Philadelphia, Pennsylvania has a unique blend of historical richness, a vibrant cultural scene, ample green spaces, and excellent dining. The city’s walkable streets, friendly neighborhoods, and engaging art scene provide a distinct charm. The list below contains eight of the best commercial architects in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They were chosen based on their awards, experience, and portfolios.
Strada
325 Chestnut St, Suite 909, Philadelphia, PA 19106
Since its establishment in 2000, Strada, a cross-disciplinary design firm, has sculpted places that enhance public enjoyment. With a team of experienced professionals from various design backgrounds, it brings together architects, interior designers, urban designers, landscape architects, and graphic designers in a collaborative environment. The firm’s moniker, meaning “street” in Italian, symbolizes the integral nature of streets in city life, serving as a constant inspiration.
Strada’s principals, led by Alan Cuteri, a seasoned architect focusing on higher education planning and architecture, are driven by a passion for understanding societal and cultural transformation. Over the years, it has been recognized with numerous awards, including the 2015 Urban Land Institute – Philadelphia Rouse Awards for Excellence. Its accreditations span AIA, ABC, MBA, and LEED. It has been featured in reputable publications like Architect Magazine, Pittsburgh Magazine, and The Business Journals, underscoring its presence in the design industry over the past 23 years.
Coscia Moos Architecture
123 S Broad St, Suite 220, South Lobby, Philadelphia, PA 19109
Founded in 2010 by Sergio Coscia and David Moos, Coscia Moos Architecture is a dynamic firm with an expansive range of project types. Its portfolio encompasses mixed-use residential developments, commercial buildings, healthcare facilities, laboratories, and higher education structures. It serves clients domestically and internationally to blend large-scale project experience with a personalized approach. Both principals bring unique experiences, from Coscia’s international background working across Europe, East Asia, and the Middle East, to Moos’ specialized knowledge derived from larger firms.
The firm has been recognized with numerous accolades, including AIA Philadelphia’s 2022 Merit Award for Interior Architecture and the 2023 Grand Jury Award from the Preservation Alliance. It underscores its commitment to quality design and sustainability with accreditations from AIA, LEED, NCIDQ, and ULI. Over the past 13 years, it has been featured in reputable publications, including Architect Magazine and Philadelphia Business Journal, further establishing its standing in the architecture field.
JKRP Architects
100 E Penn Square, Suite 1080, Philadelphia, PA 19107
JKRP Architects, a full-service architecture firm established in 1984, champions the value of relationships, extending its influence beyond its Philadelphia base to clients nationwide. Jerry K. Roller, its founder, nurtured the firm from a sole practitioner to its present form, infusing a team practice and quality design culture. Roller’s portfolio is highlighted by high-profile retail and multifamily residential projects and his active engagement in associations like AIA and the Urban Land Institute.
Paul Georges, another driving force at JKRP Architects, has been with the firm since its early years, developing expertise in movie theater design. He is also in charge of the firm’s overall management, concentrating on professional team development and long-term planning. JKRP Architects received Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia Grand Jury Awards in 2014 and 2015, reflecting its commitment to architectural excellence.
Sargenti Architects
8 Penn Center, 1628 JFK Boulevard, Suite 1810, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Established in 1996, Sargenti Architects has steadily sculpted a distinctive architectural, engineering, and design niche through signature concepts and iconic spaces. Embodying exclusivity and commendable business practice, it caters to a diverse spectrum of industries, including retail, hospitality, restaurant, and corporate interiors. Robert J. Sargenti Jr., the principal, envisioned Sargenti Architects as an innovation in the industry, eliminating unnecessary intermediaries and offering a fresh business approach. His philosophy of empowerment continues to inspire the firm’s endeavors. On the other hand, Halee Bouchehrian, Philadelphia Studio Director, brings her rich international experience and a passion for client-centric designs. She has previously helmed luxury resort projects and won significant hospitality and retail contracts. Noteworthy recognitions such as Top 125 Retail Architecture Firms for 2019 – BD+C and features in prominent publications testify to its prowess and reputation.
Stanev Potts Architects
1103 Spruce St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Established in 2007 by Petra Stanev and Stephan Kuttner Potts, Stanev Potts Architects is a nationally-certified woman-owned architectural studio that provides hands-on, principal-led project involvement. Both principals strongly believe in the transformative power of good design, with Petra displaying a sharp eye for detail and material, while Stephan brings his expertise in practical construction aspects and an innovative vision. It has been recognized multiple times for design excellence, including the 2018 AIA Pennsylvania Architectural Excellence Honor Award and the 2013 Philadelphia Emerging Architecture Prize.
The studio’s impressive reputation is enhanced by its numerous accreditations from organizations such as the AIA and the USGBC, alongside LEED APs/GAs credentials. Now in its 17th year, it has been featured in esteemed publications such as The Philadelphia Inquirer and ArchDaily. Stanev Potts Architects maintains its commitment to creating compelling, efficient, cost-effective, and uniquely detailed designs.
Seiler + Drury Architecture
420 DeKalb St, Norristown, PA 19401
For the past 24 years, Seiler + Drury Architecture has embodied extraordinary architectural design and superior service. As an award-winning firm, it has a talented team of individuals who strive to create standout buildings and interiors. Guided by the principle of design excellence, Founding Principal Douglas Seiler utilizes his 41 years of professional experience to enrich stakeholder relationships and seek creative solutions, advocating for revitalization, sustainability, and preservation. His counterpart, Michael Drury, contributes his 28 years of expertise to set the strategic tone for the firm’s projects through concept planning and programming.
This esteemed firm has been recognized by notable bodies such as the Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia, affirming its influential presence in the architectural realm. It holds AIA, USGBC, and LEED accreditations, further emphasizing its commitment to sustainable practices. Seiler + Drury Architecture continues to redefine architectural excellence, leaving an indelible mark in its field.
Assimilation Design Lab
1310 S Alder St, Philadelphia, PA 19147
Assimilation Design Lab (ADL), established in 2012, stands as an architectural firm marked by dynamism, originality, and a unique approach to design. It assimilates theory-based design solutions with programmatic requirements, tailoring each project to its specific context. With a core commitment to technological, contextual, and sustainable conditions, it frames unique design outcomes.
Guided by Principal David Whipple, who has two decades of experience in architecture, the firm fosters collaboration at every stage. It intertwines client interactions, construction trade insights, and artistic perspectives, ensuring seamless architectural flow from the grandest vision to the smallest detail.
Recognized by prestigious organizations like AIA Philadelphia, its dedication to excellence is widely celebrated. It holds accreditations from AIA and LEED, underscoring a commitment to sustainable practices. Throughout its 11-year journey, Assimilation Design Lab has shown a consistent ability to generate complex spatial readings, making its mark in architecture.
