
Ever wondered what makes a city's skyline truly captivating? In Virginia Beach, it's the perfect blend of coastal charm and architectural innovation.
From legacy firms with decades of experience to bold studios challenging design norms, Virginia Beach is home to a thriving architectural scene. It’s no surprise that the architecture industry plays a vital role in the broader construction sector, which is expected to reach $61.8 billion by 2025. (source)
Having said that, let's dive into exploring the top architecture firms in Virginia Beach shaping this coastal city's built environment.
Top Architecture Firms in Virginia Beach
1. Pond Architects
Founded in 1965, Pond is a commercial architecture firm that provides integrated solutions in engineering, architecture, planning, and program/construction management. The architecture firm excels in specialised services including fueling, asset integrity, federal planning, environmental and regulatory compliance, and process engineering.
They have a team of over 800 professionals dedicated to setting standards for excellence and delivering bespoke solutions.
Specialisations: Architecture, Master Planning, Structural Engineering, Interior Design, Construction Administration, Project Management
Notable Work: Jacksonville Regional Transportation Centre
Contributions: Contributions in the fields of architecture, engineering, planning, and construction management
2. Saunders + Crouse Architects
Saunders + Crouse Architects, established in 1965, is a commercial and residential architecture firm based in Virginia Beach. They specialise in planning and program construction management solutions. With a diverse portfolio that spans government, energy, transportation, industrial, and life sciences markets, the company has completed over 800 projects across 50 states and 29 countries.
Recognised for its commitment to safety and regulatory compliance, the commercial architecture firm has earned accolades such as the 2025 Highwire Platinum Award for elite safety performance. The firm prides itself on fostering employee growth and innovation, reinforcing its culture of collaboration and trust in delivering critical federal and military projects worldwide.
Specialisations: Architecture, Master Planning, Structural Engineering, Interior Design, Construction Administration, Project Management
Notable Work: New Urban Centre
Contributions: Contributing experience, flair, insight, and enthusiasm to challenging urban projects
3. TS3 Architects
TS3 Architects offers comprehensive commercial architectural services that cover multi-family, commercial, and specialised facilities, guiding projects from the inception of the concept to completion. The architect firm works with a focus on innovation, regulatory compliance, and their client’s vision. Their expertise spans site analysis, construction documentation, material selection, and in-house visual illustrations. This ensures making designs that balance aesthetics, functionality, and sustainability while working on the built environment, making it one of the top architecture firms in Virginia Beach.
Specialisations: Architecture, Master Planning, Structural Engineering, Interior Design, Construction Administration, Project Management
Notable Work: The Fred Apartment Homes
Contributions: Comprehensive design solutions, interior design, and sustainable practices, focusing on both residential and commercial projects
4. Waller, Todd & Sadler, a Woolpert Company
Woolpert is the fastest-growing architecture firm in Virginia Beach, delivering value to clients in all 50 states and around the world by strategically blending innovative design and engineering excellence with leading-edge technology.
The commercial architecture firm offers planning, interior design and LEED services to both public and private sector clients. Having completed 2,000 projects of various sizes and scopes, the commercial architecture firm is dedicated to providing innovative solutions to each client’s most challenging design requirements.
Specialisations: Architecture, Master Planning, Structural Engineering, Interior Design, Construction Administration, Project Management
Notable Work: The Virginia Beach Housing Resource Centre
Contributions: Took up projects for educational institutions, municipalities, federal agencies, and private sector clients, particularly in the area of military architecture.
5. AECOM
Aecom community works for equity, diversity, and inclusion, aiming to create a better world for present and future generations, and follows a holistic approach to design with innovative solutions, sustainable legacies, and impressive infrastructure. This makes it one of the leading architecture firms in Virginia Beach.
Specialisations: Architecture and Design, Engineering, Planning and Consulting, Construction Management, and Environmental Services
Notable Work: Carilion School of Medicine and Research Institute
Contributions: Infrastructure and design projects in Virginia, particularly in areas like coastal storm risk management and educational institutions
6. ARIVE
ARIVE provides commercial architecture, interior architecture, planning, management and consulting services to clients and is committed to providing individual attention to each project and ensuring complete client satisfaction. The team follows a distinctive approach to design using different forms, natural lighting, and practical designs that positively impact people and the community.
Specialisations: Architecture, Master Planning, Structural Engineering, Interior Design, Construction Administration, Project Management
Notable Work: Wall, Einhorn & Chernitzer
Contributions: Being a designated SWAM (Small, Women-Owned, and Minority) Virginia business, ARIVE contributes to the state's economic diversity and inclusion
7. Barnes Design Group
Barnes Design Group is a leader of excellence in church architecture and offers in-house architectural design, drafting, and civil engineering services and expertise in building complex projects, saving clients time and money. It is one of the top American architecture firms.
Specialisations: Architecture, Master Planning, Structural Engineering, Interior Design, Construction Administration, Project Management
Notable Work: Cavalry Revival Church
Contributions: Provided architectural services for churches, hotels, residences, commercial projects, industrial expansions, restaurants, and government work for over 25 years
8. Dills Architects
Dills Architects was founded in 1983. It is a studio of architects, planners, and designers who work with collaborative focus projects that are cultural and civic. The commercial architecture firm’s work seeks to elevate the nature of our shared institutions by imagining new ways of living.
Specialisations: Architecture design, Energy, Buildings, Construction, Project management, Interior design, Urban Design
Notable Work: Flinders Centre for Innovation in Cancer
Contributions: Significant contributions to the state's architectural landscape, particularly in the fields of public spaces, sustainable design, and civic infrastructure
9. Gannett Fleming
Gannett Fleming, founded in 1915, focuses on developing, shaping infrastructure and improving communities in more than 65 countries, specialising in natural resources, transportation, water, power, and facility-related projects.
Specialisations: Architecture, Master Planning, Structural Engineering, Interior Design, Construction Administration, Project Management
Notable Work: LIRR Enhanced Station Initiative Project
Contributions: Contributed particularly to transportation and water resources
10. Moseley Architects
Moseley Architects offers expertise in a wide variety of building types, as well as extensive experience with both new construction and renovation. The firm comprises a dedicated team of architects and designers and has earned a reputation for unsurpassed architectural innovation, business integrity, and client satisfaction.
Specialisations: Architecture, Master Planning, Structural Engineering, Interior Design, Construction Administration, Project Management
Notable Work: School of Business, James Madison University
Contributions: A major contributor to Virginia's architectural landscape, particularly in educational, justice, and senior living facilities, with a strong focus on sustainability and high-performance building designs
How Novatr’s BIM Courses Empower Architects to Work in Top Firms
In one of the most competitive architectural markets in the world, it’s not enough to design — you must also deliver. Top architecture firms in Virginia Beach expect their teams to master digital workflows, sustainability strategies, and collaboration tools. That’s where the BIM Professional Course for Architects by Novatr offers the edge.
Here’s how Novatr transforms aspiring architects into job-ready professionals:
1. Industry-Relevant Curriculum
This course focuses on how BIM can be used in practice, using software including Autodesk Revit, Navisworks and Dynamo. Students go through different program studio classes (Foundation, Core, Collaborative, Capstone, Specialisation) to learn about basic BIM, advanced management of projects, clash resolution, coordinating modelling, setting schedules, cost reviews, and sustainability considerations.
2. Expert Mentorship
Follow the lead of leading professionals in the AEC and BIM world, such as BIM managers, computational designers, and technology leaders. Members of this mentorship receive regular live sessions, masterclasses, and personal feedback on assignments and projects, explaining many important roles and needed skills for BIM.
3. Advances Career
Prepares students for jobs in architecture firms with knowledge of ISO 19650 and help from The Architect Team. This is done by assisting with building your resume, helping your LinkedIn profile, setting up mock interviews, and connecting you with businesses seeking design, construction, and management staff.
4. Learn at Your Own Pace
Live classes are mixed with learning at your own speed, both are quickly supported by answers to questions (often within 7 hours), and the reports offered are tailored to each student to ensure the learning process is always interesting.
Conclusion
At Novatr, architects are empowered to stay ahead in a fast-evolving AEC industry through future-ready learning experiences.
Their flagship offering, the BIM Professional Course for Architects, provides practical training in tools like Revit and Navisworks, along with project-based learning and career mentorship.
To access more insights, tips, and expert guidance, visit the Novatr Resource Page and continue growing your architectural career with confidence.
FAQs
1. Which architecture firms in Virginia Beach are best for coastal residential projects?
Some of the most reputable architecture firms in Virginia Beach for large-scale commercial projects are AECOM, Gannett Fleming, and Moseley Architects.
2. Are there firms in Virginia Beach specialising in sustainable or green building design?
Gannet Fleming is recognised by the Virginia Department of Historic Resources as a qualified historical building restoration services provider.
3. What are some award-winning architecture firms based in Virginia Beach??
Yes, there are award-winning architecture firms in Virginia, one of which is Saunders + Crouse Architects.
4. Do Virginia Beach architecture firms handle both design and project management?
Yes, Virginia Beach architecture firms handle both design and project management. Some of them are Pond Architects, Saunders + Cruise Architects, and TS3 Architects.
5. Which firms in Virginia Beach have experience with commercial or hospitality architecture?
Architecture firms such as Saunders, TS3, and Barnes Design Group have experience with commercial and hospitality projects in Virginia Beach.
Was this content helpful to you