
From glassy skyscrapers to forest-edge residences, Seattle architecture is deeply shaped by its natural surroundings, urban density, and technological progress. A city driven by innovation, sustainability, and equity, Seattle is home to some of the most well-known architecture firm names in the country.
All together, an architect in the Seattle, WA area makes about $1,46,077 a year, with an average salary of $1,19,788 a year.
Whether you're looking at rising towers in South Lake Union, academic institutions, or waterfront public parks, architecture firms in Seattle are blending technology, nature, and design-forward thinking. Both major studios and small architecture firms Seattle prides itself on contributing to a cityscape that’s as thoughtful as it is iconic.
These firms are building the next chapter of the Pacific Northwest. But to join them, Seattle architects today need more than design talent; they need industry-ready skills.
Top 10 Architecture Firms in Seattle
1. Miller Hull Partnership
A leader among the top ten architecture firms, Miller Hull combines expressive wood structures and green strategies in cultural and civic buildings, setting a standard for sustainable architecture firms across the U.S.
Notable Projects: U.S. Land Port of Entry, San Ysidro; Bullitt Center
Specializations: Civic, education, sustainability
Contribution: Known for shaping federal and community architecture rooted in environmental ethics and material innovation.
2. Olson Kundig
One of the most popular architecture firms, Olson Kundig fuses modernist design and rugged materials, making it a beacon for art-forward homes, museums, and residential architecture firms globally. This firm specializes in both residential and industrial designs.
Notable Projects: Tacoma Art Museum; Tippet Rise Art Center
Specializations: Residential, cultural, mixed-use
Contribution: Reinventing Pacific Northwest modernism with raw, expressive, highly personalized spaces.
3. LMN Architects
An anchor among commercial architecture firms Seattle, LMN Architects delivers high-impact, community-based spaces that shape urban connectivity, innovation, and sustainability across the public and private sectors.
Notable Projects: Seattle Convention Center; Benaroya Hall
Specializations: Urban planning, civic, education
Contribution: Designs transformative civic infrastructure and performance spaces for growing cities.
4. Weinstein A+U
Among the top architectural firms in Seattle, Weinstein A+U balances site-responsive modernism with historical sensitivity, shaping libraries, schools, and urban housing with clean lines and cultural respect.
Notable Projects: Capitol Hill Library; Urban housing developments
Specializations: Civic, education, adaptive reuse
Contribution: Preserves and progresses Seattle’s architectural heritage through intelligent, human-centered design.
5. Graham Baba Architects
Graham Baba Architects is one of the leading small architecture firms Seattle has to offer, known for crafting expressive, community-oriented spaces. Their work emphasizes material richness, thoughtful detail, and a strong connection to place.
Notable Projects: Melrose Market; Starbucks Reserve Roastery
Specializations: Retail, hospitality, reuse
Contribution: Injects soul into Seattle’s built fabric through intimate, experience-rich architecture.
6. Bohlin Cywinski Jackson (Seattle Office)
With a major presence in the Pacific Northwest, BCJ is a commercial architecture firm that is among the top American architecture firms, pushing sustainable, human-first design through iconic retail, academic, and public work.
Notable Projects: Apple Store Seattle; UBC Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences
Specializations: Commercial, institutional, cultural
Contribution: Combines transparency, warmth, and tech-forward thinking in globally celebrated work.
7. SHED Architecture & Design
As one of the most design-conscious Seattle residential architects, SHED delivers modern homes and remodels tailored for lifestyle, site, and sustainable performance. SHED provides new solutions to remodeling and rehabilitation facilities. incorporating vintage designs into new and contemporary projects.
Notable Projects: Central Area ADU; Capitol Hill House
Specializations: Residential, interiors, ADUs
Contribution: Shapes everyday living through refined design and elegant restraint.
8. ZGF Architects (Seattle Office)
ZGF Architects’ is a leader among architecture firms in Seattle Washington, recognized for sustainable, human-centered design. Their diverse portfolio spans healthcare, education, and civic projects, emphasizing innovation, collaboration, and environmental stewardship.
Notable Projects: UW Medicine facilities; Portland International Airport expansion
Specializations: Healthcare, education, aviation
Contribution: Innovates across health and science sectors through deeply integrated, high-performing design.
9. GGLO Design
A leader in mixed-use and housing, GGLO is both an architectural firm and one of the most innovative Seattle landscape architecture firms, that specializes in crafting people-first landscapes and urban settlements, fusing postmodernist and contemporary industrial designs.
Notable Projects: Pike Motorworks; Yesler Terrace
Specializations: Residential, mixed-use, urban design
Contribution: Designs walkable, equitable communities with integrated public and private environments.
10. Bassetti Architects
Respected across generations, Bassetti ranks among the best architecture firms in education, delivering engaging learning environments grounded in history, equity, and community. Bassetti tends to create new learning opportunities through its unique designs, perfect for every novice architect to learn.
Notable Projects: Roosevelt High School; Renton High School
Specializations: K–12, restoration, civic
Contribution: Inspires future generations by designing progressive, inclusive spaces for education.
How Novatr’s BIM Course Prepares Architects to Succeed in Top Firms
To thrive at architecture firms in Seattle Washington, today’s architects need more than design talent — they need digital fluency, technical depth, and collaborative intelligence. That’s where the BIM Professional Course for Architects by Novatr comes in.
Here's how Novatr helps you gain that edge:
- Master industry-standard BIM tools
Learn Revit, Navisworks, and Dynamo directly from experts working at top global firms. You'll move from beginner to project-ready through structured, mentor-led sessions. - Work on real-world design challenges
Each module mirrors the workflow of actual commercial architecture firms, from schematic design to clash detection, giving you practical, hands-on experience before stepping into a job. - Get career support tailored for architects
From personalized portfolio reviews to job prep and mock interviews, Novatr helps you confidently approach architecture firm jobs at top-tier firms in Seattle and beyond. - Earn a globally recognized certification
Stand out to hiring teams at top architecture firms in the US with an internationally accepted BIM credential that proves your competence in real-world workflows. - Join a global network of design professionals
Connect with BIM mentors, architects, and recruiters shaping the future of design. Learn from others and open doors to leadership in high-growth, sustainable architecture firms Seattle.
Still debating whether to focus on software or expertise? This Novatr blog explains how the right course solves that career dilemma.
Also, check out high-paying architecture jobs you can land with BIM skills.
Conclusion
From community libraries to waterfront towers, Seattle architecture firms continue to redefine how design responds to nature, equity, and innovation. Studios like Olson Kundig, LMN, and SHED are building a future that is green, tech-smart, and deeply rooted in the Pacific Northwest.
To join their ranks, today's architects must be digitally fluent and future-focused. That’s why the BIM Professional Course for Architects by Novatr is empowering the next generation to lead with confidence.
For more resources, trend reports, and architectural insights, visit Novatr’s Resource Page.
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