Last updated on August 19th, 2024 at 10:51 pm
Lighting, ventilation, space layout, and furniture have a huge impact on guiding behavior at work. The right designer can help you create a positive workspace that encourages productivity and purpose as it accommodates different work styles and personalities.
The list below describes the best office architects in Dallas, Texas. These firms were selected for their accreditations, certifications, and professional affiliations. We looked at each firm’s industry awards, client reviews, and press features. Our team also discussed the range of services the firms offer, their specializations, and the length of time they have been in the industry.
Omniplan
1845 Woodall Rodgers Freeway, Suite #1600, Dallas, TX 75201
Omniplan is a historic firm founded in 1956 and run by CEO J. Tipton Housewright. Its services include architecture, interior design, planning, and graphic design in the commercial and institutional sectors. Over the years, the firm has received numerous awards for design excellence from AIA Dallas. In fact, it is Texas’s only firm to have won five American Institute of Architects (AIA) 25-Year Awards for enduring design excellence. The goal of every Omniplan project is to improve the quality of the community’s built environment, and its work on the Medecision headquarters is a testament to that commitment.
For the design of the building, the firm applied the core theme of an ultimate building block to simplify the healthcare process. This idea inspired the multifaceted and bold illustrations found throughout Medecision’s branding. Club Med, the central hub of the office, serves as the break room, additional collaboration space, and auditorium space. The “Agile” workspaces have moveable furniture and a dynamic floor plan, allowing teams to easily adapt their workspace to meet their goals. The dynamic seating element connects Club Med to the Agile workspace and acts as a key design feature. Its shape, as well as the environmental graphics throughout the space, are derived from the fractal patterns found in the company’s branding. The bench’s exterior is wrapped in a custom white wall panel that mimics the pattern found in computer chips.
BOKA Powell
8070 Park Lane, Suite #300, Dallas, TX 75231
For over 45 years, BOKA Powell has delivered exceptional building design, interior design, and land planning. The firm caters to commercial projects encompassing corporate, hospitality, entertainment, healthcare, and educational facilities. The firm employs advanced three-dimensional (3-D) computer modeling that allows clients and end-users to visualize and evaluate multiple design options.
Four principals run the firm and bring together creative, technical, and management expertise. Founder Donald R. Powell is a Fellow of the AIA and Registered Interior Designer. He is certified by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB), like Chris W. Barnes and R. Andrew Bennett. Also a Registered Interior Designer, Chris is adept in handling technical and code-related issues, construction document quality control, and project coordination. Chris and R. Andrew Bennett are members of the AIA, with Bennett holding certification from the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) as well. Bennett also has international experience, having spent several years designing projects in Honolulu, and Sydney. Meanwhile, John E. Orfield is a Registered Architect and a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Accredited Professional (AP). As principals of BOKA Powell, they are dedicated to the successful completion of each project
BOKA Powell added Class A amenities on several levels of each office tower in the three-building International Plaza complex in Dallas, as well as created an engaging outdoor environment for office tower users. Re-styled, contemporary lobby spaces open to lively café and lounge areas on the ground floor, while a monumental stair connects to second-floor meeting rooms and co-working and huddle spaces. A new fitness center provides space for wellness and rejuvenation.
HKS Architects
350 N. Saint Paul Street, Suite #100, Dallas, TX 75201
Founded in 1939, HKS Architects has built a legacy as a leading architecture and design firm across the US. Started by Harwood K. Smith in Dallas, the firm steadily grew from a local practice to one with a national and global reach of unrivaled industry-leading architectural delivery. Dan Noble—a Fellow of the AIA and a LEED Accredited Professional—continues to lead the firm to success through its award-winning projects. The firm ranks third on Building Design+Construction’s List of the Top 150 Architecture Firms in the country. Its list of impressive awards includes numerous AIA Awards, International Interior Design Association (IIDA) National and Global Awards, and ENR Awards
The HKS Dallas Headquarters is a great example of the firm’s work. The certified LEED Platinum office features a fully integrated general office lighting and window shade system that automatically harvests natural light and controls the window shade system. With workstations achieving a Business and Institutional Furniture Manufacturers Association (BIFMA) certification, HKS made environmentally informed decisions regarding building products used in the new corporate headquarters. The firm works in tandem with the Healthy Building Network, the US Green Building Council (USGBC), the Health Product Declaration Collaborative, and BuildingGreen to promote the use of healthy building materials.
GFF
3300 West 7th Street, Suite #110, Fort Worth, TX 76107
GFF is a multi-disciplinary design firm offering architecture, interior design, planning, and landscape architecture services that have earned the firm awards from the Texas Society of Architects. Apart from its multifamily facilities, GFF works on diverse building typologies across corporate, real estate, and institutional markets. The NCARB-certified company complies with the requirements of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and International Energy Conservation Code in designing all of its projects.
Evan Beattie is the driving force behind leadership and design within GFF. With over 18 years of experience as an architect, he has worked on a wide range of complex residential, retail, and mixed-use buildings. He is committed to resolving design challenges and achieving client goals while upholding the principles of the AIA as a member of the organization. His leadership has established a culture of design excellence at the office, demonstrated by their work on the TEGNA Media workspace.
The design was intended to pull back the existing refined finishes, pull in the rawness of materials and expose the architecture to add a level of comfort and enhance the creative thinking process. The “Hatch area” is tied to the rest of the office space by utilizing existing carpet and furniture, but the bold pops of color, unique lighting, and large-scale graphics are a nod to the company’s television roots, with the exposed structure defining this area as its own.
Corgan
401 North Houston Street, Dallas, TX 75202
Corgan’s strengths lie in research, user experience, and design. The firm bases its work on evidence, experiential research, and hard data to create spaces that embody the needs and desires of its clients. The firm’s goal is to build places that inspire the community while creating real value for owners. AIA members Scott Ruch and Steve Husley—together with Registered Interior Designer Lindsay Wilson—lead the firm in providing solutions that minimize risk, create flexibility, and maximize longevity.
The firm has specialized expertise and experience in aviation, commercial, data centers, education, healthcare, interiors, and specialty projects. Among its projects is its own headquarters in Dallas, the first WELL-Certified architecture firm in Texas. A sound map identifies spaces in terms of acoustical performance for collaboration, quiet work, socialization, and privacy. Zoning these spaces empowers staff to understand the intended use of these spaces and select the appropriate setting for their task. The team integrated circadian optimized lighting, reducing glare with shaded exterior glazing, and maximizing exposure to natural light. These wellness interventions prioritize the mental, physical, behavioral, and social health of the employees using the space.
CallisonRTKL
Republic Center, 1717 Pacific Avenue, Dallas, TX 75201
CallisonRTKL (CRTKL) is a global architectural, planning, and design firm that has grown into a cultural agency dedicated to supporting communities. The firm specializes in change management, commercial interiors, health facility planning, store planning and design, and historic preservation. Through a human-centric design approach, its team blends resiliency, well-being, and technology, and always carefully considers its effect on the built environment.
In her three decades at the firm, President and Chief Executive Officer Kim Heartwell served as the global workplace practice leader. Her expertise in workplace design, change management, and mobility strategies for complex organizations have reinforced CRTKL’s commitment to creating mission-driven environments that boost morale, increase efficiency, and embrace sustainability. Heartwell maintains affiliations with the Urban Land Institute and the DC Building Industry Association. She led CRTKL in the design of the Pizza Hut Yum! Brands Headquarters.
The space houses test kitchens, open, dynamic, common-use breakout areas, a cafeteria, a coffee lounge, a mock restaurant training facility, and collaborative work environments. The simple, modern architecture and finishes support the tremendous views of the exterior as well as the integration of large-scale graphics that tell the story of Pizza Hut and Yum! Brands.
Beck Architecture
1601 Elm Street, Suite #2800, Dallas, TX 75201
The Beck Group is an award-winning organization that caters to the arts, business, aviation, academic, entertainment, residential, retail, religious, and healthcare sectors. Its portfolio features projects that adhere to USGBC and AIA Committee on the Environment sustainability standards. Its work has been commended for its use of advanced technologies that reduce risks, manage costs, and upgrade the quality of every project through the latest in design and building solutions.
The Texas Society of Architects, IIDA, and the AIA are some of the institutions that have recognized the firm’s role in shaping the region’s infrastructure. As a provider of office design and building services, the firm secured a National Award of Excellence from the Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA) and a TEXO Distinguished Building Award.
Beck Architecture brought the same level of quality and craftsmanship from its projects with companies to its own headquarters. The floors are connected by a steel staircase that rises out of the lobby space to the office’s other floors. Views and natural light are enhanced by visually minimal materials such as clear vision glass, stainless steel mesh, and perforated metal panels. Raw materials such as unfinished steel, polished concrete, and Venetian plaster are used along with the company’s trademark blue, which is showcased in a custom, multi-floor sculpted tile wall.
HOK
717 North Harwood Street, Suite #2850, LB 8, Dallas, TX 75201
For more than half a century, HOK has been a global firm specializing in design, architecture, engineering, and planning. Its 1,600 employees work together across a network of 23 locations spread across three continents. Since 1955, HOK has been creating structures and places that are responsive to people and the environment. The firm’s designers are grounded in technical expertise, inspired by a wide range of disciplines, and they are dedicated to delivering solutions that inspire clients and communities.
The Dallas team is led by Curt Parde, a member of the AIA and a LEED Accredited Professional. He has spent 30 years building on his extensive experience leading government, civic, and justice projects. Through experience, Parde has developed a thorough understanding of the importance of creating award-winning designs that are efficient, profitable, and produce strong client relationships.
Parde highlights the many distinct voices of HOK, each with its own great concepts. Consider the firm’s take on Polsinelli’s Dallas office. A grand staircase at the center of the lobby offers views of the city’s skyline and seamlessly connects the two-level conferencing center. Conference rooms are pulled back from the windows, creating a gallery hall that offers dramatic views of the city and serves as an event space connected to a rooftop terrace. A hospitality lounge features a casual client breakout space with sofas, lounge chairs, a coffee bar, and an open café.
Page/
1800 Main Street, Suite 123, Dallas, TX 75201
Serving the state of Texas for four decades is Page/, a dependable and qualified firm that manages construction and architectural needs. These qualifications result from its principal architect’s career background of 30 years. Eric R. Kuehmeier—an AIA member and LEED Accredited professional—has a broad range of specialization, which lies in different commercial, industrial, healthcare, and research facilities. All of these competencies have been developed during his decades in the industry. Today he leads the firm in its technical services and project management and employs his outstanding skill set in congruence with his team’s capabilities to satisfy its clients.
This building is a two-story, glass and steel frame structure that houses offices for RagingWire Data Center operations and additional client use. Social, community, and conferencing facilities occupy the window line and face a courtyard that provides tenants with secure access to the outdoors. Immense concrete walls and back metal-clad surfaces encompass the concentric layers of secure areas beyond the entry, as a physical manifestation of the secure nature of the data beyond. In contrast, white, cloud-like amenities spaces with large glazed expanses express the transparency and accessibility of the cloud.
Perkins&Will
2218 Bryan Street, Suite #200, Dallas, TX 75201
For more than 85 years, Perkins&Will has explored the power of design and how it can inspire joy, uplift lives, and strengthen the spirit of community. This core concept has guided the company’s practice for decades to produce spaces where architecture delivers a transformative experience to its users and the communities that they serve. The firm currently serves a long list of market sectors and operates from 25 studios around the world.
As a reputable company with a multi-awarded practice, the firm is recognized by the AIA, IIDA, and the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID). With Tom Reisenbichler at the helm, the Dallas studio of Perkins&Will has positively impacted the social fabric and urban landscape of the community. The firm’s adaptive reuse of the Dallas High School into its Dallas studio reinforces its core values of sustainability, health, and wellness.
The auditorium space was adapted to serve as the reception and lobby area. An old classroom now serves as a multipurpose room for daily collaboration space, continuing education lectures, and large events. The workspace is designed to promote the practice of high-performance architecture and design with a variety of seating types and collaboration areas. The addition of an open connecting staircase and multi-functional conference space doubles as an after-hours fitness studio.
O’Brien Architects
5310 Harvest Hill Road, #136, LB 161, Dallas, TX 75230
Through a collaborative process, O’Brien Architects has delivered more than 4,000 award-winning mixed-use and multifamily developments nationally. Besides community architecture, the firm’s core professional areas span offices, retail, industrial, healthcare, civic, and interior design. O’Brien Architects applies critical thinking in formulating high-quality design solutions with the support of the AIA and USGBC.
CEO Sean O’Brien leverages his know-how in managing large-scale projects that involve planning, architectural design, environmental graphics, branding, graphic design, and visualization. Founder and Chairman Jack O’Brien is an expert in master planning with over 40 years of experience. Like the O’Briens, David Culbertson is a member of the AIA. He simultaneously carries out his responsibilities as a senior project manager and as the president of O’Brien Architects. The principals supervise the team in achieving clients’ strategic objectives for work environments such as the Alliance Petroleum Interests office in Dallas.
Various tones of wood were used throughout the space and balanced by marble textures—the result makes the office feel homey and inviting. The coziness of the space was emphasized by incorporating curved elements through furniture, light fixtures, drop ceilings, and curved transitions between flooring materials. The headquarters fosters a light and airy atmosphere that allows employees to feel at ease in the office.
Merriman Anderson Architects
300 N. Field Street, Dallas, TX, 75202
Merriman Anderson Architects is a community-minded firm that adds value to the environment. It is a LEED and WELL-accredited firm committed to advancing human health and wellness through its projects. Established in 1987, the firm provides sustainable design, architecture, and master planning services in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. For more than 30 years, the firm has devoted itself to creating inspired solutions for its clients. Its unique designs have graced D Magazine for four consecutive years.
Merriman Anderson Architects handles industrial, multifamily, office, and retail projects. Its extensive portfolio includes the CEC Electric project. Located on the corner of Valley View Lane and County Line Road, the project encompasses 10,000 square feet of mezzanine space and 3,000 square feet of warehouse space. Geometric lines decorate the exterior walls of the building and extend indoors. The outside fenced storage area accommodates several company trucks and ten bucket trucks. The sleek design blended glass, wood, and metal to complement the industrial interiors. The office space earned the 2017 Tilt-Up Achievement Award from the Tilt-Up Concrete Association.
GDA Architects
Victory Plaza, West 3090 Nowitzki Way, Suite #500, Dallas, TX 75219
Based in Dallas, GDA Architects is a versatile firm that handles diverse projects across the United States and Mexico. With 20% of its industrial designs located in Dallas, this firm has handled various industrial, office, and residential projects. One of these projects is the Bob Moore Construction (BMC) Headquarters. With the building sitting on a wooded site, the slightly bent floor plan nestles in amongst the bordering trees, creating a cozy “backyard” that can be used for a number of informal functions. To visually connect the exterior and interior environment, red cedar planks were used for both the high ceilings and soffits. A wide circulation spine anchors the main office area flanked by individual offices on either side, with glass partitions and sliders that provide a balance between privacy and collaboration. Iron spot brick was chosen as the main cladding material to pay homage to BMC’s original office.
Established in 1984, GDA Architecture serves excellence in planning, architecture, and interior design. The highly-respected firm’s work has been featured in Dallas Business Journal and the Dallas Morning News. The firm’s passion and attention to aesthetics and the environment are influenced by two people, Charles E. Gromatzky and Marc Sullivan. Both LEED AP and AIA members, Gromatzky and Sullivan ensure that the firm consistently provides satisfying, responsive designs.
Cunningham Architects
918 Dragon Street, Dallas, TX 75207
Cunningham Architects is a design firm with expertise in architecture and planning that has won over 60 awards from the Texas Society of Architects (TSA) and the Dallas Chapter of the AIA. Its approach is based on sustainable construction techniques, and each project is designed with the context and user in mind. The firm has developed in-depth specialties in adaptive reuse, commercial, institutional, and residential design.
Gary Cunningham sits as the founder and president of Cunningham Architects, heading the firm as a Fellow of the AIA. He has extensive experience in master planning, architectural technology, and interior design. The registered architect is also a recipient of the O’Neil Ford Medal for Design Achievement from the TSA where he contributes as a member. Gary supervises the Cunningham team in achieving clients’ strategic objectives; a product of their integrity and teamwork is the Steak and Ale Corporate Headquarters.
To prevent this massive structure from becoming fortress-like, the architects exploded the center of the façade, removing the offices but leaving the concrete frame. Besides moderating the overall scale of the building, the exposed frame gives depth and drama to the façade while making the employee courtyard on the first level feel part of the building instead of part of the street.
Oculus, Inc.
750 N. Saint Paul Street, Suite #1425, Dallas, TX 75201
Oculus operates on the values on connection, shape, and movement: a process that aims to connect architectural space with human needs through the shape of color, texture, and light to produce a design output that moves people in physical and emotional ways. The Dallas studio’s stunning, functional designs are overseen by Paul Johnston, the founding principal and executive vice president of the firm. A seasoned professional for decades, Johnston has earned a strong reputation for his top-notch workmanship, a vital element in the successful expansion of the practice. Core services of Oculus include full-service architecture, interior design, strategic facility planning, and move management.
Oculus renovated its Dallas branch to support the office’s growth and collaboration efforts. Perforated panels act as visual breaks and add a sense of privacy to define areas while keeping them open. Pops of blue, orange, and green decorate the interiors and bring life to the space. The office renovation features open office space to accommodate nine workstations, a conference room, a huddle room, and a kitchen.
