Situated in the southern part of Minnesota, Minneapolis is a populous city with over 429,954 locals as of 2020. It is a striking city that offers many scenic views, such as lakes, parks, and fine museums. Minnesota has a nice and quiet neighborhood, a high standard of living, several family-friendly activities, and a balanced industrial, commercial, and educational center.

The list below contains fifteen of the best multi-family architects in Minneapolis, Minnesota. They were chosen based on their experience, awards, and portfolio.

MSR Design

510 Marquette Ave. S., Suite 200 Minneapolis, MN 55402

For forty years, MSR Design has been one of the leading architectural and design firms to deliver transformative and award-winning projects. Since its founding in 1981, it has produced many top-notch buildings that enrich the lives of its clients, as well as the environment. Each solution is tailored to the specific requirements of its clients, ensuring a diverse mix of sustainable and equitable projects.

The firm was established by Thomas Meyer, FAIA, Jeffrey Scherer, FAIA, and Garth Rockcastle, FAIA, who were all determined to design innovative and lasting work. Today, MSR Design operates under the leadership of Dagmara Larsen, Matthew Kruntorad, and Traci Engel Lesneski, who are all equally dedicated and committed as the firm’s founders.

The firm’s comprehensive experience in the industry allowed it to be recognized and awarded by various organizations, including 2016: AIA Minnesota Honor Awards – Aeon the Rose Housing, 2016 ULI Jack Kemp Excellence in Affordable Housing Award, and the 2004: AIA Minnesota Honor Awards – SunsetRidge Townhomes.

Snow Kreilich Architects

219 N. Second St., Ste. 120, Minneapolis, MN 55401

Operating out of its office in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Snow Kreilich Architects is a nationally recognized architecture studio with twenty-six years of experience. The firm specializes in full architectural design services, from pre-design, planning, programming, and conceptual design exercises to final construction monitoring and administration. The firm has done work from coast to coast as well as in Canada and the US Virgin Islands.

The firm is led by Julie Snow, FAIA, Founding Principal, and Matthew Kreilich, FAIA, Design Principal. Julie and Matt take an active role in every project in the studio, ensuring that the team produces architecture that delivers across all measures of design success. This allows the firm to create carefully-detailed solutions that meet the standards and expectations of clients.

SECOND+SECOND © Peter VonDeLinde

Since its founding in 1995, the firm has been featured in multiple presses, such as Architect Magazine, ArchDaily, and Archinect. It has also received awards from various organizations, including 2020: Top Projects – Finance & Commerce, 2019: AIA Housing Award, and 2019: AIA Honor Award.

Ryan A+E, Inc.

533 S. Third St., Ste. 100, Minneapolis, MN 55415

Ryan Companies is an architecture firm that specializes in construction, architecture and engineering, development, real estate management, and capital markets. It is headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, but it extends its services nationwide. The firm has been in business for eight-three years and believes that nothing is more important than creating solutions that bring value to the people and community. It always focuses on the “why” to understand its clients’ visions and obtain the best possible outcome.

Ryan Companies is headed by Mike Rodriguez, who holds the role of president and has over twenty-five years of experience in architecture. Mike is certified by the American Institute of Architects, National Council of Architectural Registration Boards, and LEED.

The firm has received many awards, such as the 2021 Merit Award from AIA Minneapolis, the 2017 Office/Retail/Mixed-Use Award of Merit from ENR Midwest, the 2017 Award of Excellence — Light Industrial, and High Finish from NAIOP Minnesota.

ESG Architecture & Design

500 Washington Ave. S., Ste. 1080, Minneapolis, MN 55415

ESG Architecture & Design is an award winning design firm with a national practice in urban residential, hospitality, workplace environments, higher education, branding and graphic design. Since the company’s founding over three decades ago, ESG has helped clients create environments for community, business, and leisure by providing holistic, creative solutions to complex problems. Our mission is to enrich the built environment beyond architecture and buildings; to deliver the superior, the timeless, the memorable and the unique; and to design environments that capture the human spirit and uplift our lives.

ESG is committed to creating residences with a singular personality, narrative and brand identity that consumers seek out in a competitive marketplace.

Working within mid- and high-rise residential mixed-use buildings that blend iconic design with a contemporary sensibility, resource- and energy-reducing systems, and a hospitality-influenced, amenity-rich lifestyle is a primary focus for ESG.

ESG has led the revitalization of the Minneapolis/St. Paul metro area in the last 20 years. In the Twin Cities and throughout the nation, ESG has planned, designed and completed hundreds of projects that have re-invigorated diverse urban and suburban neighborhoods with density, sustainability and mixed-uses.

BKV Group

222 N. Second St., Long & Kees Bldg., Ste. 101, Minneapolis, MN 55401

BKV Group is a holistic design firm that was founded in 1978. It offers a wide range of services, including architecture, interior design, engineering, landscape architecture, and construction administration. With a mission of “enriching lives and strengthening communities,” BKV Group prides itself on being responsible for enhancing the economic, aesthetic, and environmental aspects of the communities it serves, regardless of the project type. With its Minneapolis office in the Long & Kees Building (located within the heart of the North Loop neighborhood), the firm’s network of practice sites extends nationally to Chicago, Dallas, and Washington, DC.

Over the past forty-three years, BKV Group has grown from a sole proprietorship into a diverse partnership with more than 200 skilled professionals. The firm has received many awards through the years, such as the 2021 NAIOP Minnesota Award of Excellence for City Club Apartments CBE Minneapolis, the 2021 Fitwel Best in Building Health Award for The Penfield, the 2020 Minnesota Brownfields Rescape Awards for Environmental Impact with Union Flats Apartments, and multiple MNCREW, MREJ, and AIA Minneapolis awards.

Urbanworks Architecture, LLC

901 N. 3rd St., Ste. 145 Minneapolis, MN 55401

Urbanworks Architecture LLC is a Minneapolis-based architectural firm established in 2005. It specializes in a wide array of services, including concept and feasibility, architecture, building information modeling, interior design, visualization, and a client-focused experience. The firm extends its services in Minneapolis and nearby areas. Its comprehensive experience in the industry has allowed the firm to understand the challenges of designing and building multi-family and mixed-use structures in an evolving marketplace.

It adopts a collaborative approach in its projects, working closely with clients and interior designers to view things from different perspectives and incorporate their expertise from the early stage of the design process. The firm is headed by managing principal Tod Elkins AIA and LEED AP. He completed his bachelor’s degree in architecture from the University of California.

For sixteen years in the business, Urbanworks Architecture LLC has been recognized and awarded by various organizations. These awards include Top Projects of 2017, CCM Impact Award in 2018, Property Excellence: Best New Development, Affordable, and MADACS in 2018.

DJR

333 Washington Ave. N., Ste. 210, Minneapolis, MN 55401

Founded in 1985, DJR is an architecture and design firm specializing in urban planning, architecture, and interior design services, from the pre-development stage to the planning, design, bidding, and construction phase. It embraces a collaborative design process to build innovative solutions that exceed client expectations. For three decades, the firm has emerged as a leader in development planning services, keeping up with the emerging trends in the industry.

The firm operates under the leadership of Dean Dovolis, founder, principal, and CEO. Dean completed his bachelor’s degree in architecture and environmental design from the University of Minnesota and master’s in architecture and urban design from Harvard. He is certified by the American Institute of Architects, LEED Accredited Professional, and the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards.

The firm has received awards from various organizations, such as the 2020 Blend Awards and the 2020 Finance & Commerce Top Projects Award. On top of this, Dean also received 2021 Architect of the Year Award from Minnesota Real Estate Journal (MREJ). 

PKA. Architecture

2919 James Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55408

PKA Architecture is a full-service architecture and design firm known for its award-winning mixed-use, multi-family, and boutique commercial projects. The firm adopts a collaborative, client-focused design process to develop unique projects that are as distinct as its clients. PKA Architecture consists of dedicated residential architects and designers that integrate sustainable design into every project. Whether the project requires minor refurbishments or a LEED-certified new home, the firm guarantees to deliver sustainable solutions with striking designs.

The firm is headed by Gabriel Keller, the co-founder, principal, and designer. He is an associate member of the American Institute of Architects and has designed homes from New York to California, which have been featured by numerous national and international publications.

For over eleven years in the business, the firm has received several awards and recognitions, such as the 2019 AIA MN Home of the Month Award,  2019 (3) ALA National Award, and the 2019 BLEND award.

Collage Architects

708 15th Ave. N.E., Minneapolis, MN 55413

Collage Architects is a full-service architectural design firm that was established in 2008. It specializes in urban planning, mixed-use, multi-family, commercial projects, and creating great urban environments. It has developed more than 7,000 housing projects across fifteen states. The firm caters to all aspects of the housing markets, including apartments, condominiums, single-family homes, townhomes, student housing, and senior housing.

The team consists of skilled and diverse architects and interior designers who overcome many challenges throughout the entire design process. The firm thrives with the contribution of its team’s distinct personalities and experiences in the business. They are led by Pete Keel, the president of the firm. Pete completed his bachelor’s degree in architecture from the University of Minnesota and his master’s in architecture from the University of California.

Collage Architects has garnered several awards, including the Top Projects of 2020, 2019, and 2016 – Finance & Commerce. It has also been featured by publications, such as the Star Tribune in 2018 and 2020, The Guam Daily Post in 2020, and Pioneer Press in 2021.

RoehrSchmitt Architecture, LLC

1229 Tyler St., N.E., Crown Center, Suite 275 Minneapolis, MN 55413

Established in 2006, RoehrSchmitt Architecture, LLC was founded by Michael Roehr and Chris Schmitt, who firmly believe that excellent design requires an optimistic view of the world. The founders are also committed to the idea that the firm’s designs and solutions do not create a conflict between its clients and the community. It is fully dedicated to developing projects that provide quality and value.

The firm specializes in adaptive reuse, educational, historical, library, office, and residential projects. It operates out of its office in Minneapolis and extends its services in the Minnesota and Twin Cities metro area. Founders Michael Roehr and Chris Schmitt still lead the company up to this date. Both are certified by the American Institute of Architects and have extensive experience in architecture. Under their leadership, the firm has received many awards, including the 2019 Minneapolis AIA Heritage Preservation Award and the 2018 AIA Minneapolis Merit Award.

 U+B architecture & design, inc

2609 Aldrich Ave. S., Ste. 100. Minneapolis, MN 55408

U+B Architecture and Design, Inc. is a collaborative architectural practice specializing in residential and commercial projects. It is headquartered in Uptown Minneapolis and services Minneapolis, Cyprus, Costa Rica, and Morocco areas. Since its founding in 2003, the firm has practiced a fresh solution-oriented approach, providing excellent designs to its clients and maximum value. It has built numerous condominiums, apartments, townhomes, and housing units that exceed client expectations.

The firm runs under the leadership of Mark Burgess and Paul Udris. Both are certified by the American Institute of Architects and lead each project, ensuring superior design and value.

For seventeen years, U+B Architecture and Design, Inc. has been featured by many publications, such as Star Tribune, Architect Magazine, and The Cedar Book – Volume 10 Elle Decor. It is also accredited by the AIA, a team member of LEED-AP, and the IIDA.  In addition, it has received several awards, including the 2018 BLEND Award, 2018 AIA Minneapolis Merit Award,  and 2017 Best Places to Work from Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal.

LSE Architects

100 Portland Ave. S, Ste. 100, Minneapolis, MN 55401

Lawal Scott Erickson or LSE Architects is a ten-year architecture, interior design, and planning firm based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. It specializes in commercial, community, education, hospitality, and housing projects. It services a wide range of markets, including entertainment, development, office, gaming, hospitality, lodging, and resorts. It is committed to providing the highest quality service based on the team’s combined comprehensive knowledge and experience of the client’s markets.

The firm’s founders, Mohammed Lawal, Quin Scott, and Ron Erickson, have a combined experience of over ninety years in the industry. The founders’ extensive experience allows the firm to develop high-quality projects and anticipate potential challenges before they occur.

LSE Architects is certified by the American Institute of Architects and a member of the LEED-AP. It has received several recognitions like the 2019 School of Excellence Award – Minnesota School Boards Association, the 2019 AIA Minneapolis Merit Award, and the Best of 2019 award (2) – City Pages Minneapolis.

PlanForce Architecture + Design

4931 W. 35th St., Ste. 200, St. Louis Park, MN 55416

Established by Weld Ransom in 2013, PlanForce Architecture + Design is a commercial architecture and interiors firm based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. It was formerly known as WCL Associates and continues to provide integrated commercial architecture, interior design, and branding up to this date. It provides its services to a wide range of clients, from national brands to local entrepreneurs. The firm consists of talented architects, interior designers, and marketers to offer the best possible solutions to clients from a variety of industries.

Today, the firm operates under the leadership of its president, Ryan Schroeder. Ryan completed his bachelor’s degree in architecture from North Dakota State University. He is a member of the LEED-AP, The American Institute of Architects, and the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards.

PlanForce Architecture + Design has received several recognitions from organizations, such as the 2018 STARR Award for Retail Design and the 2017 MNCAR’S Industrial Deal of The Year.

Carlsen & Frank Architects LLC

524 Selby Ave., St. Paul, MN 55102

With thirty-eight years of experience in the business, Carlsen & Frank Architects LLC. is one of the leading full-service architectural firms serving St. Paul and Twin Cities in Minnesota. It specializes in residential, commercial, and institutional projects, including new construction, renovations and remodeling, and minor refurbishments. The firm collaborates and works closely with its clients to develop well-built structures that are functional and fit the environment. By collaborating with its clients and contractors, they collect diverse ideas and explore more design options that benefit the project.

Additionally, the firm ensures to accomplish each project on time and within the client’s budget. This has allowed the firm to be appreciated by its clients and recognized by various organizations in publications and awards. It has received multiple awards since its founding in 1983, such as the St. Paul AIA/Heritage Preservation Award in 2005: 524 Selby Office Building, and the St. Paul AIA/Heritage Preservation Award in 2001: 825 Holly Avenue Remodeling.

It operates under the leadership of Sylvia Frank and Peter Carlsen. Both owners and principals are registered architects and have extensive backgrounds in the industry.

TWP Architects

4125 Lakeland Ave. N., Ste. 200, Minneapolis, MN 55422  

Trossen Wright Architects is a full-service architectural firm based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. It specializes in senior care, multi-family housing, and retail and commercial projects that are sustainable and functional, extending its services in Minneapolis and surrounding areas. The firm transforms its client’s visions into reality, utilizing a highly personalized approach. TWP Architects aims to consistently develop superior solutions that are thoughtfully planned.

With fifty-four years in business, the firm’s industry knowledge is unmatched. It guarantees outstanding customer service from its team of dedicated professionals. In addition, the firm understands the importance of cost-effectiveness, building a space that ultimately increases its client’s return on investment.

The firm is headed by Amy Schwab, a certified interior designer in Minnesota and a licensed architect in Minnesota and California. The firm has received awards like the 2014 Top Projects – Finance & Commerce. It is also accredited by the American Institute of Architects and Certified Interior Designer.