Last updated on July 4th, 2024 at 06:45 am
Lighting, ventilation, space layout, and furniture have a huge impact on guiding behavior at work. The right designer can help you create a positive workspace that encourages productivity and purpose as it accommodates different work styles and personalities.
The list below describes the best office architects in Minneapolis, Minnesota. These firms were selected for their accreditations, certifications, and professional affiliations, as well as industry awards, client reviews, and press features. Our team also discussed the range of services the firms offer, their specializations, and the length of time they have been in the industry.
Snow Kreilich Architects
219 N. Second St., Suite #120, Minneapolis, MN 55401
Operating out of its office in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Snow Kreilich Architects is a nationally recognized architecture studio with twenty-seven years of experience. The firm specializes in full architectural design services, from pre-design, planning, programming, and conceptual design exercises to final construction monitoring and administration. The firm has completed award-winning work from coast to coast as well as in Canada and the US Virgin Islands. It has also been featured in multiple media outlets, such as Architect Magazine, Architectural Digest, Building Design + Construction, Midwest Home, Forbes, and Business Insider.
The firm is led by Julie Snow, FAIA, NOMA, the founding principal and design principal Matthew Kreilich, FAIA, CID, LEED AP. Julie and Matt take an active role in every project in the studio, ensuring that the team produces architecture that delivers across all measures of design success. This allows the firm to create carefully-detailed solutions that meet the standards and expectations of clients.
One example is this new workplace for McCann Minneapolis, which features coffered ceilings, city views, a penthouse, and roof deck space. The transformed workplace creates a fluid work environment that promotes collaboration. White-washed masonry walls and concrete floors are complemented with the use of glass, pale soaped oak and light-diffusing brushed stainless steel.
MSR Design
510 Marquette Ave. South, Suite #200, Minneapolis, MN 55402
For 41 years, MSR Design has been one of the leading architectural and design firms to deliver award-winning, transformative projects. The firm designs buildings that enrich the lives of its clients, as well as the environment. Each solution is tailored to the specific requirements of its clients, ensuring a diverse mix of sustainable and equitable projects.
Thomas Meyer, Jeffrey Scherer, and Garth Rockcastle (all AIA Fellows) established the firm with the goal of creating architecture of enduring value. Today, MSR Design is a certified Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE) led by principals Traci Engel Lesneski, Dagmara Larsen, Paul Mellblom, and Matthew Kruntorad, who continue to advance the firm’s vision to enrich lives and the environment through design.
Photo copyright Lara Swimmer Photography
They guided the MSR Design team in designing the firm’s new studio on the second floor of a 1925 office building in downtown Minneapolis. Workstations around the perimeter near large windows overlook the urban setting. The dynamic environment offers the option to work based on individual focus or collaboration and promotes productivity and creativity. The juxtaposition of a solid black box inserted into the open, white perimeter areas defines and delineates the various zones. The project’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system includes enhanced air filtration, monitors, and controls for the health and well-being of staff and visitors. The project has achieved Living Building Challenge (LBC) Petal Certification for the materials, beauty, and equity petals.
DJR Architects
333 Washington Ave. N., Suite #210, Minneapolis, MN 55401
Founded in 1985, DJR is an architecture and design firm specializing in urban planning, architecture, and interior design services, from the pre-development stage to the planning, design, bidding, and construction phase. It embraces a collaborative design process to build innovative solutions that exceed client expectations. For three decades, the firm has emerged as a leader in development planning services, keeping up with the emerging trends in the industry. DJR is a member of the US Green Building Council and has Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Accredited Professionals among its staff.
Dean Dovolis is the founder, principal, and CEO of the firm. Dean completed his bachelor’s degree in architecture and environmental design from the University of Minnesota and his master’s in architecture and urban design from Harvard. He is a member of the AIA and a LEED Accredited Professional with certification from the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB). He was also honored with the 2021 Architect of the Year Award from the Minnesota Real Estate Journal (MREJ). Apart from this, his and his team’s efforts have garnered multiple accolades, such as the 2020 Blend Awards and the 2016 Finance & Commerce Top Projects.
For 37 years, the firm has developed numerous projects, ranging from multifamily, hospitality, restaurants, retail, and offices across the Twin Cities—Bank of America is an excellent example. Its two-story glass exterior is accented with Italian marble and a large, welcoming canopy. The interior consists of an inviting living room with a reception area and adjacent private offices. The teller stations are separated from the reception area, allowing a relaxed and intimate environment for clients and bankers to conduct transactions.
Cuningham
201 SE Main St., Suite 325, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55414
A professional commercial architecture firm, Cuningham has been executing hundreds of projects and gaining a strong reputation throughout the years. The firm’s president, Christy Cavataio, brings years of experience to the table. She was honored by Globe Street’s 2020 Women of Influence and was selected for her reputation as a trailblazer and innovator in commercial design. She has led the firm toward winning the 2021 ENR Mountain States Best Project Award and the 2019 AIA Minnesota Award, among others.
The firm’s range of technical knowledge provides its clients with a plethora of project design and construction solutions. On Being’s new office is a great example of Cuningham’s capabilities to fulfill a client’s concept to completion. Originally a car showroom, the design team salvaged as much as they could from the existing space, polishing the concrete and refurbishing the wood. A sound room is also integrated into the space using high-performance sound walls and a raised platform that mitigates structure-borne noise. A simple palette of black metal and wood elements provides a streamlined, natural feel throughout.
PlanForce
4931 W. 35th St., Suite #200, St. Louis Park, MN 55416
PlanForce Group has one mission: to make every square foot count. Calling it the “Power of Design,” the firm creates spaces that translate to business results. Even within the same strategic vicinity, the company understands how a specific building or area could leverage a business over its neighbors. For PlanForce Group, a profitable building has a perfect site, flexible spaces, logical flow, unique features, and modern upgrades. The firm applies these elements to the commercial architecture and interior design it provides to a wide range of clients, from national brands to local entrepreneurs. It consists of talented architects, interior designers, and marketers to offer the best possible solutions to clients from a variety of industries.
Ryan Schroeder, the president at PlanForce, implements a client-centered approach that has won the firm the 2018 STARR Award for Retail Design and the 2017 MNCAR’s Industrial Deal of the Year. This new workspace for PowerObjects is a product of the PlanForce process, melding the building’s industrial shell with a contemporary office interior design by integrating more than 200 hanging acoustical panels and modern branding. Team breakout areas have video conferencing technology and full-wall whiteboards surrounded by couches and high-top bars for informal teamwork. Numerous huddle rooms and more formal conference rooms are consistently utilized by PowerObjects staff to increase productivity.
RSP Architects
1220 Marshall St. NE, Minneapolis, MN 55413
RSP Architects is an experienced architecture firm committed to producing results that support its clients’ aspirations and goals. It was formed in 1978 and has developed diverse projects across its offices in Florida, Maryland, Minnesota, Texas, Arizona, and India, such as retail, entertainment, mixed-use, renovations, health care, life science, and restaurants. For four decades in business, the firm has worked with national and international clients, creating holistic environments for people to live, work, and thrive. The firm also extends beyond architecture by handling branded environments, experience design, and facility information management.
Principal Jon Buggy is a member of the AIA and holds a certificate from NCARB. He draws on his technical knowledge to lead his team in the creation of corporate offices such as this LEED Silver Certified US headquarters for Coloplast, a Danish medical-technology company. Work areas promote equal access design with open spaces for collaboration. The project features a fitness center, a cafeteria with indoor and outdoor seating areas, a coffee bar, and a landscaped courtyard on the main level. A fifth-floor patio overlooks the river and downtown Minneapolis.
Wilkus Architects
15 Ninth Ave., North Hopkins, MN 55343
Wilkus Architects is an architecture firm operating in Hopkins, Minneapolis, Minnetonka, Woodbury, and St. Paul. Since 1990, it has successfully developed projects across 49 states in the US, Canada, Mexico, and the Middle East. It offers a wide range of architectural and interior design services spanning many scales and complexities. For 32 years, the firm has established a portfolio of retail, commercial, restaurant, and hospitality design projects. Wilkus Architects continuously grows and thrives by forming and expanding relationships with clients and industry professionals.
Michael J. Wilkus is an exceptional leader and architect. He puts over 40 years of experience into practice in supervising Wilkus Architects. He is a certified interior designer, a member of the US Green Building Council, and a licensed architect in all 50 states. The firm was featured in numerous publications, such as Growler Magazine, The Business Journal, and Daily Coffee News for its projects.
Wilkus Architects converted a warehouse into this new office space for SixSpeed in St. Louis Park, Minnesota. The team created a dynamic design that supports Sixspeed’s functions for both production and design. The workspace consists of an open office layout, multiple flex-lounge gathering spaces, a fully functional production shop, and a full-service kitchen.
U+B Architecture and Design
2609 Aldrich Ave. S., Suite #100. Minneapolis, MN 55408
With accreditation from the International Interior Design Association (IIDA), U+B Architecture and Design, Inc. is a collaborative architectural practice specializing in residential and commercial projects. It is headquartered in Uptown Minneapolis and services Minneapolis, Cyprus, Costa Rica, and the Moroccan areas. Since its founding in 2003, the firm has taken a fresh, solution-oriented approach, providing excellent designs to its clients and maximum value. It has built numerous condominiums, apartments, townhomes, and housing units that exceed client expectations.
The firm is under the direction of Mark Burgess and Paul Udris. Both are members of the AIA and lead each project, ensuring a superior design that adheres to the standards of the organization. A display of U+B Architect & Design’s work ethic is the new LoCorr Funds office, which was once a Polynesian restaurant before being converted to an event space. The U+B team reconfigured the entry sequence and removed the existing fireplace. Utilizing glass partition walls throughout, the space evolved into a light-flooded office that feels inviting and inclusive. Sandblasting the timber-framed ceiling revealed a striking wood canopy, balanced by contemporary accents of stainless steel cable railings and flexible furniture systems. Strategic pops of blue represent the LoCorr brand and define separate spaces in the office.
UrbanWorks Architecture
901 North Third St., Suite #145, Minneapolis, MN 55401
Urbanworks Architecture LLC is a Minneapolis-based architectural firm established in 2005. It specializes in a wide array of services, including concept and feasibility, architecture, building information modeling, interior design, visualization, and a client-focused experience. The firm also extends its services in Minneapolis and nearby areas. Its comprehensive experience in the industry has allowed the firm to understand the challenges of designing and building multifamily and mixed-use structures in an evolving marketplace.
It adopts a collaborative approach in its projects, working closely with clients and interior designers to view things from different perspectives and incorporate their expertise from the very early stages of the design process. The firm is headed by managing principal Tod Elkins, an AIA member, and LEED Accredited Professional. Under his leadership, the firm was granted the Top Projects of 2017 Award, the CCM Impact Award in 2018, Property Excellence: Best New Development, Affordable, and MADACS in 2018.
One of Urbanworks’ finest works is the DC Group headquarters, located at the corner of West River Road and West Broadway. This “expand in place” office and industrial project includes a new parking structure and an addition and renovation of the existing building. The dynamic contemporary design of the addition and renovation mixes glass, metal, and concrete to reflect the high-tech business of DC Group.
RoehrSchmitt Architecture
1229 Tyler St., N.E., Crown Center, Suite #275, Minneapolis, MN 55413
Established in 2006, RoehrSchmitt Architecture, LLC was founded by Michael Roehr and Chris Schmitt, who firmly believe that excellent design requires an optimistic view of the world. The firm specializes in adaptive reuse, educational, historical, library, office, and residential projects. It operates out of its office in Minneapolis and extends its services throughout Minnesota and the Twin Cities metro area. Michael and Chris still lead the company up to this date and continue to create value for long-term clients and facilities that stand out in the marketplace. Both are certified by the American Institute of Architects and have extensive experience in architecture. Under their leadership, the firm has received many awards, including the 2019 Minneapolis AIA Heritage Preservation Award and the 2018 AIA Minneapolis Merit Award.
RoehrSchmitt is responsible for the design of this new office space for Grassroots Solutions. The main workbench at the center of the space is surrounded by a variety of opportunities to work in varying degrees of privacy and scale. Enclosed conference rooms, lounge spaces, and phone booths are detailed to highlight the historic patina and view of downtown Minneapolis from the century-old bag factory the space occupies.
Mohagen Hansen Architecture
1000 Twelve Oaks Center Dr. Suite #200, Wayzata, MN 55391
Mohagen Hansen Architecture was founded in 1989 by Mark L. Hansen and Todd Mohagen on integrity, expertise, and pride. Mohagen Hansen has been recognized in the industry for 33 years, confirming its position as a leading commercial firm. It has garnered multiple accolades, including an Award of Excellence from the Commercial Real Estate Development Association (NAIOP) and the Top Project Award from Finance & Commerce. Over the years, the firm has displayed excellence in improving business productivity through architecture and design. Its vast industry experience spans more than a hundred projects, including a wide range of building types and program requirements.
Mohagen Hansen Architecture is dedicated to producing high-quality design and construction, and its portfolio reflects that, especially in the commercial and retail sector. One of its award-winning projects is the headquarters of Cardiovascular System, Inc. The design for this facility is centered around flexibility, culture, efficiency, and employee well-being. A large portion of the interior consists of office space, while other areas include cleanrooms, labs, a break area, storage, and manufacturing areas.
Hay Dobbs
2324 University Ave. W., Suite #200, Saint Paul, MN 55114
One of the distinctive principles of Hay Dobbs is using history to unravel the design opportunities of today. For example, along with private rooms, the firm designs offices with social areas to promote teamwork and collaboration. The firm also takes on a multidisciplinary approach by integrating best practices from other sectors like civic, corporate, and public environments. Principals Gary C. Hay and Thomas E. Dobbs are the driving forces of leadership and design within the firm. They are both registered architects and Certified Interior Designers. Gary is an expert in construction, construction means and methods, and cost estimating, while Thomas has an extensive background in the design of complex addition/renovation projects as well as major new facilities. They have been instrumental in all Hay Dobbs projects, including this office space for Schwan Food Company.
The glass volume at the entrance of the building is a core element of the building. The pyramidal skylight draws attention from the outside and brings abundant natural light into the lobby of the headquarters. The transparent massing acts as a transition space between the work areas.
Christian Dean Architecture
2909 Bryant Ave S #304, Minneapolis, MN 55408
Headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Christian Dean Architecture is a full-service creative practice specializing in commercial and residential projects across Minneapolis, Cottage Grove, and surrounding areas. The firm was founded nine years ago and has sought to deliver the distinctiveness of each project it handles. It believes that compelling designs make people’s experiences of a particular place more interesting. It seeks creativity and uniqueness when working on each project. Since 2013, Christian Dean Architecture has worked with prominent businesses, such as MCBA Shop, Milkweed Editions, Kaiseki Furukawa, and Minnwest Bank.
Christian Dean owns and leads the company. He is a proud member of the American Institute of Architects and directs a group of skilled and talented design associates. The firm has garnered multiple awards, including the 2021 MSP Magazine Home Rave Awards.
Collage Architects
708 15th Ave., NE Minneapolis, MN 55413
Collage Architects is a full-service architectural design firm that was established in 2008. It specializes in urban planning, mixed-use, multi-family, commercial projects, and creating great urban environments. It has developed more than 7,000 housing projects across fifteen states. The firm caters to all aspects of the housing markets, including apartments, condominiums, single-family homes, townhomes, student housing, and senior housing.
The team consists of skilled and diverse architects and interior designers who overcome many challenges throughout the entire design process. The firm thrives with the contribution of its team’s distinct personalities and experiences in the business. They are led by Pete Keely, the president of the firm. Pete completed his bachelor’s degree in architecture from the University of Minnesota and his master’s in architecture from the University of California. He is adept in all aspects of design management, documentation, and construction, having managed his own companies: Landmark Community Builder Collaborative and the Collage Urban Design Studio. Pete and the Collage team worked with Optimistic Partners to build their office and restaurant at the heart of the North East Minneapolis Arts District. The area has been developed with artists’ studios, breweries, retail, and other commercial enterprises. The project reflects this culture and context as it houses a business incubator, two restaurants, a whiskey-cigar lounge, and the new headquarters for Collage Architects.
