
Tampa, Florida, is a glorious destination rich in architectural diversity. It is bestowed with over-the-top coasters, rare wildlife, and authentic culture and cuisine. Here, you’ll find Cuban and Spanish architectural influence in areas like Ybor City, neighbourhoods with 20th-century bungalow designs, and sleek skyscrapers downtown.
The downtown development in Tampa, Florida, mainly focuses on residential and office spaces, shaping the kind of projects most architects work on.
Furthermore, the broader outlook for architectural careers remains steady. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the job market for architects in the USA is projected to grow 8% from 2023 to 2033, indicating a steady demand for architects.
Top 10 Architecture Firms in Tampa FL
1. Asd|Sky
One of the top architecture firms, this firm mainly works on creating contextual designs that are diverse, equitable and sustainable for their projects. Established in 1963, they offer interiors, architectural, landscape, and graphic design services to multiple firms.
Specialisations: Residential, Commercial, Educational, Healthcare, Hospitality, Transportation, Science/Technology, Security/Defence, Civic, Government
Notable Work: Contributions to the Water Street Tampa development
Contribution: Contributes to the built environment through its work in architecture, interior design, and landscape architecture
2. Api Plus
Abell Garcia, the principal architect of the firm, has extensive experience in the restoration of historic sites. His team has completed various projects throughout Tampa. This Tampa architecture firm has a strategy-driven approach and has garnered leading names in the industry such as Walmart, Universal Studios, ShopRite and more.
Specialisations: Residential, Commercial, Educational, Hospitality, Cultural, Sports/Entertainment, Civic.
Notable Work: Restoration of St. Paul Church, Port Tampa Library, MacFarlane Park, F.M.M. Auditorium, and more.
Contribution: Designing the new visual identity for the seven downtown neighbourhoods in Tampa
3. Balber Architecture Inc
Belber Architecture is a nationally recognised Tampa architecture firm with several industry awards. The firm specialises in sustainable design practices, and its work embodies cost-effective solutions that combine functionalism with aesthetic sophistication. Their projects have been highlighted on CNN Evening News, radio reports, and several publications.
Specialisations: Residential, Commercial, Office/ Retail
Notable Work: Aurora Awards for Detached Single Family Homes and Remodelling/Rehabilitation/Historical Restoration, a Governor's Business Award, and more
Contribution: Contributes to the architectural landscape in Tampa through a variety of projects and services, including architectural design, interior design, civil engineering, and more
4. Ann Cox
Ann Cox Design Studio works with new construction, renovation, and furnishings using a modern luxury design approach. The firm meets you in the middle of the design experience and inspiration from your life. It focuses on creating a curated environment that is functional and uniquely you. Every project is centred on a unique combination of colours and textures with one-of-a-kind accessories, making it one of the top architecture firms in Tampa FL.
Specialisations: Residential
Notable Work: Modern penthouses and homes to commercial spaces like La Sétima Natural Wine Bar
Contribution: Personalised design services, including new builds, renovations, and custom furnishings
5. Baker Barrios
This Tampa architecture firm approaches projects with the 3Ps of design: Presence (look), Purpose (function) and Persona (feel). Founded in 1993, the firm now has 160+ architects and specialists and is a nationally recognized company. It has an active portfolio encompassing nearly every market sector, including hospitality.
Specialisations: Residential, Commercial, Educational, Healthcare, Hospitality, Cultural, Industrial, Sports/Entertainment
Notable Work: Tampa Convention Centre
Contribution: Design of mixed-use projects and renovations of prominent buildings like the Tampa Convention Centre
6. Bdg Architects
The firm was founded in 1989, and what started as a small team in Tampa is now covering projects nationwide. Driven by respect for social, environmental, and economic factors, the firm actively explores contextual trends and cutting-edge technology in every project.
Specialisations: Residential, Commercial, Educational, Healthcare, Hospitality, Sports/Entertainment
Notable Work: Sun Communities Clubhouses, Rome Yard Mixed-use development, St. Pete Pier Restaurants, and more.
Contribution: Design of Feeding Tampa Bay's Causeway Centre
7. Alvaro Rodriguez Architects
Alvaro Rodriguez Architects have experience spanning over three decades. The Tampa architecture firm offers a comprehensive portfolio of Architectural Design Services (Schematic Design and Development Design), Construction Documents and Specifications, and Construction Permitting. The firm takes client satisfaction as paramount and delivers high-quality designs that exceed expectations.
Other services that the firm provides include Site Design, Landscape Design, Zoning, Analysis, Feasibility Studies, and Space Planning.
Specialisations: Residential, Commercial, Office/ Retail
Notable Work: Known for its work on a contemporary residence with straight lines and rectangular volumes, creating a spacious and functional interior
Contribution: Various architectural projects and services, including design, construction, and community engagement
Also Read: Why an Architect should do BIM Architecture Course 2025
8. Ayres Associates
Ayres Associates extends its services to clients throughout Tampa and beyond. It specialises in architectural, engineering, and geospatial solutions, with particular expertise in infrastructure development projects.
Specialisations: Residential, Commercial, Educational, Healthcare, Hospitality, Cultural, Industrial, Sports/Entertainment, Transportation, Science/Technology, Security/Defence, Civic, Government
Notable Work: Designed the Sheboygan CTH J Rural Design, Waukesha County US 18, Pheasant Branch Corridor Trail, Altoona River Prairie Development, Bong Memorial Bridge Rehabilitation, Armstrong Park Trailhead, and more.
Contribution: Works on eco-design, aiming to create sustainable and low-energy spaces
9. BSB Design
BSB Design specialises in a wide range of projects such as single-family homes, multifamily units, and affordable housing. It focuses on scalability, community-focused design, and innovation.
Specialisations: Residential and commercial
Notable Work: Victoria Palace and more
Contribution: Creating designs that prioritise water, food, and energy security
10. Ervin Architecture
Ervin Architecture specialises in a diverse range of projects, including custom luxury homes, commercial buildings, music and entertainment venues, restaurants, and hospitality spaces. They prioritise client collaboration, focusing on site-specific considerations, sustainability, and functional design, with a strong emphasis on creating spaces that respond to their environment and users' needs.
Specialisations: Residential, commercial, and interior design
Notable Work: Maine Savings Amphitheatre, The Trust Room, Blaze Restaurant, and more
Contribution: Collaborative, technology-driven process and a focus on innovative solutions
Also Read: BIM Adoption in the USA: How the Architecture Industry is Evolving
How Novatr’s BIM Courses Empower Architects to Work in Top Firms
Want to work at a top architecture firm? You can’t miss adding BIM certified to your skillset. Building Information Modeling is how architects create and manage projects digitally now. It has revolutionized collaboration and made sustainable design much more achievable. It's not just about fancy 3D models. BIM makes the project run seamlessly by providing visibility to all stakeholders of the project.
Some key advantages of the BIM courses offered by Novatr include:
- Novatr provides BIM application training to architects in real environments, preparing them for work in top architecture firms.
- Get acquainted with the 10+ modern BIM software demanded by leading market firms.
- Build a good portfolio in BIM to show prospective employers.
- Novatr assists graduates in gaining employment in top architecture firms that appreciate BIM skills.
- Work on real-life ISO Certified projects
- Learn from industry guides and mentors, and a lot more!
Conclusion
Breaking into Tampa's competitive architecture job market demands BIM expertise. This is why Novatr's BIM program was created. It bridges the gap between traditional design skills and modern digital requirements for career advancement.
To learn more about the top architecture firms and how to stand out to them, head over to Novatr’s courses, like BIM Professional Course for Architects.
Visit our resource page for updates and AEC ideas.
FAQs
1. Which are the top-rated architecture firms in Tampa for commercial projects?
Some of the top-rated architecture firms in Tampa for commercial projects are Api Plus, Balber Architecture, Baker Barriors, Bdg Architects, and more.
2. Do Tampa architecture firms offer coastal or hurricane-resilient designs?
Yes, Tampa architecture firms offer coastal and hurricane-resilient designs catering to the needs of properties in Florida's hurricane-prone areas
3. What types of architecture services are popular in Tampa?
Some of the architecture services that are popular in Tampa are building design, custom homes, floor plans, energy-efficient homes, green building, and historic building conservation.
4. Are there any Tampa firms specialising in sustainable or LEED-certified buildings?
Yes, there are several Tampa firms specialising in sustainable or LEED-certified buildings. Some of them are Alvaro Rodriguez Architecture, BSB Design, and Ervin Architecture.
5. How much do architecture firms in Tampa typically charge for residential projects?
Architecture firms in Tampa typically charge 5%-15% of the total construction cost for residential projects.
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