Top 10 Architecture Firms In Milwaukee 2025

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.

BIM Professional Course for Architects V2.0

Learn Revit and 15+ BIM software with industry workflows in just 7 months.

Apply now

*Limited seats available

Top 10 Architectural Firms in Milwaukee

1. Plunkett Raysich Architects (PRA) 

University of South Florida, A design done by 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

The interior of a hospital reception, a  design done by the HGA Architectural firm

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 

The Interior design of Simulacra, SARUP Gallery by 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 

The Milwaukee Art Museum

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

Madison Technical College was designed by Zimmerman architectural studios-1

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 

The Annex Food Hall-1

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) 

The Iron Horse Hotel in Milwaukee, designed by Galbraith Carnahan Architects

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

A conservatory Midwest greenhouse


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 


East Park Apartments by 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 

A Milwaukee condo kitchen

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.

Learn Revit and 15+ BIM software with industry workflows in just 7 months.

Apply now

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.

Was this content helpful to you

Dislike No

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Download Syllabus
BIM Professional Course for Civil Engineers

course benefits

40+ live & bonus sessions

1 RIBA-structured capstone project

Learn 8+ BIM software

Autodesk & NSDC certifications

6 guided career sessions

Lifelong access to course content & community

Career counselling & interview preparation

Enter your details to download the course syllabus.

Download Syllabus
BIM Professional Course for Architects V2.0

course benefits

70+ live sessions

3+ RIBA and ISO 19650 structured capstone projects

18+ BIM software access

10+ guided career sessions

Certificates from Autodesk and NSDC

Lifelong access to course content & community

Career counselling & interview preparation

Enter your details to download the course syllabus.

Download Syllabus
Master Computational Design Course for Real-World Application

course benefits

80+ live sessions

50+ assignments

5+ softwares, 15+ plugins

Career counselling and interview prep

Lifelong access to to course content & community

Enter your details to download the course syllabus.

Download Syllabus
Advanced Interior Design with AI

course benefits

Simulated project based learning

Career counselling and interview prep

Lifelong access to course content

Learn 8+ software

3 Certificates of Achievement

Enter your details to download the course syllabus.

Download Syllabus
BIM Professional course for MEP Engineers

course benefits

Autodesk and NSDC Professional Certificates

12+ BIM softwares and plug-ins

80+ hours of live classes

Create 10+ toolkits to kickstart your MEP BIM project.

Dedicated Program Manager and Industry Guide Support

1:1 Career Mentoring

Networking with AEC Industry Professionals

Top 10% learners get exclusive Innovation bootcamp access.

ISO 19650 for BIM workflows

Enter your details to download the course syllabus.

Ready to skyrocket your career?

Begin your next chapter in AEC

with Novatr!

We are here to help you take the industry by storm with advanced, tech-first skills.