One of the most populous cities in South Dakota, Sioux Falls is famed for its natural attractions and cultural opportunities. We decided to list showcases 12 of its most impressive architects—the names behind some of the community’s best structures and commercial spaces. We chose these firms for their distinct backgrounds, their diverse styles, and the overall quality of their work.
JLG Architects
232 South Main Avenue, Sioux Falls, SD 57104
Leading with over three decades of industry experience, JLG Architects operates out of ten offices and is experienced in every aspect of the architectural process. The firm’s portfolio displays an impressive range of sports, aviation, cultural, healthcare, and higher education projects. JLG has also worked on countless commercial, hospitality, industrial, multi-family, and retail spaces. JLG is staffed by over 170 employee-owners and has consistently been named among the leading firms in the country by publications like Building Design+Construction.
The featured project is an excellent example of the firm’s talent and expertise. Located in the heart of Sioux Falls, this project was completed for Sanford Great Shots. It spans over 54,000 square feet and is billed as a three-level golf entertainment facility with 56 bays, but it also has its own restaurant, a children’s area, and six dedicated event rooms.
Koch Hazard Architects
431 N Phillips Avenue, Suite #200, Sioux Falls, SD 57104
Established in 1961, Koch Hazard Architects offers its clients a complete range of architecture, interior design, and planning services. It has had the opportunity to work on some of the best commercial districts in Sioux Falls and the Eastern South Dakota rest as well. It uses a mindful, highly hands-on process that has resulted in timeless and outstanding work. It is no stranger to acclaim and has been praised on countless occasions. Most recently, the American Institute of Architects (AIA) of South Dakota recognized the firm with a 2021 People’s Choice Award.
The highlighted project will be completed in 2023 and is currently being designed for the Lloyd Companies. Located in Sioux Falls, the office building itself will span over 160,000 square feet. Koch Hazard is overseeing the design of the office structure, its hotel, and the parking ramp.
Architecture Incorporated
415 South Main Avenue, Sioux Falls, SD 57101
Founded in 1976, Architecture Incorporated extends its services throughout Sioux Falls, and the firm has grown to become one of its largest and most respected firms working in the area. The firm’s diverse leadership team offers its clients over 275 years of collective industry experience. Under their supervision, the firm has been distinguished on multiple occasions. Most recently, the AIA North Central States Region recognized the firm with the Emerging Professional Friendly Firm Award.
Designed for the Journey Group, the featured project was designed for a construction company. The firm combined metal, glass, stone, and brick with impressive results, and a large wood feature wall centers clients’ attention when they walk in.
VanDeWalle Architects
210 S Phillips Avenue, Sioux Falls, SD 57104
VanDeWalle Architects makes use of an excellent and comprehensive design-build process, which assures clients that all of its work can be kept in-house. This lessens the challenge for them in terms of having to look for additional subcontractors and professionals. Its outstanding list of services includes project programming, feasibility studies, schematic designs, design development, and interior design. The firm has also worked on countless LEED-certified projects. Featured below is one of its best commercial projects.
Designed for First Bank & Trust, this project is located in the heart of Sioux Falls. On this project, the firm’s team was tasked with its conceptual design, handling construction documents, overseeing construction contract administration, and coordination with consultants. Inside, the bank also has its own cafe, which the firm designed. Some other great elements include its modern touches and finishes, unique lighting, and ceiling features.
Schemmer
1300 West 57th Street, Suite #2, Sioux Falls, SD 57108
Schemmer provides its clients a full range of architecture, engineering, and construction work. It has been in business since 1959 and has secured a stellar reputation for itself. The firm works out of four states and maintains eight offices across the Midwest. It specializes in commercial, education, and government projects. Its portfolio also contains several impressive healthcare, industrial, and multi-family project types.
Featured is one of the firm’s most impressive commercial endeavors. The Schemmer team had to work on the extensive renovation of the historic Odd Fellows Building in Jefferson, Iowa. It spans over 6,000 square feet and is now a premium office space for a software development company called Pillar Technology. Some other great details include its cast stone window arches, pressed-metal ceilings, and large wooden interior doorways.
EAPC Architects Engineer
101 N Phillips Avenue, Suite #300, Sioux Falls, SD 57104
EAPC is an award-winning firm best known for its full range of design, architecture, and engineering services. The firm maintains offices in North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Arizona, and Colorado. It specializes in a wide range of architectural vernaculars. It draws inspiration from over five decades of industry experience and is also respected in the industry for its sustainable solutions and careful planning. The firm’s team is experienced in every aspect of the entire process. It has also been featured in countless lists naming it among the country’s best firms. These include publications like Building Design+Construction.
The featured project is one of the firm’s best. Completed for the RDO Equipment Dealership, this project entailed having to work on its extensive renovation and addition. The firm’s team had to work on its shop area, breakroom, lockers, and bathrooms. Some other details include its new offices, conference rooms, and showroom.
RSA Architecture & Design
2307 W 57th Street, Suite #101, Sioux Falls, SD 57108
With over three decades of industry experience, RSA offers its clients a complete range of architecture and design work. The firm assists its clients throughout the entire process, from inception through completion and final walk-throughs. It is also highly respected for its interior design, planning, and construction administration. Uniquely, the firm also works on custom furniture projects for interested clients. The chosen project below showcases the firm’s work for the Hegg Realtors Office.
Spanning over 25,380 square feet, this project is located in the growing southern part of Sioux Falls. It has two stories and features a great modern design. Inside, there are open workstations, private offices, meeting rooms, and a large training room.
Stone Group Architects
600 East 7th Street, Sioux Falls, SD 57103
Stone Group Architects works throughout Sioux Falls and has grown to be one of its best companies. It has been in business since 2012 and provides expertise in the planning and design of healthcare, educational, commercial, and residential facilities. The firm has five offices in the area and is proud to be a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business. Showcased below is one of the firm’s most impressive projects.
Finished back in 2020, this project was designed for the Humboldt Event Center. It spans over 15,685 square feet. It consists of four existing structures that connect into one large building. It features a timeless classic design, complete with wood finishes and chandeliers.
CO-OP Architecture
440 E 8th Street, Suite #221, Sioux Falls, SD 57103
CO-OP Architecture operates out of three offices in Aberdeen, Rapid City, and Sioux Falls. The firm offers a complete range of design, planning, and interior design work. The firm has been in business since 2012 and works on schools, churches, offices, civic, public, historical projects, and more. In terms of design, its portfolio showcases a diverse range of modern and contemporary inspired spaces.
Located in Watertown, this project was completed in 2022 and designed in collaboration with Mead&Hunt. For this new airport, its team made use of Scandanavian-inspired finishes, wood details, and contemporary finishes.
