
Milwaukee’s skyline tells a story. It is praised for its diverse styles, iconic landmarks, and preservation efforts. From the city's commercial buildings to its designed public spaces, the city is home to architectural firms that are shaping its future. The growth of the Architectural Services segment has been high over the last three years, with a good 9.4% annual growth compounded to $65.7 billion in 2024.
Milwaukee's architecture is praised for its historical significance in the country, with a mix of architectural styles and modern designs. From the magnificent buildings of the early 20th century to breathtaking structures like the Milwaukee Art Museum, the city shows a deep respect for its past while embracing modern designs.
This guide will introduce you to 10 of the top architectural firms in Milwaukee and explore how Novatr’s BIM courses are helping professionals thrive in a fast-changing industry.
Top 10 Architectural Firms in Milwaukee
1. Plunkett Raysich Architects (PRA)
PRA is a leading architecture firm in Milwaukee that has been serving clients since 1935. With almost a century of experience and innovation, their architects, interior designers, and graphic artists are flexible and work in any “design style” to fit the client's needs.
Notable work: University of South Florida, Sarasota, Numerous healthcare centers
Specialization: Education, healthcare, religious facilities
Contributions: Redefined public and institutional design
2. HGA Architects and Engineers
This is one of the largest and most popular architectural design firms in Milwaukee. They create meaningful spaces with a focus on sustainability, making them leaders in designing spaces that serve both function and community.
Notable projects: Norman Regional Stephenson Cancer Center, United Methodist Church of the Resurrection, and the Mirage sculpture at Apple Park.
Specialization: Commercial, Healthcare, residential, and civic projects.
Contribution: Advanced healthcare and educational architecture across Milwaukee
3. Johnsen Schmaling Architects
Johnsen Smaling Architects is an architectural firm known for its technical expertise and making designs that are functional and emotionally impactful due to their design ideology known as “poetic realism.” Their projects often blend well with the surrounding environment, showing a deep respect for nature and community values.
Notable projects: Topo house, OS house, camouflage house
Specialization: Cultural, residential, and commercial projects
Contribution: elevated Milwaukee's national profile through award-winning residential and public projects due to its cultural and modern aesthetic
4. Kahler Slater
Kahler Slater is one of the top architecture firms in Milwaukee. They do architecture, interior design, and environmental branding to reflect and elevate the client’s identity.
Notable projects: Hilton Garden Inn, The Milwaukee Art Museum
Specializations: Healthcare, Hospitality, and higher education
Contributions: Reimagining Milwaukee's civic and cultural spaces
5. Zimmerman architectural studios
Zimmerman is a client-centered architecture firm with over a century of experience. They deliver high-quality, innovative designs that fit the client's needs and voice. They are also experts in designing healthcare, educational, corporate, industrial, and recreational environments.
Notable projects: City of Middle Town police department, Madison College, Brookfield Christian Reformed Church
Specialization: commercial, education, healthcare, and civic projects
Contribution: preserved Milwaukee's architectural legacy while advancing modern needs
6. Stephen Perry Smith Architects
An award-winning Milwaukee architecture firm known for balancing beauty and practicality. They focus on details and personalize the process for their clients, which leads to timeless results, rooted in quality and lasting value.
Notable projects: E1 and E2 at Fox Town, The Reef Apartments, The Annex
Specialization: commercial, residential, education, corporate, and hospitality projects
Contribution: The firm has contributed to Milwaukee's urban renewal by creating a modern workspace that energizes the city.
7. Galbraith Carnahan Architects (GCA)
A top commercial architecture firm in Milwaukee with a team of creative minds committed to sustainable and thoughtful design. They are well known for creating smart, functional spaces without compromising the planet through energy-efficient homes and eco-friendly commercial projects.
Notable projects: The African American Chamber of Commerce, The Green Bay Children's Museum, The Iron Horse Hotel
Specialization: Commercial and residential buildings
Contribution: Introduced sustainability and eco-friendly designs
8. Wade Weissman Architecture
Wade Weissman is one of the most influential architecture firms in Milwaukee, known for their unique, sustainable design. They do heirloom estates, master plans, and renovations. Their personalised approach leads to luxurious designs that reflect a client's needs.
Their collaborative and client-focused process makes them stand out and be among the top architectural firms in Milwaukee.
Notable projects: Lake Club Cabin, Midwest Greenhouse, Lakeside escape, Midwest Lake house
Specializations: Custom residential architecture
Contributions: This firm has added a touch of elegance and historical relevance to Milwaukee's architectural narrative
9. JLA Architects
JLA Architects is a dynamic and full-service firm with a regional and national footprint. Their flexibility and range make them a go-to for high-impact projects. As a full-service architectural firm, they assist with projects from building, construction, and final marketing.
Notable projects: 22 Slate, 502 East Washington, Baylofts, East Park apartments
Specializations: Affordable housing, education, retail and restaurants, corporate designs
Contributions: Expanded the city's urban core through housing and recreation hubs
10. Design Group Three
Design Group Three is a residential architecture firm with a loyal following. They focus on what homeowners want and deliver it beautifully. With nearly 40 years of experience, they are a confident architectural firm that believes their work speaks for them.
Notable projects: The elegant beach drive kitchen, numerous personalised home projects
Specializations: Renovations, architecture, and construction
Contributions: They have designed personalized homes that reflect Milwaukee's character
How Novatr Is Training Architects for the BIM-Driven Future
As the industry changes, Novatr presents an agile Building Information Modeling (BIM) course, which will empower architects who want to excel in either regional or multinational environments. This course represents an impressive move forward in terms of architectural training, matched to the current industry needs.
Along with its unique benefits, Novatr’s BIM course also offers the following features:
- Expert Mentorship: The program attracts industry greats and the masters of architecture who mentor the participants, providing them with meaningful advice and handson perception of things from the top level of their trade.
- Career Advancement Support: Novatr provides comprehensive placement assistance, such as portfolio-building guidance and access to specific global job listings for architecture.
- Adaptive Learning Modalities: In order that students and practical architects are not left out because of their busy schedules, the course offers flexible online modules that work around other commitments.
- Experiential Project-Based Curriculum: Novatr´s primary learning technique is based on practical work with real architectural projects, where the immediate skill development is trained and actual.
Novatr’s BIM training gives you a competitive edge, especially if you want to work in leading firms like the ones above.
Conclusion
Milwaukee’s architecture firms are making statements through designs that honor history, innovate, and reflect the city. If you want to grow in this field, learning future-proof skills like the BIM professional course for architects by Novatr is your ticket to success. This program prepares architects for roles in leading architecture firms.
Visit our resource page to explore more resources and expert guidance on advancing your career.
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