Top 5 Architects in Houston 

Founded in 1965, Gensler Houston’s most distinct service is its Digital Experience Design.

What we love about the said service is its integration with physical exhibits, especially for museums. The designs usually use giant LED touchscreens to make the building more interactive through technology. 

An example of the company’s Digital Experience Design is the Houston Museum of Natural Science’s Paleontology Hall. We’re amazed at how the company integrated projected videos and lighting to complement the fossil exhibits.

It’s also splendid that the company uses these design styles when creating fixtures and statues. They’ll use colorful LED lights to accentuate the details of the statue.

As a bonus, these LED lights can also be controlled to create spectacular light shows and exhibitions.

Although, clients must take note that design services from this company cost a bit more than others. The price is due to the company’s popularity and its expertise. It’s also inconvenient that the company hotlines are busy during peak hours.

Still, Gensler Houston has around 52 facilities around the world, with 33 of those in North America. We think it’s perfect for businesses with multiple offices across the US, as the company can quickly provide design services to many locations.

What we love about StudioMET Architects is its focus on modern design styles for residential houses.

When creating designs, the architects of this firm always take the views of the house into consideration. They’ll strategically position windows in areas with sprawling greenery to provide clients with some relaxing sights while in their houses.

In terms of aesthetics, the houses that this firm designed heavily features wide rectangular structures, muted colors, and flat roofs. We think the houses look like abstract paintings with elements of Neo-Plasticism in them.

It’s also wonderful that this firm also offers construction services, which takes away the burden of finding another company to build your home.

While the company provides simple geometric elements in its drawings, its building process takes a long time. If you ever contracted this company to construct your house, you may need to wait at least 3 years for it to finish.

The firm also has a smaller team of 3 architects, which may prevent them from serving you if they’re handling many clients at the same time.

Regardless, StudioMET Architects takes the time to guide people in picking a layout for their houses. The architects would suggest floor plans based on the number of people that’ll live in the house and the needs of the clients.

Collaborative Designworks’s specialty is designing buildings using Brutalist architecture.

We’re in awe of the company’s systematic use of concrete and glass to make their building designs look enormous and monolithic. Their style also highlights the beauty of the material used by showcasing the texture of stone and the iridescent glow of glass.

The company’s lake house designs are also wonderful to look at. With glass walls and a curved, flat roof, the lighting creates an illusion that makes the structure look like a boat floating on top of the water.

When it comes to commercial design, they also apply the same Brutalist style to these structures. In our opinion, these establishments look more gigantic and noticeable from afar, making them stand out from surrounding buildings.

Business owners must consider making their buildings unique to make them easier for their customers to remember. This style works well with firms that need a unique ambiance like clubs, galleries, restaurants, and others.

Although, the company’s design offerings are a bit limited. If you don’t prefer their style, you may find it difficult to find one from the firm that suits you.

Also, their design rates are also more costly than other companies.

Despite that, it’s great that Collaborative Designworks is transparent with the cost of its services. They make sure to send a breakdown of the cost to the client so that they know what they’re paying for.

Since 1971,  Kirksey Architecture has been designing buildings with a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certificate, which is proof of the building’s eco-friendly design issued by the U.S. Green Building Council.

It’s amazing that the company ensures that all the items in the LEED checklist are addressed, including the use of renewable materials, water use reduction, and others. They also aim to create carbon-neutral buildings to minimize greenhouse emissions.

Take note that the Houston Government offers LEED-certified business incentives like property tax breaks of up to 15% for 10 years depending on the LEED level. 

We think it’s useful for big corporations to invest in this certificate for them to save money from taxes. More importantly, it’ll also help in protecting the environment and mitigating the harm done to it.

Although, the company focuses on working with commercial establishments so you may need to find other providers if you need an architect for residential projects. 

Also, given its commitment to green architecture, the company’s designs may require more expensive materials compared to designs that use conventional materials.

Despite the cost, it’s great that Kirksey Architecture’s buildings cost less to operate due to measures that lessen the use of utilities like electricity and water.

The element that drew us to AMB Architects is its designs for restaurants and retail stores. 

When it comes to the ambience, the architects know how to style the building to fit the type of establishment they’re designing. We think it’s a great addition as it helps the business set the mood so they can sell more.

For fancy restaurants, the firm uses darker glass and dimmer lighting to make the atmosphere more elegant and romantic. For retail food stores, they use bright lights and wide windows to highlight the meals the business is selling

The exterior design of the company is also spotless, with the use of brick walls evoking  a Parisian cafe feel perfect for outdoor dining.

Despite its exquisite designs, the firm doesn’t have residential design services. They also offer fewer commercial-related designs despite focusing on the said area.

Still, we like how AMB Architects uses virtual reality glasses to guide clients with their building designs.

After the 3D rendering is finished, the architects will ask the client to go to their office and explore the finished model. What’s great about this is it enables people to explore the building’s exterior in real time.

The company also sells these glasses and models to brokers and real estate agents so that they can use those to give their customers a virtual tour.