The Best Residential Architects and Designers in Atlanta

Last updated on May 28th, 2024 at 06:21 pm

Atlanta, Georgia, is a busy, thriving city known for its rich culture and historic charm. Many stunning homes in different areas tell stories of tradition, modernity, and individuality. Atlanta’s average home project costs between $250,000 and $1,050,000, and the most expensive ones cost more than $2,000,000, so the risks are high. Over 3.8 million people live in the city, and the typical home value is $974,105. It’s a quest for synergy.  Choosing the right residential architect is very important for people who are starting to build and want to realize their dream home. A lot is at stake, such as time, money, and realizing one’s goal.

Many professionals in Atlanta’s architectural scene are ready to change the city’s skyline and neighborhoods. Based on information about building permits from the Atlanta building department, 204 architects focus on working on homes. Every architect has ideas, skills, and ways of doing things. When you live in a city where new ideas and old traditions come together, the architect you choose to work with can help you realize your vision and get the best visual potential for your space. It’s essential to find a professional who not only knows the technical side of design and construction but also understands your personality and lifestyle. When you work with the right architect, turning a blueprint into an actual building is an exciting adventure. Read this article to get to know some of the best residential architects in Atlanta, Georgia.

Overview: The Best Residential Architects and Designers in Atlanta

See Ranking Methodology at the bottom of this article to learn more.

Ross Design, Inc.

847 Ormewood Ter. SE, Atlanta, GA 30316

Ross Design, Inc. is known for delivering creative and functional architectural designs throughout the country. With 25 years of practice under founder Robert Ross, AIA, the firm has been highly regarded by the region’s design and building community. Trends, Atlanta Home & Lifestyle, and Professional Builder highlighted many of its impressive projects. In addition to residential design and home renovations, the firm assists with historical redevelopments, property evaluations, kitchen design, and construction management. The firm has solidified its reputation as one of the best residential architects in Atlanta with its notable portfolio and solid track record of satisfied clients. 

An example of the firm’s work is the renewal and expansion of Druid Hills Bungalow. The 102-year-old home is located in a historic district with two specific requirements: the landmark facade should not change, and construction should not be seen from the street. Adding to the site’s list of limitations, the home has an existing pool and an extremely steep driveway. Despite project constraints, the Ross Design team successfully added a second story, an open cabana, and a detached garage.

Norwood Architects

807 Forrest St. NW, Atlanta, GA 30318

Norwood Architects is renowned for serving Atlanta, Cumming, Roswell, and the surrounding areas regarding design, master planning, and interior design requirements. The firm’s portfolio includes a diverse assortment of project styles and forms. Although it specializes in residential projects, it also offers commercial, retail, restaurants, resort living, office, shopping center, hospitality, entertainment, and multifamily services. Designs encompassed in these projects focus on the client’s needs, as well as sustainability and livability.

Founder James Norwood “Woody” Vaughan leads the firm in maintaining 18 years of excellence. Vaughan is affiliated with the AIA, NCARB, and the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). Aside from being a registered interior designer in Georgia, he is also a registered architect in 14 states. These include Alabama, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, New York, North Carolina, New Jersey, Tennessee, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Wisconsin. He designed and constructed over 400 designs, some of which have won multiple OBIE Gold awards.

One of the firm’s notable projects is this stunning Atlanta home. The firm utilized warm tones, natural design elements, and clean lines that create a warm, welcoming, and rustic atmosphere. The large windows bring in a lot of natural light and breeze, allowing it to take advantage of the stunning scenery.

Mosley Architecture & Gardens

2374 Virginia Pl. NE, Atlanta, GA 30305

Mosley Architecture & Gardens has two decades of experience in the industry. It is an architectural firm that serves the eastern region of the country. Under the leadership of Marc B. Mosley, a member of the AIA, LEED, and NCARB, the firm has a solid reputation for projects that exceed clients’ expectations. Its imaginative designers concentrate on the firm’s threefold philosophy: architecture that expresses a unique sense of place, new urbanism and green architecture, and collaboration with clients. The firm’s commitment to understanding clients’ needs has enabled it to produce unique spaces that inspire and engage.

The firm improves the community through meaningful architecture. Project 2 is one of its pieces that highlights this. The Mosley team developed a private residence in the charming Loring Heights Neighborhood. The firm carefully considered its surroundings and setting to create a house that blends with the industrial neighborhood and its history. To create a cohesive design, the firm extended the living rooms outside. Various passive solar design concepts were included as a feature to save energy. Modern Atlanta celebrated this accomplishment by showcasing it on its 2009 Modern Home Tour.

D.T. Hubbell Architects

4141 Township Pkwy. Atlanta, GA 30342

The architectural firm D.T. Hubbell Architects creates classic, sophisticated designs for luxury and custom residences, elite estates, vacation homes, and contextual home expansions. Its portfolio features structures that coexist peacefully with their surroundings. One of the company’s outstanding projects was The Vinings Estate, where the team successfully combined modern detailing with traditional, natural materials. These materials also establish the home’s distinct presence, including bricks, wood, and stones. The structure’s design utilized durable materials and natural light to incorporate sustainable practices. The lovely magnolia tree was preserved, and it now stands next to the breakfast nook and the rest of the area’s greenery.

The firm was created in 2001 by Daniel T. Hubbell, AIA, LEED AP. He has 20 years of expertise in developing both residential and commercial projects. The firm has developed designs for those who live in Sandy Springs, Atlanta, and other nearby communities, as well as some portions of North Carolina. These projects were among the Atlanta AIA’s Residential Design awards contenders and featured in the Atlanta Homes & Lifestyle magazine.

Summerour Architects

1829 Peachtree Rd. Atlanta, GA 30309

Keith Summerour founded Summerour Architects to help clients with their design needs. The firm started serving Atlanta, Georgia, before branching out to three other areas: Italy, Cashiers, North Carolina, and Sea Island, Georgia. It specializes in luxurious designs for both residential and commercial markets. These designs are renowned for creatively fusing traditional architectural elements with contemporary features and facilities. Its pieces have appeared in numerous publications, such as Architectural Digest, Atlanta Magazine’s Home, and Southern Living. The most recent distinction for the firm is that it has been named a finalist for the Southeast Designers and Architect of the Year awards (SEDY) for 2022, presented by ADAC and VERANDA magazine.

One of the firm’s most renowned projects in the field of home design is The Habersham Road. The Summerour team remarkably restored this century-old house. The rear addition and interior alterations, which date from the mid-1930s and the 20th century, were removed as the initial phase of the property’s renovation. This was performed to restore the house’s symmetrical massing and significantly increase the rear space. The addition of an exquisite garden elevation with a terrace and a central entryway was inspired by the Tintinhull in Somerset, England. The foyer was deepened in addition to other internal modifications to enhance vertical circulation. A Shutze Award, which recognizes excellent contributions to architecture, was given to the firm in recognition of its restoration work. This project was also featured in a 2021 Architectural Digest Article.

DiG Architects

1101 Houston Mill Rd. NE, Atlanta, GA 30329

DiG Architects is one of the highly esteemed Atlanta residential architects that has produced multiple residential and commercial projects in Atlanta and the surrounding areas. It was founded by David I. Goldschmidt, a member of the AIA, LEED for Building Design and Construction (BD+C), and NCARB, with 20 years of expertise in the field. Utilizing building information modeling (BIM) and 3D modeling, the DiG team enforces a research-based method to evaluate each project and manage it thoroughly. This allows the firm to offer its clientele unique, sustainable, and innovative architectural solutions. Numerous journals, including Archello, Architizer, and Green Building & Design, have recognized these designs. The firm earned massive recognition for its quality and professionalism, including the 2019 AIA Georgia Honor Award. 

A sustainable, minimalist home with a 22-foot wide, elongated box design was created by DiG Architects. It was named Split Box House and was finished in 2018. There are no structural support walls, and the interior is designed with an open floor concept. The dimension of the home was determined by how far a wood truss could safely span to assure stability. The box is first divided into public and private areas, allowing for a clear separation between functions. The private space is angled 90 degrees around the stair hall, illuminated by a skylight, to provide a magnificent view of the forests behind the residence. A terraced entrance garden is created by a series of site walls skillfully tucked into the compact lot. This artistic design won six awards, which include the AIA South Atlantic Region Honor Award and the Society of American Registered Architects (SARA) National Design Award of Excellence.

D. Stanley Dixon Architect, Inc.

2300 Peachtree Rd. C101, Atlanta, GA 30309

D. Stanley Dixon Architect is known as one of the leading residential architecture firms in over 12 states. The firm is known to produce award-winning designs that are historically based and blended with contemporary influences. These designs took home 11 Philip Trammell Shutze Awards from the Institute of Classical Architecture & Art: Southeast chapter.

The firm was founded by Stan Dixon, AIA, in 2006. Aside from his bachelor’s degree in architecture from the University of Tennessee, he also studied Historic Homes and Collections at Brittain’s Attingham Trust School. Dixon’s expertise was acknowledged numerous times. For instance, he is a three-time winner of the Southeast Architect of the Year, presented by Veranda Magazine and Atlanta Decorative Arts Center. He was also named “The New Face of Southern Style” by Garden and Gun Magazine.

The Winchester Home is designed with Palladianism, a classic architectural style inspired by Italian Renaissance and early 17th-century European architecture. The client wanted a modern home while retaining its period presence. Each section of the property highlights balance, discipline, and etiquette to showcase the influence’s rich culture. It is also equipped with cutting-edge technology to create an environmentally conscious home. The team believes this family house will be cherished for many generations because of its timeless characteristics. In 2016, The Winchester Home won the Shutze Award.

Jeffrey Bruce Baker Designs, LLC

1904 Monroe Dr. NE, First Floor, Ste. 140, Atlanta, GA 30324

Every space that Jeffrey Bruce Baker Designs creates reflects the firm’s expertise in architecture and interior design. Its portfolio mainly includes luxury residences, restaurants, small businesses, and hospitality. Its team effectively balances the atmosphere by creatively harmonizing its functionality and design. This enables it to create meaningful, timeless, artistic settings. One of these spaces is The Sherwood Home. It is a single-story home with neoclassical and postmodernist influences. The interior was designed with an open floor plan, which allowed the residents to display their art collections and favorite pieces of furniture.

The company’s principal and founder, Jeffrey Bruce Baker, AIA, is internationally acclaimed as one of the top architects in the modern, classical, and luxury markets. Baker founded the firm over 15 years ago in 2009 after honing his craft in Atlanta and Italy. He aims to give the same extensive design services often offered by larger firms but in a more personal setting. He strongly emphasizes collaboration and rigorous preparation to provide seamless design solutions for clients.

BLDGS Architects

786 Murphy Ave. SW, Atlanta, GA 30310

BLDGS Architects’ creative designs are attuned to both urban and rural environments. Its excellence comes from a well-established process backed up by five ideologies. Its excellence is the result of a tried-and-true procedure supported by five ideologies. In-depth knowledge of architectural form, spatial organization, program potential, economic means, material innovation, and constructability are all part of this. The majority of the BLDGS team members are members of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB), as well as professionals with Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) accreditation. David Yocum, AIA, and Brian Bell, AIA, are the team’s leaders. Yocum and Bell both worked in the sector for 23 years and held master’s degrees in architecture from Harvard University. In 2021, the firm was named by Architect’s Newspaper as one of the Top 50 North American Interior Architects. 

The designs of BLDGS are well-known on a local, regional, and national level. Several publications have highlighted these, including the New York Times, Metropolis Magazine, Atlanta Business Chronicle, and Berlin-based Archipreneur Magazine. One of the firm’s most notable projects, The Burned House, is a 2,300-square-foot residence situated in the Old Fourth Ward, which is one of the city’s oldest neighborhoods that was once destroyed by a great fire back in 1917. The team considered this, which gave the exterior a distinct shade and texture. Each cement panel received between 5 and 12 coats of paint, applied in various combinations and densities by brushing, rolling, and spraying. The color will deteriorate over time, revealing new hues and patterns.

Ranking Methodology

To evaluate the performance of contractors, our methodology employs a systematic approach that considers various factors contributing to customer experience and satisfaction. We focused on assessing the residential architects and designers in the Atlanta area. The methodology involves assigning weightings to specific categories based on their significance in determining customer service quality. Here’s the breakdown of the categories and their respective weightings:

• Average Customer Satisfaction (35%): This metric represents the average rating given by customers across the same review platforms as the Average Customer Satisfaction Score. A higher average rating indicates greater overall satisfaction with the service provided.
• Service Rating Score (25%): We analyze the ratio of high (4-5 stars) to low (1-2 stars) ratings for each business across multiple review platforms: Google, Houzz, and Yelp. A higher percentage of positive reviews contributes to a higher score, reflecting better customer satisfaction.
• Complaint Percentage (25%): We analyze the ratio of complaints to total reviews for each business. A lower complaints ratio indicates better service quality and results in a higher score.
• Business Hours and Availability (10%): The operating hours of each business are assessed to gauge accessibility. Companies with extended operating hours are awarded a higher score, as they offer greater convenience to customers.
• License Status (5%): We verify the licensing status of each contractor with their local licensing board to ensure legal compliance. Companies with valid licenses receive a higher score, reflecting professionalism and adherence to regulations.
• Total Score: We determined the overall rating for every contractor by calculating a weighted average, with the category weight determining the amount the subscore contributed to the total score 

Additional Note: Service Rating Score, Average Customer Satisfaction, and Complaint Percentage are calculated with a Bayesian estimate to account for if the contractor has a low number of total reviews. A Bayesian average is a statistical method used to calculate the average of a set of data points while taking into account prior information or beliefs about the distribution of the data. It combines the observed data with a prior distribution to generate a more accurate estimate of the true average.