Whether it’s an office, retail space, hotel, or restaurant, a commercial space must reflect the values of the people who will be using it. Working with an architect who can help you figure out your programmatic and financial objectives will enhance your project’s value and ultimately enrich the community.
To help you choose the right designer equipped to handle any building deliverables you might require, our team has curated a list of the best commercial architects in Stamford, Connecticut. These firms were selected for their accreditations, certifications, and professional affiliations. We also considered the recognition each firm has received in the form of industry awards, client reviews, and press features. We have laid out the range of services the firms offer, their specializations, and the length of time they have been in the industry.
Newman Architects
300 York St, New Haven, CT 06511
Newman Architects specializes in the design of higher education, K-12 education, libraries, commercial developments, and civic spaces. Its wide-ranging portfolio also spans affordable housing, arts, mixed-use developments, multi-family housing, residential, and sustainability projects. The Newman team maintains effective communication with everyone involved in the project to consolidate feedback and collectively explore solutions. Its historic preservation and adaptive reuse expertise is linked to its sustainability practice.
Herbert Newman, the founder of Newman Architects, uses his 60 years of experience in master planning, urban design, and architectural design in leading the firm alongside Peter Newman, A. Brooks Fischer, Richard Munday, and José A. Hernández. Brooks’s 21-year career has focused on large-scale commercial development projects and real estate planning services as an NCARB-certified architect. Richard has worked on campus planning and architectural projects in his 39 years in the industry. He is an active member of the Society of College and University Planning, like José, who is an NCARB supervisor and LEED Green Associate. Peter is a board member of the Connecticut Architecture Foundation. They are all affiliated with the AIA, Herbert as a Fellow, and have led Newman Architects in building a diverse body of work that includes the Albion Apartments and Southwest Community Health Center.
The facility combines two client programs: the health center and an apartment structure providing 35 public-assisted, two-bedroom units. A healing garden and courtyard has vegetated roofs, providing a green landscape for the apartments as well as orientation and natural light for visitors to the clinics’ main departments.
Roger Ferris + Partners
11 Wilton Rd, Westport, CT 06880
Roger Ferris + Partners (RF+P) offers architectural, interior design, and master planning services to private, corporate, and public sector clients. It is involved with the development of private homes and estates, multi-family residences, commercial offices, and mixed-use projects, which have afforded the firm more than 80 regional and national awards. The RF+P team facilitates a collaborative process and is accessible throughout the design, documentation, and construction stages.
As Founding Principal of RF+P, Roger Ferris is the driving force of leadership and design within the firm. He holds membership with the AIA and the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) as well as certification from NCARB. Roger has been recognized by the National Trust for Historic Preservation for his work. He applies his expertise to RF+P’s unique knowledge of markets. He has guided the firm in producing award-winning commercial buildings, such as the Royal Bank of Scotland.
The curved front façade of the building relates to the interstate highway, while the exterior envelope facing the traffic gains texture through the use of terracotta rain screen panels and fly-by glass elements. With J-shaped office floors stacked above the arcade and parking, a large outdoor courtyard is created on the eighth floor. The urban courtyard serves as the roof for the two-story trading floor, which is open to the twelve-story glazed atrium.
Beinfield Architecture
11 Chestnut St #102, South Norwalk, CT 06854
Beinfield Architecture caters to restaurants, commercial, and multi-family projects with capabilities in master planning and interior design. The firm takes inspiration from place, culture, and history in formulating sustainable design strategies that meet each project’s programmatic requirements. It materializes contextually responsive spaces as a member of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID), accredited by the NCIDQ and NCARB.
Bruce Beinfield is the Founding Principal of Beinfield Architecture. His residential, commercial, retail, and restaurant work has been honored with multiple design awards and promotion to Fellow of the AIA. As a licensed architect, he has cultivated his expertise in the adaptive re-use of existing buildings. A good steward of his community, Bruce fulfills responsibilities as a member of the board of directors for the Housing Development Fund of Fairfield County and the Stepping Stones Museum for Children.
The Beinfield team transformed an abandoned police station into new headquarters for Kayak, taking advantage of the existing, soaring interior space and the raw nature of the salvaged building. Exposed brick, metal, and concrete trusses were preserved, while the offices and support space were built out of metal and glass. The fuselage suspended from reinforced trusses houses a digital virtual conference center that connects headquarters to the satellite offices around the world.
Robert A.M. Stern Architects
One Park Ave, New York, NY 10016
Throughout its 52-year history, Robert A.M. Stern Architects (RAMSA) has designed residential, commercial, and institutional projects across Europe, Asia, South America, and the U.S. RAMSA’s certifications include Project Management Professional, and NCARB, among others; and the firm is an industry leader in the design of buildings that are environmentally sustainable and energy efficient. Their projects employ strategies that are uniquely suited to the infrastructure and climate of the different cities and countries where they work.
RAMSA has grown to accommodate a staff of over 200, led by a group of 16 partners. The firm maintains an attention to detail and commitment to design quality, with projects that create a sense of place, rooted in the unique cultures and identities of the places where they build. This approach has earned RAMSA international recognition, numerous awards and citations for design excellence, including National Honor Awards of the American Institute of Architects, and a lengthening list of repeat clients.
Photo: Peter Aaron / OTTO
RAMSA’s University of Connecticut Downtown Hartford Campus introduces a full university campus with street-level retail into Hartford’s Adriaen’s Landing District to further activate an already rebounding mixed-use urban neighborhood. It restores and repurposes the historic Hartford Times Building, designed by architect Donn Barber (1906), which now serves as a new entrance facing City Hall Park. The much beloved civic building is integrated into a new five-story academic complex that provides offices, meeting rooms, classrooms, and teaching laboratories for academic departments, as well as student and administrative spaces and casual dining. RAMSA Partners Graham S. Wyatt, and Preston J. Gumberich led the design.
Rogers McCagg Architects and Interior Designers
44 North Main St, South Norwalk, CT 06854
Rogers McCagg collaborates with clients, cities, and contractors in delivering architecture, planning, and interior design services. Principals James G. Rogers, III and Christopher M. McCagg teamed up to provide personal service for the firm’s projects. James’s 35 years of architectural experience have revolved around the master planning and design of educational facilities, sports facilities, and private clubs. He is a former President of the New Canaan Society for the Arts and recently completed a six-year term as a trustee for the National Association of Independent Schools. James shares a passion for commercial architecture with Christopher, who carries extensive experience with club and recreational facilities. They both contribute to the AIA, James as a Fellow and Christopher as a member.
They steered Rogers McCagg Architects to recognition from the American Institute of Steel Construction and the National Council of Structural Engineers Association for the firm’s technical approach to design. This approach resulted in the development of this athletic facility. The project involved the addition of a 70,000-square-foot, two-story fitness center with three group classrooms, a triathlon training area, expansive locker rooms, cutting-edge fitness equipment, and massage rooms.
Doyle Coffin Architecture
158 Danbury Rd. Suite 9, Ridgefield, CT 06877
Doyle Coffin Architecture is a full-service architecture and interior design firm located in picturesque Ridgefield, Connecticut. Its in-house workforce is accustomed to coordinating with planning and zoning departments and other municipal organizations to obtain required approvals and ensure a smooth process throughout project development. Doyle Coffin is an expert in the field of sustainable design, employing environmentally-conscious techniques to achieve the fundamental goals of green construction.
Peter T. Coffin is one of Doyle Coffin Architecture’s two principals, whose collaborative leadership is fundamental to setting the company apart as a leading design firm. Peter is a licensed architect and interior designer with NCARB accreditation. In addition to serving as a Corporator for the Ridgefield Bank and as an Incorporator for the Ridgefield Community Center and Ridgefield Visiting Nurse Association, Peter is Chair of the Board of the Building Code of Appeals for the Town of Ridgefield. Principal John M. Doyle serves as the President of the Ridgefield Bank Residential Development Company. He served on the Executive Committee and Board of Directors of the Connecticut Chapter of the AIA, which has granted Doyle Coffin Architecture awards for its long portfolio of commercial, residential, and religious projects.
Featured here is a lobby and office space renovation project containing new offices, workstations, conference and training rooms, and a café-style break room. The team designed the interior stone walls with wood mouldings and a metal handrail staircase with floating granite steps.
CPG Architects
1 Dock St, Stamford, CT 06902
CPG is an architecture, interiors, and planning firm that specializes in corporate, retail, educational, and healthcare design. It holds certification from NCARB and works closely with clients to gain a complete grasp of their vision and goals. Principals Karen Lika and Jenny Paik manage the CPG design team. Karen has accumulated 25 years of experience in interior design, architecture, and construction, while Jenny brings 30 years of project leadership experience to the firm. Karen’s background as a NCIDQ-certified interior designer builds on Jenny’s prowess in sustainable design as a LEED AP. They guide the CPG team in taking a research-based approach to understanding the design context and creating spaces that tell the client’s story.
The Inspira Marketing office is reflective of this. A large, custom steel spiral staircase, with solid, metal steps and a perforated, metal railing was built to reflect the gritty yet sophisticated atmosphere of the space. The boardroom has a garage door to extend the space for company-wide meetings.
Cardello Architects
60 Post Road W, Westport CT 06880
Robert A. Cardello Architects provides residential and commercial architectural services and is proficient in all aspects of design, including renovations, commercial establishments, and high-end, custom-built homes. The company is capable of taking on consultation, design development, bidding, negotiation, and construction administration.
Robert A. Cardello spent seven years refining his design abilities, working within high-end residential firms, before he founded Robert A. Cardello Architects. A master of commercial and residential architecture, Robert leads the firm alongside Partner David A. LaPierre, who has a strong technical background and thorough understanding of construction detailing. Dave is a member of the AIA and NCARB, and regularly participates in trade events.
For the featured project here, Cardello Architects faced unique challenges and managed to deliver exemplary solutions to create a one-of-a-kind building. This charming two-story commercial structure in Darien houses a gallery on the first floor and a couture shop on the second. The firm created the shape of the building as dictated by its position on Post Road and how it can be approached from multiple angles. A classic and impressive roof line makes the building stand out and at the same time blend in the neighborhood.
Granoff Architects
330 Railroad Ave, Greenwich, CT 06830
Founded in 1989, Granoff Architects is a full-service design firm that seamlessly melds the traditional with the modern. Residential and commercial architecture, landscape architecture, and interior design are the four interconnected disciplines through which the firm’s collaborative design process operates. The firm’s expertise is supported and enhanced by its state-of-the-art computer-aided design (CAD) system, through which it implements its three-dimensional modeling and graphic skills. As a Certified Passive House Designer, the firm applies construction technologies that reduce energy consumption.
Rich Granoff acts as the President of Granoff Architects. He is a member of the AIA, a LEED-Accredited Professional, and a licensed architect in Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Florida, and Tennessee. Rich contributes to his community by taking part on the boards of Kids in Crisis, the Arch Street Teen Center, ONS Foundation, Chabad, and the Greenwich Chamber of Commerce. Greenwich Magazine endowed him with the “Light a Fire” Award for his humanitarian work. The Weber Gallery is a product of the outstanding work ethic upheld by Rich and his team.
The gallery has exhibited and placed major works by Hans Hofmann, Robert Motherwell, Helen Frankenthaler, Joan Mitchell, and Milton Avery, among others. The exhibit space features an open layout, allowing it to be modified in unlimited ways to adjust to any show’s program. It is abundantly provided with moveable spotlights, with the option of utilizing recessed lighting, giving full control of the mood in the space.
Marsh + Woods Architects
400 Main St, Stamford, CT 06901
Marsh & Woods Architects (MWA) builds places that promote activities and enliven the human spirit. It uses its hand at manipulating architectural form, space, materials, and technical systems to create sustainable environments. In the design, documentation, and administration of the construction process, MWA leverages modern technology and 3D modeling. Its Building Information Modeling (BIM) improves project collaboration among the owners, users, engineers, and construction managers.
Principals David W. Woods and Nigel P. Marsh bring together creative, technical, and management expertise. David’s 35 years of practicing as an NCARB-accredited architect have produced corporate office buildings, academic facilities, public institutions, museums, health/fitness centers, and custom houses. His career includes working as Senior Design Associate with Hellmuth, Obata & Kassabaum in St. Louis and New York, where he designed numerous large-scale projects. Like David, Nigel holds membership with the AIA. Nigel has gained extensive experience in construction detailing and project management in his 28 years in the industry. David is a LEED AP, while Nigel is certified by RIBA. They worked as an integrated team in completing the Carlson & Carlson office building.
This historic barn structure was first used as a horse stable in the early 1900s. It was later converted to a gas station and then an office building. The design and detailing pays tribute to the original barn appearance. The stone base and select large openings were preserved. The siding on the upper story replicates the board and batten siding of the original building.
CAH Architecture and Design
330 Post Rd, Darien, CT 06820
With accreditation from NCARB and the AIA, CAH Architecture and Design has built a portfolio of diverse projects, focused primarily on high-end, single- and multi-family residential, commercial, restaurant, and retail architecture. The CAH process starts by getting to know the clients and their goals, before proceeding to conceptualize designs. It advocates for the client throughout the construction phase and takes care of the needed permits. The firm is able to conduct feasibility and zoning studies to determine whether a site is suitable for the project as well as explore its architectural potential.
CAH is supported by Principal Christopher Hull’s 25 years of experience as a licensed architect in Connecticut, DC, and New York State. He is a member of the AIA and a LEED Green Associate. Christopher has broadened and strengthened the firmʼs practice by working hand-in-hand with the CAH staff, contractors, and suppliers on projects such as the Locali Pizza Bar and Kitchen.
Noticeable from the start is the striking interior of the station house. Its exposed brick walls, hardwood ceiling, and large windows all contribute to the cozy and historic ambiance. A few focal points of the 80-seat restaurant are the pizza oven that is embedded in the wall near the kitchen, and the bar with a front-row seat to passing trains. Tile floors, dark wooden beams, evocative black-and-white railroad photos, and bright red banquettes complete the interior.
Neil Hauck Architects
859 Post Rd, Darien, CT 06820
Neil Hauck Architects keeps the client in the loop at every step of the process of crafting new homes, home remodelings, and civic and commercial projects. The firm begins by listening to the client’s vision for the project. The team then immerses itself in the site to get a sense of its character. Conceptualization takes place once the team has developed a full understanding of the client’s goals and the context surrounding the project. Neil Hauck Architects remains flexible, making changes as it goes along, from design development through construction.
Neil Hauck’s professional career started in Charlottesville, Virginia, working for architect Donald Swofford, FAIA on historic preservation projects. He was employed for four years as a designer with Kevin Roche John Dinkeloo and Associates, then held a position as a partner at Falconer Scofield and Hauck. He founded Neil Hauck Architects in 1988. Since then, the firm has won numerous awards and been widely published.
eil is actively involved with the AIA and is a former member of the AIA Connecticut Board of Directors. He oversees the coordination between the company’s design and construction professionals to control costs and deliver consistent schedules, as exhibited in the two buildings the firm has completed for Two Roads Brewing, in Stratford, CT. The first of these involved the renovation of a historic brick factory building into a craft brewery. A glass-enclosed tasting room is located in the mezzanine (pictured below), offering views of the entire brewing process. It overlooks the malt room, brew house, bottling line, canning line, kegging line, and a forest of fermenting tanks and brite beer tanks. The second involved the design of a new 35,000 square foot building to be used for experimenting with barrel-aged beers, sours, and other exotic craft beers.
