Last updated on May 22nd, 2024 at 06:41 am
Noted for being the state capital of the state of Florida, Tallahassee houses a variety of commercial structures and historic buildings. It is also called home by Florida State University, in addition to over 30 state agencies. This list is a showcase of ten of Tallahassee’s best and leading commercial architects behind some of its most impressive and noteworthy commercial spaces. These architects have had the opportunity to work on countless headquarters for a variety of household brands.
DAG Architects
850 S. Gadsden St. Suite 140, Tallahassee, FL 32301
With over four decades of industry experience, DAG Architects operated out of its office in Tallahassee. It prides itself on being among the largest architectural firms in the Florida Panhandle and has also had the opportunity to work all across the southeast and the Caribbean. The firm maintains affiliations with organizations like the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), which assures clients that all of its work is site responsive and environmentally friendly. DAG Architects is the proud recipient of numerous regional and state design awards and was honored with the State of Florida’s prestigious Firm of the Year award in 2007 and 2020. At the firm’s helm is its founder, Charles W. Clary III. He is a proud Fellow of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), which is the highest honor the organization bestows upon its members.
The depicted project showcases the company’s work for Brighten Park. For this, the firm’s team was talented with having to redesign the space for its extensive renovation. It is a unique mix of organic grocery, retail, dining, and services. The space primarily features a sleek and modern design catered for the high-end shopper.
Architects Lewis + Whitlock
206 W. Virginia St., Tallahassee, FL 32301
Founded in 2000, Architects Lewis + Whitlock offers a complete range of design and architectural services. It is Tallahassee-based and has had the opportunity to work in some of the best districts in North and Central Florida, in addition to South Florida. Since its inception, the company has grown to become among the area’s best award-winning, multi-disciplinary design firms. Its comprehensive services include not only architecture but also planning, interior design, and sustainability, ensuring unique design solutions. The project below is an example of the firm’s talent and expertise.
Located in Tallahassee, this photo depicts the company’s work on the Domi Station, an incubator for start-up businesses. This project entailed an extensive renovation of an old warehouse. The firm’s team had to take into consideration its original brick shell, existing walls, and restrooms. The project now features open office spaces, private offices, college incubator studios, a lounge, and meeting spaces.
EMI Architects
251 East 7th Ave., Tallahassee, FL 32303
With countless features on Florida/Caribbean Architect, EMI Architects has been in business since 1972. It is personally led by its principal, Elliott Marshall Innes, an experienced professional under whose leadership the company has become known for its architectural, interior design, and planning services. The company extends its work throughout the southeast and has had the opportunity to curate an impressive portfolio for itself. It depicts a great gallery of community colleges and universities, K-12 school boards, military bases, medical facilities, in addition to countless private clients. The company credits its success to the experience and unique skills of its talented staff.
The firm assists its clients throughout the entire process, from start to finish. This includes conceptual ideas and 3D models, which allow for little to almost no major revisions throughout the entire process. The project above showcases the firm’s work for Urban Outfitters. For this, the firm’s team opted for brick exteriors and an industrial theme for its interiors.
Barnett Fronczak Barlowe & Shuler Architects
2074 Centre Pointe Blvd. Suite #200, Tallahassee, FL 32308
Barnett Fronczak Barlowe & Shuler Architects is the product of the vision of its four founders and namesakes, Richard R. Barnett, David Fronczak, Douglas S. Barlowe, and Doug Shuler. They oversee a staff of eleven talented and experienced professionals, who together, have won countless awards from the AIA and other historic trust organizations. They have worked across North Florida and South Georgia and offer the firm’s clients over four decades of collective industry experience. The firm also prides itself in having several staff members who are Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Accredited Professionals. This ensures that its facilities are up to code with the USGBCl’s green building program. The project below is a great example of the company’s work.
Designed for Florida State University, this project was finished in 2009. It cost around $15 million and entailed having to design a state-of-the-art conferencing facility, several teaching spaces, and parking. The project also houses a 350-seat auditorium, a dining room, and a catering kitchen. Some other impressive rooms include its eight breakout rooms, executive boardroom, and computer classrooms.
BKJ Architecture
1621 Physicians Dr., Tallahassee, FL 32308
BKJ Architecture specializes in commercial architecture and provides innovative solutions to otherwise complex and challenging work. It offers a full range of architectural services and is led by its founder, Bonnie Davenport. She is both a licensed architect and a general contractor. Under Davenport’s vision, the firm has worked on a wide variety of projects ranging from small tenant improvements to complex, large-scale, multi-million dollar new commercial construction. BKJ maintains a highly hands-on approach, which has resulted in outstanding reviews and industry accolades. It was recently honored to have been featured in Florida/Caribbean Architect. Showcased below is one of the firm’s best works.
Completed for Hamilton Realty, this project spans around 1,498 square feet. It entailed having to work on the interior buildout of existing shell space. For this, the firm’s team had to design an all-new open lobby, a media room, and several offices. It features a great and clean modern aesthetic and minimalist finishes.
Conn Architects
1960-C Buford Blvd., Tallahassee, FL 32308
Since its establishment, Conn Architects has worked with some of Tallahassee’s best and leading household brands. These include Vale Food Co., Proof Brewing, and Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare. It is composed of a talented and experienced team of professionals, who together, have been working in and around the southeast for the greater part of three decades. Its portfolio showcases extensive experience designing spaces for the retail, workplace, medical, hospitality, and residential markets. The firm is led by its president and namesake, Michael A. Conn. He draws inspiration from over three decades of industry experience and has worked with both private and public clients for countless signature buildings in Tallahassee.
The photo above depicts the firm’s work for Metz, Husband, and Daughton. It was finished in 2015 and spans around 3,800 square feet. Located in the heart of downtown Tallahassee, the firm’s team was tasked with this project’s revamping and comprehensive redesign. Some of its best features include its all-new glass-wall conference room, reception area, break room, and various open office spaces. Our editorial team loved its use of earth tones, custom light fixtures, and its overall modern feel.
CRA Architects
2027 Thomasville Rd., Tallahassee, FL 32308
Headquartered in Tallahassee, CRA Architects is an award-winning national firm that also has offices in Panama City and Thomasville, Georgia. It makes use of only the best materials and innovative techniques. The company focuses on not only architecture but also planning, interior design, construction, and program management. With over six decades of industry experience, CRA Architects’ portfolio provides insight into a gallery of public safety, education, and healthcare spaces. It has also worked on countless historical, corporate, religious, and library spaces. The company is affiliated with the USGBC and is proud to have one of its works reach Gold Certification, the first of its kind in Tallahassee.
The project above was designed and completed for the Tallahassee Memorial Hospital. It features an all-new women’s pavilion. The section of its portfolio dedicated to healthcare facilities depicts several impressive outpatient clinics, doctor’s offices, and pharmacy departments. We were also impressed by its laboratories, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities.
Dodstone Architects
3011 1 Powell Rd., Tallahassee, FL 32308
Dodstone Architects opened its doors in 2006 and extends its services throughout Tallahassee. It assists all of its clients from start to finish. The firm’s architectural services include new construction and renovations, planning and design, as well as programming. It also works on LEED Sustainable designs, 3D renderings, and uses BIM techniques. This allows for little to almost no revisions throughout the entire process. Since its establishment, the company has been the proud recipient of countless accolades from the AIA and the ABC North Florida. The company is overseen by its founding principal, Jodie Dodson. He offers the firm’s clients with nearly three decades of industry experience and holds an architecture degree from the E. Fay Jones School of Architecture. He has had the privilege of serving as the president and director of the AIA Tallahassee Chapter and currently serves as the Tallahassee Building Code Magistrate.
The chosen project was designed for Southview. Located in Tallahassee, this space was finished in 2019 and spans over 40,000 square feet. For this project, the firm heavily took inspiration from Southview’s site and opted for an excellent open and collaborative design. It maximized the site’s natural light and further emphasized this with wood finishes and minimalist touches.
Architecture By Design
1022 Holland Dr., Tallahassee, FL 32301
Architecture By Design is the proud recipient of countless industry awards and since its inception, has curated an outstanding reputation for itself. Its awards include the Eagle Award from the ABC as well as a LEED Platinum Certification for the USGBC. The firm is the product of the vision of its founder, Kevin Sossong. He is a sole practitioner in Tallahassee and holds an architecture degree from the Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago. In terms of design, the company’s portfolio showcases a great range of modern and traditional inspired spaces.
The photo above is an excellent example of the firm’s talent and expertise. It was completed in 2012 for the Envision Credit Union. It is a local and full-service credit union. The project spans over 3,000 square feet and entailed the design of a corner entry with a curved canopy alongside a four-sided tower. Inside, it has several workstations and an open concept floor plan.
JRA Architects
2551 Blairstone Pines Dr., Tallahassee, FL 32301
Founded in 1975, JRA Architects specializes in master planning, programming, design, and construction. The JRA prides itself on completing its projects on time and within the agreed-upon budget, tailoring its processes to fit each clients’ unique visions and needs. The company has two offices, Tallahassee and Panama City Beach, and has since become an expert in a wide variety of architectural vernaculars. The project below is an outstanding example of the firm’s talent and expertise.
The owners of Kraft Nissan selected Architects to design the new showroom and service building for their recently acquired Infiniti dealership in Tallahassee. The new 12,000 square foot facility s located adjacent to the existing Nissan Showroom and houses a contains a four-car showroom and a two lane air-conditioned service bay. Other features include a glass enclosed car delivery area, client service waiting area, reception area, Sales waiting room, and sales offices.
