Best known for being one of the Twin Cities, Minneapolis is among Minnesota’s major cities. It is best known for its wonderful parks and lakes, in addition to several cultural landmarks. As one of Minnesota’s biggest cities, Minneapolis also serves as home to its best flagship stores and countless impressive brands. This list showcases nine of the area’s best and leading residential architects. These firms were chosen based on their multiple impressive portfolios and stellar industry awards.

PlanForce Architecture + Design

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

As its name suggests, PlanForce specializes in both architecture and design services. It is a Minneapolis-based practice that has become highly regarded for its master planning and tenant improvement work. Some of its most impressive services include its programming, schematics, and design development. It is also noted for its use of sustainable materials, LEED administration, and reconstruction work. The firm has had the opportunity to work with several countless brands. These include Burger King, DirecTV, and First & First. 

Depicted above is one of the firm’s best projects. Designed for Good Grocer, this project is for a volunteer-powered, full-service Minneapolis grocery store in a mixed-use development.  Spanning 8,500 square feet, this project features an expanded selection of products, as well as several pop-up style spaces.

LSE Architects, Inc.

100 Portland Ave. S., Suite #100. Minneapolis, MN 55401

Otherwise known as Lawal Scott Erickson Architects, LSE Architects extends its services throughout Minneapolis. Aside from its architecture, it is also highly regarded for its interior design and planning. The firm has been in business since 2011 and is the product of the vision of its leaders, Mohammed Lawal, Quin Scott, and Ron Erickson. Together, they offer the firm’s clients nearly one century of combined experience. Under their supervision, the company focuses on community, education, entertainment, development, office, gaming, hospitality, lodging, and resort projects. 

Completed in 2017, the depicted project is one of the firm’s most impressive retail spaces. For this, the firm’s team worked with Pillsbury United Communities and Supervalue on the repositioning of an existing 15,000-square-foot building. Inside, the project showcases dedicated areas for dry goods, produce, dairy, and frozen food.

IA Interior Architects

801 Nicollet Ave., Suite #200, Minneapolis, MN, 55402

IA is composed of a talented and experienced team of architects, designers, strategists, and specialists. The firm has been in business since 1984 and is highly regarded for its creative methods and techniques. It is also known for its highly creative solutions to otherwise complicated and challenging spaces. Its portfolio showcases an excellent range of workplaces, hospitality, and retail projects. Featured below is an excellent example of the firm’s talent and expertise. 

This photo showcases one of the firm’s many projects for T-Mobile. For these series of retail spaces, the firm’s team was challenged with their full-service interior architecture and design, Ecos Studio, lighting design, and experiential design. It has also won two impressive distinctions: the 50th International Design Award from the Retail Design Institute and the Retail Renovation of the Year from VMSD.

RSP Architects

1220 Marshall St., NE, Minneapolis, MN 55413

RSP Architects specializes in architecture and impressive national roll-out programs. Its portfolio showcases several impressive workplaces and retail spaces. The firm is highly regarded for its commitment to sustainability, engineering, master planning interior design, and strategic branding. It has been in business since 1978 and has worked with clients both nationally and internationally. Showcased below is one of the firm’s best projects. 

Located in various locations, this photo features the firm’s work for Sprouts Farmers Market. Named a “Hot Retailer” by STORES Magazine, Sprouts features a quaint and inviting rustic theme coupled with several modern touches. The firm’s team was also tasked with its extensive interior design and overall architecture.

U+B architecture & design, inc

2609 Aldrich Ave. S., Suite #100. Minneapolis, MN 55408

As its name suggests, U+B offers its clients a complete and comprehensive range of architecture and design services. The firm extends its services throughout Minneapolis and offers its clients great solution-oriented packages for otherwise complex work. It has been in business since 2003 and is the product of the vision of its leaders and founders, Paul Udris and Mark Burgess. Together they ensure each project that the firm takes on receives the benefit of their experiences. Depicted below is one of the firm’s most impressive spaces. 

Completed back in 2004, this project is a sales center for townhouse development. Located in Uptown Minneapolis, this project is a great unit for both selling and developing townhouses. For this, the firm’s team employed an open-concept floor plan.

Cushing Terrell

226 N. Washington Ave., Suite #200, Minneapolis, MN 55401

Established in 1938, Cushing Terrell offers its clients an integrated and highly hands-on architecture, engineering, and design services. It is also highly regarded for its energy work, which assures clients of the high efficiency and sustainability of its projects. The firm also oversees interior design, graphic design, as well as landscape architecture, and master planning. Its portfolio also depicts several stellar historic preservation projects. Showcased below is one of its best retail spaces. 

Located in multiple locations, these projects were designed and completed for Town & Country Markets, a growing grocery chain. It was named the Puget Sound Business Journal’s Family Business of the Year. Some of its distinguishing features include its seamless grocery-dining spaces, rustic stores, and homey touches.

Christian Dean Architecture

2909 Bryant Ave., S. 304. Minneapolis, MN 55408

Christian Dean Architecture is a full-service firm that extends its services throughout Minneapolis. The firm specializes in both modern commercial and residential projects. It credits its success to the talent and expertise of its team. Additionally, it often draws inspiration from local influences and vernaculars, which reflects in its portfolio. Featured below is one of its best retail spaces.

The Colita is one of Christian Dean Architecture’s notable projects in Minneapolis. This 3,650-square-foot restaurant features a fresh and modern take on Mexican dining. The restaurant offers both indoor and al fresco dining. Its upscale decor is a perfect complement to its contemporary spin on classic Mexican dishes. Its open-concept design and relaxed atmosphere is something customers can enjoy from day to night.

Studio M Architects

530 N. 3rd St., Suite #230, Minneapolis, MN 55401

Located in the North Loop of Minneapolis, Studio M offers its clients a complete and comprehensive range of architecture and design projects. It can take on spaces regardless of size or scale and showcases a talent for modern and contemporary themes. It is licensed to work in multiple states and assists its clients at every step. This includes 3D printed models, renderings for publicity and marketing, graphic design, and brand development materials. Featured below is one of the firm’s best retail projects.

Designed for Baker, this project features an excellent modern loft theme. For this, the firm’s team opted for neutrals and transitional touches. Some other exceptional elements include its high ceilings and large windows that allow in a rich amount of ambient light.