The Best of New York City: Top 10 Architectural Firms You Need to Know
Some of the most well-known architectural firms are based in New York City. These companies are renowned for their unique designs and significant contributions to the city’s skyline. Here’s a look at the top ten architectural firms, their goals, demand, and reasons for their success.
1. Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM)
Objectives
To create iconic and sustainable designs.
Focus on large-scale urban planning and innovation.
Demand
High demand in global commercial and residential markets.
Famous for skyscrapers and urban landmarks.
Popularity
Well-known for its impactful, futuristic designs.
Their buildings define major city skylines.
Headquarters
Chicago, Illinois.
Founders and Co-Founders
Louis Skidmore, Nathaniel Owings, John Merrill.
Year of Establishment
1936
Future Goals
Expand on sustainable designs and innovative urban solutions.
Focus on transforming cities with technology and green design.
Famous Projects
One World Trade Center, Burj Khalifa, Willis Tower.
2. Robert A.M. Stern Architects
Objectives
To blend classical design with modern architectural elements.
Focus on timeless, luxury buildings that respect surroundings.
Demand
High demand for residential and luxury projects.
Preferred by elite clients and developers.
Popularity
Known for elegant and sophisticated building designs.
Focused on a refined, timeless aesthetic.
Headquarters
New York City, New York.
Founder
Robert A.M. Stern.
Year of Establishment
1977
Future Goals
Design more urban spaces blending modern and traditional styles.
Continue focusing on environmentally conscious architecture.
Famous Projects
Museum of the City of New York, 15 Central Park West.
3. Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG)
Objectives
Create functional, bold, and innovative architectural solutions.
Blend form with social responsibility in every design.
Demand
Increasing demand for urban designs with a focus on sustainability.
Big presence in global commercial markets.
Popularity
Known for striking, experimental architectural forms.
Famous for redefining conventional design norms.
Headquarters
New York City, New York.
Founder
Bjarke Ingels.
Year of Establishment
2005
Future Goals
Further explore environmental and sustainable design solutions.
Push boundaries in urban architecture and innovation.
Famous Projects
VIA 57 West, Amager Resource Center (Copenhagen).
4. Tishman Construction Corporation
Objectives
Provide integrated construction and architectural design services.
Focus on large-scale commercial and civic projects.
Demand
Highly demanded for major urban construction projects.
Known for real estate and mixed-use developments.
Popularity
Involved in several transformative New York City projects.
Known for its efficient and cost-effective approach.
Headquarters
New York City, New York.
Founders and Co-Founders
Daniel Tishman.
Year of Establishment
1898
Future Goals
To continue contributing to the city’s iconic construction projects.
Expand global reach with sustainability at the forefront.
Famous Projects Hudson Yards, One World Trade Center.
5. Diller Scofidio + Renfro
Objectives
To create architecture that enhances human experience.
Blend art with architecture to engage public spaces.
Demand
High demand for cultural and public space designs.
Projects often push architectural boundaries.
Popularity
Famous for combining art, architecture, and urbanism.
Designs are innovative and immersive for users.
Headquarters
New York City, New York.
Founders and Co-Founders
Elizabeth Diller, Ricardo Scofidio.
Year of Establishment
1979
Future Goals
Continue to influence public space design with art and architecture.
Focus on environmental sustainability in all future projects.
Famous Projects
The High Line, Lincoln Center Redevelopment.
6. Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates (KPF)
Objectives
Design architecture that enhances city environments.
Focus on high-performance, sustainable buildings and urban solutions.
Demand
In demand for high-rise commercial, residential, and civic projects.
Strong presence in both global and local markets.
Popularity
Famous for large-scale skyscrapers and urban designs.
Recognized for integrating functionality and aesthetics.
Headquarters
New York City, New York.
Founders and Co-Founders
William Pedersen, Laurence Kohn.
Year of Establishment
1976
Future Goals
To lead in skyscraper design and urban revitalization.
Prioritize sustainable practices in global projects.
Famous Projects
Time Warner Center, JPMorgan Chase Tower, Lotte Tower.
7. Foster and Partners
Objectives
To design elegant, sustainable, and technologically advanced buildings.
Emphasis on reducing environmental impact in all projects.
Demand
Highly demanded for commercial, public buildings, and cultural institutions.
Global presence in many major cities.
Popularity
Famous for minimalist, sleek designs and cutting-edge technology.
Renowned for world-class public and commercial buildings.
Headquarters
London, England (New York office in NYC).
Founder
Norman Foster.
Year of Establishment
1967
Future Goals
Lead in green, energy-efficient designs for future cities.
Continuing innovation in smart and sustainable architecture.
Famous Projects
Apple Park, The Gherkin, HSBC Headquarters.
8. HOK
Objectives
To create sustainable and innovative architecture.
Focus on integrating technology with design solutions.
Demand
In high demand for healthcare, commercial, and civic projects.
Expanding reach in global markets.
Popularity
Famous for its innovative work in sustainable design.
A leader in environmental architecture and technology.
Headquarters
St. Louis, Missouri (New York office in NYC).
Founders and Co-Founders
George Hellmuth, Minoru Yamasaki, and others.
Year of Establishment
1955
Future Goals
Lead in sustainable architecture, especially in healthcare.
Promote smart building technologies in all projects.
Famous Projects
San Francisco International Airport, Busch Stadium, St. Louis.
9. SHoP Architects
Objectives
Focus on modern, flexible, and efficient architecture.
Innovative use of technology and materials in design.
Demand
Increasing demand for mixed-use and commercial projects.
Strong presence in urban development.
Popularity
Famous for technological innovation and design flexibility.
Known for adaptive use of materials and sustainability.
Headquarters
New York City, New York.
Founders and Co-Founders
Christopher Sharples, William Sharples, and others.
Year of Establishment
2004
Future Goals
Lead innovation in technology-driven architecture.
Push boundaries in sustainable urban development.
Famous Projects
Barclays Center, Domino Sugar Refinery Site Redevelopment.
10. Morris Adjmi Architects
Objectives
Design buildings that blend with urban contexts.
Respect history while embracing modern architectural approaches.
Demand
High demand for residential and commercial projects.
Specializes in projects that respect neighborhood architecture.
Popularity
Known for adaptive reuse and historically sensitive designs.
Famous for blending modernity with context.
Headquarters
New York City, New York.
Founder
Morris Adjmi.
Year of Establishment
1997
Future Goals
Continue to focus on sustainable and historical preservation projects.
Design more impactful urban spaces.
Famous Projects
Wythe Hotel, 200 11th Avenue.
Architectural Firms’ Expense Overview
Here’s a breakdown of average expenses across the firms:
| Firm Name | Average Project Cost | Annual Revenue (Approx.) | Popular Sectors |
| Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) | $50 million to $500 million | $300 million | Commercial, High-Rise |
| Robert A.M. Stern Architects | $10 million to $100 million | $80 million | Residential, Luxury Projects |
| Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) | $30 million to $200 million | $150 million | Mixed-Use, Urban Development |
| Tishman Construction Corporation | $100 million to $1 billion | $600 million | Real Estate, Urban Projects |
| Diller Scofidio + Renfro | $5 million to $50 million | $60 million | Public Spaces, Cultural |
| Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates (KPF) | $100 million to $1 billion | $450 million | Skyscrapers, Urban Design |
| Foster and Partners | $50 million to $200 million | $350 million | Commercial, Public Buildings |
| HOK | $10 million to $200 million | $600 million | Healthcare, Civic Spaces |
| SHoP Architects | $10 million to $100 million | $90 million | Commercial, Mixed-Use |
| Morris Adjmi Architects | $5 million to $50 million | $50 million | Residential, Urban Design |
These top ten architectural firms in New York City have helped shape the city’s dynamic cityscape. They continue to set the standard for architecture, emphasizing sustainability, modern design, and urban development. Whether it’s landmark buildings or mixed-use developments, its impact may be felt throughout the city and around the world.
FAQ’s
Who are the top architectural firms in New York City?
What types of projects do these architectural firms specialize in?
Main point which makes these architectural firms stand out from others?
What notable projects have these firms completed?
How can I work with or for one of these firms?
