The Best Commercial Architects in Denver

Finding a reliable contractor for a commercial project in Denver, Colorado, is important because they understand the local weather, building codes, and permit processes. Denver, a city with a population of around 713,252 and a median home value of $579,019, has a dynamic and growing commercial real estate market. With projects ranging from small retail spaces to large-scale office complexes, the average cost of a commercial project in Denver can vary widely, typically falling between $150,000 and $1.2 million. However, high-end projects can easily exceed $1.95 million, reflecting the complexity and customization often involved. On average, construction projects in Denver cost about $12.81 per square foot over the past two years, and they can take up to 40 weeks to complete, depending on the project’s scope and unforeseen challenges.

Denver’s vibrant economy and diverse architectural landscape make it an attractive location for new commercial developments. With 35 commercial contractors operating in the area, according to recent permit data from the Denver building department, there is plenty of expertise to help bring architectural visions to life. Selecting a reliable architect is paramount, given the potential for unexpected issues during construction. Their role in keeping your project on schedule and within budget is crucial, reassuring you that your investment is in safe hands.

For those embarking on a commercial construction journey in Denver, choosing an experienced architect is not just a matter of convenience but a critical factor that can significantly impact the outcome of your project. To help you get started, we’ve compiled a list of the best Denver commercial architects, ensuring that your project is in capable hands from inception to completion.

Overview: The Best Commercial Architects in Denver

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

Dynia Architects

3501 Wazee St, Unit #212, Denver, CO 80216

Dynia Architects specializes in private residences, multifamily housing, restaurants, and cultural centers. It expanded its offices in 2012 when it established its Denver branch. At the firm’s helm is its founder, Stephen Dynia. He received a degree in Fine Arts and Architecture from the Rhode Island School of Design. Before establishing the firm, he first gained experience working on private residences and as a senior designer in the New York office of Skidmore Owings & Merrill, where he focused on large mixed-use projects both across the US and abroad. This architect in Denver had its project featured in an article from Forbes.

The featured project showcases the firm’s work on the Jackson Hole Performing Arts Pavilion.  It houses a public lobby, practice rooms, and a five-hundred-seat theater for drama, dance, and music. Some of its best elements include a grand staircase, countless platforms, and beautiful views of the nearby ski hill. 

4240 Architecture

3507 Ringsby Ct, Suite #117, Denver, CO 80216

4240 Architecture is a mid-sized firm that offers its clients a wide range of commercial architecture services. Its portfolio also includes several excellent mixed-use urban infill, multifamily residential, commercial office, active senior living, higher education, resort, and hospitality projects. The firm comprises nearly 50 experienced and talented professionals to whom it credits its success. One of its best projects is depicted below. 

This project, located in Denver, spans over 15,525 square feet and was designed for Bow River Capital. The firm’s team was distinguished with the 2020 AIA Colorado Award of Distinction and Award of Merit for its efforts.

Rowland+Broughton

1830 Blake St, Denver, CO 80202

Rowland+Broughton is one of the leading and progressive Denver commercial architects. It comprises an experienced team of architecture and interior design experts and is particularly regarded for its contributions to mountain and urban landscapes. Since its inception, it has worked on over 350 national architecture and interior design projects. Its services include custom residential, commercial, hospitality, interior design, and master planning. The firm has established an excellent reputation, in addition to its outstanding reviews. Most recently, it was named the 2020 AIA Colorado 2020 Firm of the Year.

The chosen project showcases the firm’s work for the Aspen Shop. It spans over 1,256 square feet and pays homage to the on-mountain experience with merchandise displayed on a chairlift and gondola-inspired clothing racks. Its other products are displayed beneath an abstracted bull wheel. 

Clutch Design Studio

309 W. 1st Ave, Denver, CO 80223

Clutch Design Studio is the product of the vision of its principals, Matt Robertson, Christopher Campbell,  and Mark Bourne. Robertson serves as the firm’s president and holds a degree in Environmental Design from Miami University. He first gained experience working on design schools with Steed Hammond Paul Architects in Cincinnati. On the other hand, Campbell is the firm’s principal architect and showcases a portfolio spanning regions and countries, from the LAX Tom Bradley International Terminal expansion to The United States Embassy in Seoul, South Korea. Lastly, there is Bourne, a Syracuse University School of Architecture graduate and an active member of the AIA and the Urban Land Institute. Featured below is one of the firm’s best works. 

This project serves as Shift Workspaces’ third location. For this, the firm’s team employed elements from previous locations—borrowed timber and Edison bulbs—with site-specific objects found, including agriculture trinkets and railroad artifacts. Some other great details include reclaimed wood and different iterations of glass chandeliers.

Arch11

1200 Bannock St, Denver, CO 80204

Arch11 works on modern and contemporary designs in some of the most sought-after commercial districts. Aside from its stellar commercial spaces, it is also highly regarded for its luxury residences and office spaces. The firm adheres to the best and latest sustainability design practices. Since the firm’s establishment, the company has won countless AIA Awards. Most recently, it was lauded with the 2012 AIA Colorado Award of Merit. 

In the chosen photo below, the firm worked on the Roth Living Showroom and headquarters. It had to design a first-class building that would perfectly fit the Sub-Zero / Wolf brand and its outstanding reputation for quality. For this, its team opted for an L-shaped base and a simple steel, wood, and glass palette.

JNS

1600 Wynkoop St, Suite #100, Denver, CO 80202

Consistently regarded as among Denver’s leading architecture and interior design firms, JNS offers its clients three decades of industry experience. It specializes in hospitality and multifamily spaces, in addition to historical restorations. The firm is also regarded for its diverse professional talent and impressive experience. Together, they make use of a highly collaborative approach, which has resulted in outstanding spaces. Its work has been featured in publications like The Denver Egotist and Mile High. Showcased below is one of the firm’s best works. 

Designed for The Crawford, this project includes a luxury hotel, several communal spaces, and outlets. The firm first started working on it in 2011. Some of its best elements include its acoustic plaster ceiling, the subtle introduction of venting and exhaust systems, and the utilization of heavy timber roof attics.

Eppstein Uhen Architects

1899 Wynkoop St, Suite #700, Denver, CO 80202

With over a hundred years of experience, Eppstein Uhen Architects is the oldest firm on this list. It specializes in workplace, healthcare, learning, living, science and technology, industrial, and community environments. The firm is composed of a diverse team of over 125 architects, nine registered engineers, and more than 50 LEED-accredited professionals. It is also known as the EUA and has worked in Colorado since 2017 in the heart of Denver’s historic district. Depicted below is one of the firm’s best projects.

This project, which spans over 130,000 square feet, was designed for Discovery World. EUA helped Discovery World develop a master plan for its new exhibits. Other tasks it had to fulfill included unique design concepts for its exhibits and several interactive kiosks. 

tres birds workshop

3821 Steele St, Unit B, Denver, CO 80205

Tres Birds is a full-service planning, architecture, and general contracting firm. The firm is regarded for its stellar architecture, engineering, and art contributions. Its portfolio showcases an excellent range of everything, from mixed-use developments and corporate headquarters to net-zero energy homes, museums, and city parks. Its principal and founder, Michael M. Moore, is at the firm’s helm. He is an artist who holds a degree in Environmental Biology and Fine Art from the University of California and a master’s in Architecture from the University of Colorado at Denver. The Architectural Digest featured the firm’s project, a testament to its reputation as one of the best Denver commercial architects.

The photo below showcases the firm’s work for Fjällräven & Royal Robbins. The firm provided full-service architecture, interior design, and general contracting for this project. This project is heavily daylit, with displays hanging on beetle-kill-pine posts rather than solid walls. Some other great elements include reclaimed boxcar flooring, gun-blued steel, and excellent handmade tile work.

Semple Brown Design

1160 Santa Fe Dr, Denver, CO 80204

With decades of industry experience, Semple Brown Design has secured a solid reputation for its highly integrated architecture and interior design and impressive indoor-outdoor spaces. Its comprehensive services work encompasses design, documentation, and construction administration for renovation and new construction projects, ranging from single-family residences to large-scale commercial and institutional facilities. The American Institute of Architects (AIA) has recognized it on countless occasions. 

Showcased below is one of the firm’s best works. Located in Denver, this photo depicts the firm’s work for Sunday Vinyl. It spans over 2,000 square feet and can seat over 68 patrons. Its best elements include a full kitchen and a large, curated wine selection.

Tryba Architects

1620 Logan St, Denver, CO 80203

Tryba Architects is an interdisciplinary architecture firm that has gained an impressive national reputation. It has worked on multiple complex projects from concept through construction using a principle-driven design approach. The firm draws inspiration from three decades of industry experience and has preserved and restored some of Denver’s beloved and iconic buildings. Tryba has been named Firm of the Year by the AIA and is also a proud Honor Award recipient from the same organization. This architect in Denver was mentioned in an article from The New York Times.

The showcased project is one of the firm’s best spaces in Denver. Completed for Aimco in 2020, it spans over 42,000 square feet. The firm’s team employed an impressive contemporary design and an interconnecting staircase.    

Shears Adkins Rockmore

1550 Wynkoop St, Suite #100, Denver, CO 80202

Otherwise known as “SAR+,” Shears Adkins Rockmore offers a wide range of architecture, interior design, and planning services. The firm is regarded for its highly hands-on approach and infusion of various sustainability practices into its spaces. Since its establishment, SAR+ has received countless accolades from vital organizations like the AIA. Showcased below is one of the firm’s best commercial projects. 

This photo showcases the firm’s work for Urban Villages in Denver. The project spans over 2,000 square feet and entailed working on an extensive interior renovation. First built in 1906, this office is shaped like a cube and features a mix of new and reutilized wood materials.

OZ Architecture

3003 Larimer St, Denver, CO 80205

OZ Architecture draws inspiration from over five decades of industry experience and comprises over 130 architects, interior designers, and support staff. The firm can take on regardless of size or complexity. It also commits itself to the best sustainability practices, which assure clients of the high efficiency of its spaces. The project below is a stellar example of the firm’s talent and expertise.

Located in Boulder, this project was finished in 2020. Designed for Avanti, it serves as its first location in Denver. The firm was tasked with transforming the first and fourth floors of an existing mixed-use building from office space into a modern food hall. The structure houses six restaurant concepts that offer everything from pizza to Taiwanese cuisine.  

Davis Partnership

2901 Blake St, Suite #100, Denver, CO 80205

Davis Partnership offers potential clients a full range of multidisciplinary services, including health care, higher education, and commercial projects. Its portfolio also showcases several great cultural spaces, resorts, and multifamily housing. The firm’s services include not only architecture but also landscape architecture, interior design, lighting, wayfinding, and experiential design. It stands among the leading design firms in the country and draws inspiration from 50+ years of industry experience. Depicted below is one of the firm’s best projects.

Their office is a beacon for neighborhood-specific respectful design. It is one of the highest-performing adaptive reuse renovations with XCEL Energy and is LEED Gold Certified. They also engaged a local artist to design and provide artwork in their office. True to the neighborhood at heart.

Fentress Architects

421 Bdwy, Denver, CO 80203

Fentress Architects is an international design firm. It is the product of the vision of its founder, Curtis Fentress, who established the firm. He is a Fellow of the AIA, the highest distinction the prestigious organization bestows on its members. Under his leadership, the firm has designed over $43 billion of architectural landmarks worldwide, visited by more than 650 million people annually. Fentress also ranks among the Top Green Design Firms in the U.S. and is a trailblazing pioneer in sustainable design. 

Given this impressive background, it is no surprise that the firm is also known for its award-winning design of airports, museums, convention centers, laboratories, higher education, civic, and government buildings. Additionally, the firm designs office, mixed-use, religious, and residential buildings. The firm was behind the “Best Airport in North America.” 

Craine Architecture

2490 Welton St, Denver, CO 80205

Craine Architecture designs a wide range of impressive architectural vernaculars. The firm works with its clients closely throughout the entire process, from inception through completion. It is led by its principal, Dan Craine. He is a native of New York and a graduate of Colgate University. His experience also includes serving as a member of Historic Denver’s Board of Trustees, a member of the Congress of New Urbanism, a member of the Arapahoe Square Design Advisory Board, and an active member of AIA Denver’s Urban Design Committee. Craine ensures that each of the projects the firm takes on receives the benefits of his insight and experiences.

The project below is an outstanding example of the firm’s talent. Labeled in its portfolio as “The Lydian,” this project is located in Denver. It is a mixed-use high-rise construction project. Its best features include its fitness center, clubhouse, pool, and amenity deck. 

Ranking Methodology

To evaluate the performance of architects, our methodology employs a systematic approach that considers various factors contributing to customer experience and satisfaction. We focused on assessing the commercial architects in the Denver 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.