Tampa, Florida offers a vibrant lifestyle, diverse culture, rich history, and picturesque surroundings. Residents enjoy a mix of urban and outdoor living, thanks to the area’s beautiful beaches, scenic parks, and thriving downtown. Various attractions, from world-class theme parks to vibrant nightlife, can be enjoyed year-round thanks to the warm climate, making Tampa an exciting place to call home. The list below contains eight of the best architectural firms in Tampa, Florida. They were chosen based on their awards, experience, and portfolios.
BDG Architects
400 North Ashley Dr Ste 600, Tampa, FL 33602
BDG Architects is a full-service architecture and design firm known for its design excellence, lasting relationships, and high-value delivery to its clients across the United States. Established in 1994, it continues to be an industry leader, with 29 years of exceptional service.
With an emphasis on partnership, BDG Architects tailors its services to support each client’s unique business strategies. The firm is led by President Chris Kirschner, who holds AIA, NCARB, and LEED AP credentials and serves as Chair of the Property Committee at the Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA. The firm has earned numerous awards, including multiple Urban Excellence Awards and AIA Tampa Bay honors.
In addition to its accreditations such as IIDA, NCIDQ, LEED AP, WELL AP, and NCARB, BDG Architects has been featured in numerous publications, including Business Observer, 83 Degrees, The Business Journals, Plant City Observer, St. Pete Catalyst, and Tampa Bay Times.
The Lunz Group
58 Lake Morton Dr., Lakeland, FL 33801
The Lunz Group, a full-service architectural and interior design firm based in central Florida, has decades of experience across multiple market sectors. Established in 1987, it utilizes a values-based, client-centered design process that involves all parties.
Founded by Edward Lunz, recipient of the 2005 and 2011 AIA Tampa Bay Firm of the Year Award, the firm has strong ties to the community through affiliations such as the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Lakeland, and Leadership Polk. Led by President Bradley Lunz, who holds AIA, GGP, NCARB, and LEED AP credentials, the firm has garnered numerous accolades, including the 2020 ATHENA Award, 2019 Success in Small Business Award, and 2017 Employer of Distinction Award.
In addition to its accreditations from AIA, NCARB, LEED AP, and GGP, The Lunz Group has been featured in various publications, including Business Observer, The Business Journals, Lakeland Ledger, Architect Magazine, REBusinessOnline, and LkldNow.
Gresham Smith
3615 Bromley Grand Ave Ste 320, Tampa, FL 33607
Established in 1967, Gresham Smith carries a legacy of 56 years of excellence in design and service. The firm’s team consists of diligent designers, creative problem-solvers, insightful planners, and seasoned collaborators, focusing on improving the communities they serve.
From designing roadways and pathways that connect people and places to creating hospitals that promote well-being and recovery and corporate campuses that encourage productivity and teamwork, Gresham Smith takes pleasure in shaping communities’ most vital institutions and infrastructure.
Led by CEO and Board Chair Rodney Chester, a University of Alabama alumnus and advisory board member, Gresham Smith has earned accolades such as the 2023 NAIOP Office of the Year and 2022 Best Place to Work in Tampa. Accredited by the AIA, the firm has been featured in publications like the Jacksonville Daily Record, Cision, The Business Journals, and Tampa Bay Times.
Jerel McCants Architecture
1210 East Columbus Dr, Tampa, FL 33605
Jerel McCants Architecture (JMA), an award-winning architectural firm in Tampa, Florida, specializes in providing innovative solutions to complex problems within the built environment. The firm prides itself on being responsive, efficient, and dependable, consistently addressing client needs throughout the building process to ensure expectations are met. As a boutique architectural and interior design firm, JMA’s staff collaborates closely with clients to successfully complete a wide range of projects, including spiritual, educational, residential, civic, and military buildings.
JMA is led by President Jerel McCants, a University of South Florida alumnus with degrees in Real Estate Development and Architecture, and a Bachelor of Science in Architectural Engineering degree from Tennessee State University. The firm holds AIA and LEED AP accreditations and is certified by the OSD, Aviation Authority, and US Small Business Administration. Over its 14 years in business, JMA has been featured repeatedly in press outlets such as The Business Journals, 83degreesmedia, Tampa Bay Times, and WTSP, demonstrating the firm’s prominence, expertise, and commitment to excellence in the field.
Design Styles Architecture
1708 E Columbus Dr, Tampa, FL 33605
Design Styles Architecture (DSA), established in 1998 in Tampa, Florida, is a full-service architecture, interior design, and visualization firm offering diverse project skill sets. Its extensive experience spans luxury single-family homes, multifamily housing, student housing, senior living, hospitality, commercial office, medical office, educational, institutional, government, historic restoration, warehouse, retail, mixed-use, and other project types. DSA thrives on this diversity and organizes itself around project-specific teams assembled to address each client’s needs.
Under the leadership of Principal and CEO Andy Dohmen, a Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University alumnus with a Bachelor of Architecture, DSA is supported by a group of experienced architects, designers, draftspeople, and visualization specialists.
During its 25 years in business, DSA has received numerous awards, including the Silver Aurora Awards in 2020 and 2019 and Florida’s Top Rated Local® Architects Award Winner. The firm has been featured in Lancaster Online and St. Pete Rising, highlighting its continued dedication to excellence.
Traction Architecture
2710 N Dundee St, Tampa, FL 33629
Traction Architecture, an award-winning practice based in Tampa, Florida, is led by partners Jody Beck and Ross-Alan Tisdale. With backgrounds from prestigious institutions like Brown, Yale, and SCI-Arc, they bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to their work. In addition to being a licensed architect, Jody is a certified building contractor, and the firm offers design-build services. The firm focuses on projects ranging from custom homes and office buildings to public art and cultural spaces.
Established in 2010, Traction Architecture has been recognized with numerous awards, including the 2021 Firm Award from the American Institute of Architects Tampa Bay Chapter. Accreditations and certifications include AIA Tampa Bay, USGBC, AIA, LEED AP, and NCARB.
The firm’s work has been featured in prominent publications such as The Wall Street Journal, Dwell, Custom Home Magazine, Lux Life Magazine, Sarasota Magazine, SRQ Magazine, Florida Caribbean Architect Magazine, and Coastal Living Magazine. With its dedicated team of creative professionals, Traction Architecture is committed to delivering exceptional designs and lasting impact.
Jennifer Garcia Architecture Studio
2909 Busch Lake Blvd, Tampa, FL 33614
Jennifer Garcia Architecture Studio, founded in 2012, specializes in creating personalized homes that reflect clients’ unique lifestyles and personalities. Committed to removing the stress and frustration associated with design and construction, the studio guides clients through a smooth transition from dreams to reality. The firm understands the importance of investing in the right property, ensuring a lasting legacy for families.
Owner Jennifer L. Garcia, a University of Notre Dame graduate, has accreditations and certifications from AIA, AIA Tampa Bay, ArCH, and NCARB. The firm’s exceptional work has garnered numerous accolades, including the ArCHdes Design Excellence Award, Build Design and Build Awards – Ones to Watch in the USA, and Home Builders Digest – Best Residential Architects in St. Petersburg.
Featured in Tampa Magazine and Home & Design Magazine, Jennifer Garcia Architecture Studio is dedicated to crafting homes that become cherished spaces for generations to come.
Purdy + Muroff Architecture Inc
1711 North Himes Ave, Tampa, Florida 33607
Purdy + Muroff Architecture, Inc., established in 1999, is a Tampa-based architectural firm led by founders Mark Hartley and Scott Purdy, along with Michael Muroff, who joined the team in 2003. With strong roots in the Tampa community, the firm’s partners bring extensive experience in design and construction and cutting-edge design expertise developed through collaboration with globally renowned architects.
Specializing in custom architectural design, Purdy + Muroff Architecture also offers services in feasibility studies, master planning, construction, and project management. With 24 years of experience, Purdy + Muroff Architecture is dedicated to providing tailored architectural solutions for their diverse clientele.
Scott Purdy, the President, is a Mississippi State University graduate, while Michael Muroff, the Vice President, holds a Bachelor’s degree in Design from the University of Pennsylvania and a Master of Architecture from Columbia University. Both partners are accredited with AIA, LEED AP, and NCARB certifications.
