Last updated on May 21st, 2024 at 01:12 am
Milwaukee, the largest city in Wisconsin, is a haven for innovative and creative environments. Commercial buildings and the likes have turned into a necessity, especially in a bustling city like Milwaukee. From local to international firms, commercial architects cover Milwaukee, Wisconsin, who provide clients nothing but top-notch quality and service.
On this list are the 15 top-ranking commercial architects in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, which our editors compiled based on expertise, staff, and projects.
Dan Beyer Architects
225 St. Paul Ave. #303 Milwaukee, WI 53202
Dan Beyer Architects was established in 2015 by Dan Beyer. He graduated from the University of Minnesota with a Bachelor of Architecture and has since spent 15 years gathering experience from Milwaukee’s largest firms.
To create innovative places, Dan Beyer Architects prioritizes a practical approach when it comes to solving problems. Its in-house services include interactive programming and planning, complete architectural and interior design, and comprehensive project management. The firm does hospitality, office, retail, education, and residential projects.
Featured here is one of the firm’s retail projects. Longview is a retail development project providing a solution to the location’s issues on expensive excavations. The structure is designed to offer a flexible interior layout and an appealing, warm, and welcoming atmosphere. A large plaza in front of the building provides a significant pedestrian-scaled space that serves as a buffer between the parking lot and the retail units.
PURE architecture studio, LLC
735 N Water Street, Suite 1228 Milwaukee, WI 53202
PURE architecture studio, LLC is a small architectural firm specializing in creating refined places for living and working. Its design system is always customer-driven and interactive. It develops tailored solutions to satisfy its clients’ specific needs, and it is a firm believer in the power of good design to influence satisfaction.
The two pioneers behind the firm are Bob Rowe and Adam Almquist. They are both Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professionals (LEED AP) and associates of the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB). With over 15 years of experience and dedication, they established the firm to integrate smart and sustainable methods in their design.
One example of the firm’s green projects is Avaii Wealth Management. This new corporate headquarters building includes prefinished metal cladding, gray brick veneer, and black aluminum storefront components in a modern, attractive design.
Aro Eberle Architects
116 King St. Suite 202, Madison, WI 53703
Aro Eberle Architects makes sure to bring creative design to each project to satisfy every client’s needs. The firm was spearheaded by Matt Aron, an industry veteran, and currently has a team of specialized personnel dedicated to catering to clients.
The firm has worked on projects in numerous industries, including science and technology, higher education, healthcare, laboratories, hospitality, civic, commercial offices, and retail. An example of its commercial projects is the Yahara Bay Distillers. This facility includes a three-still production area, a barrel-aging rick house, a full-service bar/tasting room, a 180-person event space, an art gallery and small event space, retail space, bottling, warehouse, and distribution facilities. Aro Eberle also developed the tour and the experience’s environmental graphics.
Galbraith Carnahan Architects
6404 West North Avenue Wauwatosa, Wisconsin 53213
For Galbraith Carnahan Architects, sustainability and historic preservations are hallmarks of its methods and designs. The firm believes that it has a responsibility in the future generations and the environment they reside in. It also believes that historic preservation is the most sustainable practice and resides itself on its notion when executing high performance.
The firm was founded by Joe Galbraith and Nick Carnahan, with a degree of Masters of Architecture. Together, they lead the firm and strive to deliver first-rate quality and sustainability to their clients.
The firm specializes in residential and commercial designs, with numerous options to choose from. One particular project is the Halquist Stone. It features designs and functionalities which give off a complimenting effect to the theme. Large expanses of glass allow natural light to flood the structure’s interior, which is necessary to ascertain the hue of stone as it will look on the exterior. The display room’s massive two-story volume attracts clients upon entry, allows outdoor light to bounce further into its space, and offers the necessary height for a sales mezzanine. The sculptural steel stairs up to the sales office provide a visual and aural connection between the sales personnel and the sales floor.
JLA Architects
311 E. Chicago St., Suite 240, Milwaukee, WI 53202
JLA Architects is a remarkable firm led by a team of experts under the established vision of the principal architect, Joseph Lee. The firm believes in giving back to the community and has done so through volunteers, donations, support to charities, and the like.
The firm offers a comprehensive process of assisting clients, from project feasibility to final marketing. It also provides different designs and constructions, as seen in the portfolio. One commercial complex completed by the firm is Buck & Honey’s restaurant. It features a dark color palette for the feeling of togetherness and coziness and uses materials and furniture of the same theme.
Engberg Anderson Architects
320 E Buffalo St, Suite 500 Milwaukee, WI 53202
For many architects and their respective firms, forming an interactive collaboration with clients to build a refined space is a significant part of the business. The same is true for Engberg Anderson Architects, founded by Chuck Engberg and Keith Anderson.
Engberg Anderson Architects is a firm that believes in a collaborative, consensus-building approach to design. It encourages all project stakeholders to become active participants in the design process, allowing them to completely express their vision and brand while also meeting their needs.
An example of collaborative work between the firm and its clients is the GLOSS Nail Spa. It is an award-winning project that stands out from the other nail spas in the area. It features a tranquil yet vibrant color palette that mixes organic and elegant aspects. A shiny white Nail Bar serves cocktails and manicures beneath a suspended soffit of woven bamboo anchored by a dark stained concrete floor and luxury vinyl tiles.
Quorum Architects Inc
3112 West Highland Blvd Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53208
Quorum Architects, Inc. is a full-service architectural firm with renovations as its expertise. With Allyson Nemec at the helm of the establishment, it has curated a team of design professionals: architects, a landscape architect, and interior designers, including four LEED Accredited Professionals. This diverse team of experts is issued to cater to clients’ needs.
The firm provides a portfolio that has a set of various projects. From workspaces to the actual housing, the firm is set to take on any request. One example of its impressive projects is Rogers Behavioral Health: Oconomowoc. It includes a modern approach to the design, with a light theme and vinyl flooring for a minimalist take. It also has high-end furniture to complement the theme further.
Continuum Architects + Planners
751 N. Jefferson Street, Suite 200, Milwaukee, WI 53202
Continuum Architects + Planners was founded in 1996 with a vision of providing high-quality design without losing careful attention and planning to detail. With several accreditations (such as AIA) and awards (Vision Award for Ingenuity), Continuum Architects + Planners have served clients with dedication and will continue to practice such methods.
The given example below is a renovation of a commercial establishment. It is a transformation of a dilapidated structure into a thriving cafe. Orenda Cafe had a total makeover, including a bright new front with plenty of storefront glass and cementitious cladding. In addition, new siding, parapets, and cornices were installed on the outside. The new front helped to revitalize the community while also increasing visibility within the restaurant.
EUA
333 East Chicago Street Milwaukee, WI 53202
With more than 200 professionals on the team and 114 years of architectural experience under its belt, EUA is an award-winning architectural firm best known for designing environments that elevate people’s potential. It works in Milwaukee, Madison, and Denver where its team demonstrates unparalleled commitment to the markets, communities and clients they serve. It specializes in several markets including education, workplace, healthcare, senior living, industrial, mixed-use, community and science + technology. The firm’s Milwaukee office works with some of the largest corporations in Wisconsin, with current work at Komatsu Mining HQ, Rite Hite HQ, Johnson Controls, Northwestern Mutual and more.
EUA was recently declared the largest Milwaukee-area architectural firm by the Milwaukee Business Journal. One of recent notable projects from the firm is being Architect of Record for the Fiserv Forum, home of the Milwaukee Bucks, the 2021 NBA National Champions. EUA led the design of 80% of all interior spaces, including all concourse food and beverage areas, all club areas and suites including the Owner’s suite and BMO Club, the pro shop, Marquette locker room, and much more. Additionally, EUA designed the Milwaukee Buck’s training center known as The Froedtert & Medical College of Wisconsin Sports Science Center, one of the top NBA practice facilities in the country.
RINKA
756 N Milwaukee St. Suite #250, Milwaukee, WI 53202
In 2006 Matt Rinka established his firm RINKA — a design collective specializing in creative problem-solving and innovative placemaking. In just 15 years, RINKA has worked over 15 states in the U.S. and has accumulated more than 200 projects in Milwaukee county alone. This firm has won more than 75 awards including 5 AIA Design Awards, 9 ASID Wisconsin Awards, and multiple local real estate and architectural awards.
RINKA specializes in creating impactful experiences for clients through creative problem-solving and innovative planning and design. It has a diverse architectural practice that incorporates inspirational designs with pragmatic and functional solutions.
Its portfolio encompasses a wide range of project types such as restaurants, breweries, retail, hospitality, mixed-use, multifamily, office, and master planning. Featured here is the firm’s work on the Milwaukee Bucks Deer District. Located at the heart of a multi-phase downtown development, this project has become the City’s new “Living Room” where over 65,000 fans recently gathered to watch the Milwaukee Bucks win the NBA Championship.
Madisen Maher Architects
700 West Virginia St. Suite #604, Milwaukee, WI 53204
AIA affiliates and Bachelor of Science attainers Erik Madisen and Sean Maher founded Madisen Maher Architects in 2012. Although the firm has only started, its quality continues to get better. Madisen Maher Architects uses proven effective practices such as listening, thought leadership, and collaboration to build spaces that reflect the clients.
The given example below is a corporate/commercial office dubbed as Klement’s Sausage Company. A corporate board room with the latest A/V technology and a demonstration kitchen to display Klement’s product-based recipes for visiting clients and vendors are two primary design components.
Plunkett Raysich Architects, LLP
209 South Water Street Milwaukee, WI 53204
Plunkett Raysich Architects, LLP (PRA) is a multi-award-winning firm dedicated to providing clients innovative and creative designs. Its staff is organized into a studio/team format, with over 85 people working under ten principals, to focus resources and collaboration on client projects, resulting in excellent services.
With over 86 years of experience, PRA is dedicated to assisting clients in realizing their vision and exceeding their objectives, regardless of the project. Corporate, Healthcare, Dental, Senior Living, K-12 Education, Higher Education, Civic, Religious, Residential, Hospitality, and Interior Design are among the specialized markets with thorough understanding and expertise.
One of the firm’s featured projects is the North Shore Bank. It is a reconstruction and renovation of a historic structure. The interior uses a blue and green color scheme that is consistent across all branches. With new metal paneling to reflect North Shore Bank’s brand, the new brick exterior echoes the language of the old masonry home. It was also outfitted with cutting-edge technology to keep up with the competition.
Strang
W238N1610 Busse Road, Suite 102 Waukesha, WI 53188
For other architectural firms, interactive collaboration and planning between them and clients are fundamentals. For Strang, it takes it a step further. Aside from inclusive approaches and comprehensive discourse, it also implements virtual reality to show clients better its innovative designs and 3-d models.
The firm has earned several awards since its inception. One such award is the Energy Efficiency Excellence Awards for 2020 by WPS Health Solutions. This particular award is a testament to the sustainable, state-of-the-art approach of Strang. Another notable feature about the firm is that it also earned the first WELL Gold certification in Wisconsin.
To serve as an example, the given project below is Summit Credit Union Headquarters. This six-story structure is a landmark in the Cottage Grove community, located along the interstate route that connects Madison and Milwaukee. Administrative offices, a credit union branch with drive-up tellers, training rooms, and wellness facilities are among the building’s attractions. Walking trails and outdoor active recreation areas, including an outdoor dining area, are among the site’s facilities.
