Top 10 Architecture Firms In Wisconsin 2025

From historic lakefront towns to thriving urban centers, Wisconsin's architectural designs are shaping the city's landscape. The state is home to a rich number of firms that specialize in everything from sustainable designs and residential homes to large-scale commercial and institutional projects. 

Wisconsin’s architectural industry has been experiencing fast growth influenced by an increase in construction projects and a focus on sustainable designs. According to the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development, the construction sector in Milwaukee County added 1,687 jobs between 2018 and 2023, making a 15.2% increase in job opportunities, which surpasses the statewide growth of 11.3%. This expansion shows a growing demand for skilled architects who can lead innovative projects across the state. 

Let’s explore the top 10 architecture firms in Wisconsin and how Novatr’s BIM courses are preparing the next generation of architects to thrive in these fast-paced architectural firms.

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 Architecture Firms in Wisconsin

1. Flad Architects

University of Wisconsin

This is a nationally celebrated architectural design firm with nearly a hundred years of experience. They are known for their expertise in designing science and technology facilities. 

Notable projects: Exact Sciences Campus, University of Wisconsin

Specializations: Healthcare and science facilities, education

Contribution: Introduced global sustainability practices, emphasizing on wellness and advanced environmental standards

2. SmithGroup 

Madison Skyline from Monona Waterfront Terrace

Smithgroup brings an all-inclusive approach to architecture, combining planning, engineering, and design under one roof.  Their Madison office plays an important role in the state's architectural design development, particularly in education and civic projects.

Notable projects: Lake Monona waterfront design, University of Wisconsin - La Crosse Prairie Springs Science Center, Urban waterfront revitalization

Specialization: Higher education, urban planning, landscape design, sustainability, and resilience 

Contribution: SmithGroup has transformed urban spaces through climate-responsive design and sustainability in civic and educational projects 

3. JLA architects 

The Yards

JLA Architects is a community-centered architecture firm with offices in Madison and Milwaukee. They focus on delivering thoughtful spaces that promote both functionality and aesthetics.

Notable projects: South Tower at UW Hospital, Black Business Hub, The Yards (mixed-use Development)

Specialization: Sports and recreation, Mixed-use and Multifamily housing, Civic architecture 

Contributions: They deliver inclusive and sustainable architecture that enhances engagement and public access to learning and cultural institutions

4. Aro Eberle Architects 

Madison College

Aro Eberle Architects focuses on delivering high-quality designs for education and research-focused clients. Their functional client-based strategy makes them a go-to for complex spaces like labs and campuses. 

Notable projects:  Exact Sciences Clinical Lab, Madison College Health Education Building, UW-Madison Meat Science and Animal Biology Discovery Building

Specialization: Healthcare design, Educational and research facilities, Campus planning

 

Contributions: Known for advancing affordable housing and mixed-use urban planning 

 

5. Sketchworks Architecture 

Modern Interior design of a retail business

Sketchworks Architecture Offers Innovative and cost-effective design solutions while focusing on functionality and user experience. Based in Middleton, they have worked on various residential and commercial architecture projects across the state. 

Notable projects: Local restaurants and retail interiors, Middleton Center Apartments< Office remodels, and ground-up builds

Specialization: Retail and commercial spaces, residential architecture, and Affordable housing

Contributions: They have innovated civic and healthcare design, balancing user-centered functionality with sustainability, especially in educational and government spaces 

6. Brummel Architectural Group

A Cabin House

With over two decades of experience, Brummel Architectural Group has built a reputation for designing beautiful homes through its residential architectural wing, Out/Back Design Group. 

Notable projects: Timber style cabins and lodges, Home remodels and additions, Custom Lakefront homes, and Custom Lakefront homes in Door County 

Specializations: Landscape integration, Custom residential architecture, Sustainable design

Contributions: They have blended historic preservation with modern sustainable designs, redefining residential architecture through energy efficiency and situational awareness. 

7. Live by Design Architects 

Custom family homes in the suburbs

Live by Design is an architectural design firm with a big impact across Wisconsin. They deliver personalized architectural designs for residential and small commercial clients across Wisconsin.  

Notable Projects: Cabin-style vacation homes, boutique office spaces, custom family homes

Specializations: Personalized designs, Residential architecture, Client-focused planning 

Contributions: They have achieved humane, sustainable living by integrating eco-conscious designs into every space of the design

8. JAKnetter Architects 

Carroll University

Jaknetter Architects is one of the top commercial architecture firms that brings a client's vision to life through a process rooted in purpose, client collaboration, and technology. 

Notable Projects:  The renovation of Carroll University, mixed-use developments in Waukesha County

Specializations: religious facilities, Institutional Design, Modern mixed-use planning

Contributions:  Renovated urban and suburban areas with breathtaking architecture, blending historical preservation with modern aesthetics 

9. GRAEF 

General Mitchell International Airport

While they focus mainly on transport architecture and engineering, GRAEF is a full-service design, engineering, planning, and architectural firm with its headquarters in Wisconsin, which has led to numerous infrastructure projects across Wisconsin.

Notable projects: The enhancement of General Mitchell International Airport, Milwaukee Intermodal Station

Specializations: Bridge and road design, Urban Infrastructure

Contributions: Transformed civic infrastructure by combining architectural designs with engineering 

10. Genesis Architecture

A custom-designed home

Genesis Architecture designs homes that blend perfectly with nature. Genesis stands out among Wisconsin’s popular architecture firms for homeowners who value the environment.

Notable Projects: Historic residences, custom design homes

Specializations: Nature-friendly residential design

Contribution: Advanced civic and cultural architecture by blending sustainable living with classic design

How Novatrs Courses Empower Architects to Work in Top Firms 

The architecture industry is now more competitive than ever, and technical skills alone aren't enough. Top architecture firms in Wisconsin and beyond are seeking professionals who can easily combine digital processes, deliver high-performance designs, and collaborate easily across teams. That’s where Novatr’s BIM (Building Information Modeling) course for architects comes in. Novatr is improving architectural education by offering this specialized course that matches the industry demands. The key features include:

  • Project-based learning: Novatrs BIM courses give you hands-on training using real-world projects to build your practical skills.

  • Mentorship from experts: Learn from specialists and top global architects. 

  • Career support: Access to placement assistance through portfolio development and global job boards that are focused on architecture roles. 

  • Flexible learning hours: Choose online modules suited for working professionals depending on your availability. 

Whether you are a student or an experienced professional, Novatr’s BIM experience will equip you for roles in some of the best architecture firms in Wisconsin and across the US. If you are targeting residential architecture firms, landscape architecture firms, or a commercial design studio, Novartr gives you the tools to succeed and lead. 

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

Apply now

Conclusion 

Architecture firms in Wisconsin are shaping the future of the state's landscape without a doubt. From award-winning residential architecture to master planning or large-scale civic projects, each firm brings its unique skill to the table.

If you're an aspiring architect, learning skills like the BIM professional course for Architects by Novatr will help you plan your career goal strategically. 

You can visit our resource page for more expert guidance, resources, and career tips. 

FAQs

1. What type of projects do architecture firms in Wisconsin work on?

Ans: They work on various projects across multiple industries, from residential homes to schools, healthcare centers, commercial centers, and sustainable community designs. 

2. Do I need BIM skills to work in top architecture firms? 

Ans: Yes! BIM skills are more in demand in top firms since they focus on efficiency, innovative smart design, and collaboration. Learning BIM skills will boost your employment rate and make you stand out.

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.