Located on the shores of Lake Michigan, Milwaukee is a culturally diverse city and is one of the largest cities in the region. Popularly known for its historic buildings, riverside walkways, and parks, Milwaukee is a great place for families and businesses. The Milwaukee region is recognized as a leader in the manufacturing and industrial sectors, offering plenty of job opportunities for its residents.
This guide includes the best industrial architects in Milwaukee to help you set up your company. Choosing an architect is not always easy. There are plenty of things to consider, including the budget and design. Before hiring a contractor, make sure to check the company’s background and specialization. A competent firm should have a strong reputation in the market with a portfolio of successful projects. The company you choose should have extensive experience in your particular industry and be able to provide efficient design solutions that address your specific needs. The architecture firms on this list have operated for decades and received recognition for their exceptional designs across various industries.
Zimmerman Architectural Studios
2122 W. Mt. Vernon Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53233
Veteran architecture firm Zimmerman Architectural Studios has extensive experience in designing for a broad range of industries. From commercial, industrial, corporate, and retail to mixed-use properties, the design firm has completed numerous projects, earning a reputation as one of the most successful architecture firms in Wisconsin. Founded in 1906, the well-respected company has provided superior quality architectural, interior design, planning, and sustainable design services for over a century.
Since its inception, Zimmerman Architectural Studios has received attention from the press for its impressive designs, including Architectural Record Magazine, ENR Midwest Construction Magazine, and The Daily Reporter. The design studio has worked with many prominent clients such as the Kohler Company, Schusters Stores, and Enerpac Corporation. For Enerpac, the firm designed an expansion for the 165,000-square-foot industrial facility including a distinctive brand on the facade of the building. The design studio also provided interior design, planning, structural, mechanical, and landscape architecture services.
Stephen Perry Smith Architects, Inc.a
215 N. Water St, Suite #250, Milwaukee, WI 53202
Since 1992, Stephen Perry Smith Architects has provided complete architectural, planning, and interior design services in Wisconsin. For 29 years, the company has worked on various projects in the corporate, industrial, manufacturing, hospitality, mixed-use, and multifamily sectors. With licenses in Wisconsin, Missouri, Illinois, and Arizona, the design firm has developed a vast network of subcontractors and suppliers, offering clients comprehensive, sustainable, and cost-effective services.
Stephen Perry Smith Architects is a small architecture firm with highly experienced architects. Each project is meticulously curated with functional yet sophisticated design solutions. The firm is accredited by several industry organizations including the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and is certified by the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) and the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB). In 2017, Stephen Perry Smith Architects was recognized by Milwaukee Business Journal for its outstanding projects, naming the company as one of the Best Architects in Milwaukee.
Joseph Lee & Associates, LLC
311 E. Chicago St, Suite #240, Milwaukee, WI 53202
Joseph Lee & Associates (JLA) is an architecture, planning, interior design, and urban design firm serving Dane County for 39 years. The company specializes in industrial, institutional, hospitality, mixed-use, and multifamily units. Offering comprehensive design solutions across various industries and project types, the firm has delivered superior quality design solutions since 2007. With offices in Milwaukee, Madison, and Denver, the design firm has expanded its services by offering competitive packages throughout the state.
The firm also provides project feasibility and entitlement assistance. Spearheading the firm is founder Joseph Lee along with a group of highly creative professionals dedicated to excellence. In 2021, JLA was named by InBusiness Magazine as one of the Best Small Businesses in Dane County for its contribution to the city. The Pods Madison is a prominent project of the firm. For this 27,000-square feet facility, JLA was hired to design a functional warehouse and office with additional space for future expansion.
American Design, Inc.
1661 N. Water St, Suite #307 Milwaukee, WI 53202
For three decades, American Design Inc. (ADI) continues to provide sustainable design services specializing in architecture, planning, and interior design solutions in Milwaukee. Catering to a broad range of industries, including industrial, commercial, retail, educational, and residential projects. Since 1993, the company has worked on small to large-scale projects from new construction and adaptive reuse to renovations and additions.
ADI is a minority-owned business operated by owner John Williams who has decades of hands-on experience in designing for many top clients in the area. Dedicated to incorporating green designs in every project, the design studio has acquired memberships with the USGBC and is also LEED-certified. The firm received positive reviews for its impressive work in designing the Airport’s storage facility including the expansion of the maintenance shop. In addition to providing design development services, ADI also provided construction administration and documentation services for the 100,000-square feet property.
Perspective Design, Inc.
11525 W. North Ave, Wauwatosa, WI 53226
Wauwatosa-based Perspective Design is a full-service architecture company focusing on high-quality architecture, planning, and interior design solutions. Established in 2002, the design firm caters to clients throughout the Upper Midwest. The medium-sized firm has extensive experience in design and construction with projects ranging from industrial and automotive to retail and commercial sectors. Leading the firm is principal Peter Ogorek who has decades of expertise in designing some of the finest buildings and facilities throughout the Upper Midwest, offering a unique perspective on every project.
Anchored in the values of trust, honesty, and integrity, Perspective Design offers clients a straightforward process. Since its inception, the design studio has received positive reviews from clients and has developed long-lasting relationships with customers, subcontractors, and suppliers. For 20 years, the company has continued to provide quality services at a competitive price. Some of its most notable projects include the Brownfield redevelopment at Century City in Milwaukee and many projects for CenterPoint Properties.
