many rolling hills provide ample space for farms’ horses, its charming center features a historic downtown area, musical events, delectable foods, a beer district, and welcoming neighborhoods. Aside from the foot traffic generated by these establishments, the city is also home to two major universities, which means that students are extra customers for any commercial businesses in the city.
In this article, our editors found six of the best commercial architects in Denton, Texas. These companies have extensive experience in a variety of commercial projects, serving not only in Denton but also in neighboring states and other countries as well. These firms place a high value on the people and environment that their designs will serve, and they utilize creative philosophies and long-lasting solutions.
HKS
350 N. Saint Paul St. #100, Dallas, TX 75201
Founded in 1939, HKS is among the leading global architecture firms in the country. The firm views architecture as a nexus of beauty, functionality, time, culture, and inspiration. In its years in the industry, the firm consists of professionals with interdisciplinary expertise collaborating in delivering projects that inspire, connect, and perform. With a high environmental ethic, the firm approaches each project with sustainable solutions that help preserve the planet’s natural resources and reduce the impact of waste on the environment. In 2020, the company joined the United Nations (UN) Global Compact, which encourages businesses to deliver projects that are healthy, equitable, and sustainable for all.
Demonstrating its design expertise in modern yet sustainable design, the firm worked on The Union. The Dallas-based structure consists of a commercial building and a residential tower that is connected by a courtyard, which features sculptures and a restaurant as a centerpiece. The mixed-use development is home to various commercial establishments, including a grocery store, a coffee shop, restaurants, and bars. The firm’s design gives residents and corporate professionals easy access to various amenities in a short walk, reducing travel time and emissions from driving to get necessities. This project has won the firm the 2019 D CEO Commercial Real Estate Award for Best New Mixed-Use Development by the D Magazine.
Perkins & Will
2218 Bryan St. Suite 200, Dallas, TX 75201
For eight decades, Perkins & Will has believed that a great design can create a positive impact. The firm hopes to incorporate designs that represent the people’s stories and reflects the professionalism and quality of the firm. Its team of professionals seeks to create sustainable solutions to produce projects that work harmoniously with the environment, as well as the community it will serve. The global design firm has professionals who provide services for architecture, interior design, branded environments, urban design, landscape architecture, and more. The firm takes a holistic approach to each project, encouraging its team to work together and create expert solutions.
One of the firm’s best projects is The Richards Group’s new headquarters. The firm took inspiration from the egalitarian leadership style of the company’s leaders and featured an open workspace area that can foster interactions and collaboration among its employees. Central to the design is the building’s three-story stairwell atrium where employees can gather and listen for announcements and meetings. This project was recognized with Honor Awards by the American Institute of Architects (AIA) in 2015 and by the Texas Society of Architects in 2019.
VLK Architects
1320 Hemphill St. Suite 400, Fort Worth, TX 76104
With 30 years of experience in the industry, VLK Architects understands the significance of people, service, and a solution in its designs. These three philosophies encapsulate the practice’s priorities and serve as the foundation for its success. With its people-focused approach, the firm begins each project by understanding the goal before developing a design. Each project presents unique challenges, and the firm strives to incorporate solutions that reflect the client’s and the community’s values. The firm’s professional team has decades of experience and time-tested approaches, allowing it to create designs that fit the client’s vision.
The firm provided its services to the Toyota of Denton. This project includes the remodeling of the dealership, which features a more user-friendly and functional design. The firm linked the dealership’s three buildings allowing great access among the employees and providing a larger showroom. A new customer advisory, vehicle areas, and a car wash were also part of the project.
Kirkpatrick Architecture Studio
100 W. Mulberry St. Denton, TX 76201
Over the last four decades, Kirkpatrick Architecture Studio has provided Denton with designs for commercial, municipal, religious, and educational projects, and it has expanded in Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Mexico. The firm fosters an open and collaborative environment for its team and clients, with the goal of creating designs that are long-lasting, sustainable, and engaging to the community. Its professional team has diverse backgrounds and works in two countries, allowing for the growth of skills and knowledge. Every first day of the week, the team receives project updates and is encouraged to collaborate while also fostering fun activities for its team.
After a devastating fire destroyed its neighboring building, the firm was called in to help restore the Jupiter Coffee House to its former glory. The project entails restoring and revamping the shop’s interior while also preserving its features as it is located in a building built in the 1890s. To accommodate more customers, the company expanded its menu and updated its kitchen. The firm kept the exposed brick walls to give the space an industrial feel, while also bringing in modern kitchen equipment and seating to complement the aesthetic. A drop-down ceiling was also removed, and a new balcony and other mechanical functions were installed on the ceiling.
William Peck & Associates Inc.
105 W. Main St. Lewisville, TX 75057
William Peck & Associates Inc., founded in 1995, creates designs that effectively cater to the client’s needs and style by utilizing conventional, sustainable, and renewable building technologies. The firm specializes in commercial, residential, and remodeling projects.
Completed commercial projects include restaurants, retail, offices, medical facilities, and interior finish-out. The company also has experience renovating and restoring historic buildings into new commercial spaces. It has completed 17 projects on Old Town Lewisville’s Main Street, reviving the district’s businesses and increasing foot traffic.
Bates + Martin Architects
100 West Oak St. Suite 201 Denton, TX, US 76201
Bates + Martin Architects specializes in the design of commercial, retail, religious, industrial, educational, and multifamily buildings. The Denton-based firm serves Texas and is constantly expanding into neighboring states such as Oklahoma and Colorado. Michael Bates and Mark Martin have known each other for a long time, and they merged their firms to form Bates + Martin Architects.
The two brought their own expertise to the firm and are aided by professionals who can assist clients in realizing their dreams. To ensure a quality project, the firm approaches designs with detailed and meticulous attention. It takes time to listen to each client’s needs and objectives.
