Seattle is a city that continually attracts some of the most visionary architectural projects, and these firms are leading the charge.
These annual rankings were last updated on May 15th, 2026. Want to see your firm on next year’s list? Continue reading for more on how you can improve your studio’s ranking.
Seattle, also known as the Emerald City — not the one in the Wizard of Oz but rather a nickname that speaks of the city’s breathtaking surrounding greenery — is considered one of the most futuristic cities in the United States. Starting as a humble timber town in the 19th century, post-industrial Seattle was violently destroyed after the 1889 Great Seattle Fire razed much of the downtown area. Following this pivotal event, Seattle underwent a rapid architectural rebirth. Architectural works such as John Graham Jr.’s Space Needle, OMA’s Seattle Library and Frank Gehry’s Museum of Pop Culture mark the West Coast city’s modern architectural history.
In addition, Seattle is a city that continually attracts some of the most visionary architectural projects, such as the Amazon Spheres — Amazon’s workspace housing an impressive range of plant species, not just through sustainable and technologically driven practices but also through socially invigorating designs. In recent years, the city has become a hotbed for mixed-use developments, blending residential, commercial and recreational spaces to create vibrant, livable communities.
With so many architecture firms to choose from, it’s challenging for clients to identify the industry leaders that will be an ideal fit for their project needs. Fortunately, Architizer is able to provide guidance on the top design firms in Seattle, United States, based on more than a decade of data and industry knowledge.
How are these architecture firms ranked?
The following ranking has been created according to key statistics that demonstrate each firm’s level of architectural excellence. The following metrics have been accumulated to establish each architecture firm’s ranking, in order of priority:
- The number of A+Awards won (2013 to 2026)
- The number of A+Awards finalists (2013 to 2026)
- The number of projects selected as “Project of the Day” (2009 to 2026)
- The number of projects selected as “Featured Project” (2009 to 2026)
- The number of projects uploaded to Architizer (2009 to 2026)
Each of these metrics is explained in more detail at the foot of this article. This ranking list will be updated annually, taking into account new achievements of Seattle architecture firms throughout the year.
Without further ado, here are the 30 best architecture firms in Seattle:
© The Miller Hull Partnership
Founded in 1977 by David Miller and Robert Hull, partners with a defining background in the Peace Corps, The Miller Hull Partnership is strongly influenced by site and environmental conditions. The heart of our work is understanding the power of natural surroundings. Our legacy of environmentally responsible buildings is inspired by the efficiency and elegance of passive systems and regional materials.
We leverage the openness and flexibility of modernist form to celebrate connections inside and out. We continually explore the boundaries of current thought, pulling from the latest technology, materials and cultural context. Miller Hull is widely recognized for innovative, timeless designs that provide enduring value by harmoniously elevating the ordinary with nature. Partnership is at the core of our practice.
Some of The Miller Hull Partnership’s most prominent projects include:
- Loom House, Bainbridge Island, Washington
- U.S. Embassy, Guatemala City, Guatemala
- The Kendeda Building for Innovative Sustainable Design, Atlanta, Georgia
- Renton Public Library, Renton, Washington
- Health Sciences Education Building, Seattle, Washington
- Featured image: Trestle Cabin, San Juan County, Washington
The following statistics helped The Miller Hull Partnership achieve 2nd place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Seattle:
| A+Awards Winner |
3 |
| A+Awards Finalist |
8 |
| Featured Projects |
21 |
| Total Projects |
43 |
© SHED Architecture & Design – Modern Architects Seattle
SHED Architecture & Design, located in Seattle, specializes in modern and sustainable projects including custom homes, remodels, and commercial interiors, as well as landscape, furniture and conceptual designs. SHED’s origins as a design/build firm continue to inspire and inform the design process, as they collaboratively work with clients and partners to seek unique solutions that embody the qualities of economy, beauty and craft.
Some of SHED Architecture & Design – Modern Architects Seattle’s most prominent projects include:
- Lark House, Seattle, Washington
- Me-Kwa-Mooks Net-Zero, Seattle, Washington
- Alley Cat, Seattle, Washington
- Alder House, Seattle, Washington
- Dyes Inlet Farmhouse, Silverdale, Washington
The following statistics helped SHED Architecture & Design – Modern Architects Seattle achieve 7th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Seattle:
| Featured Projects |
11 |
| Total Projects |
22 |
© Rafael Soldi
Meaningful design is a balance between content, beauty and function. Inspiration from our client’s real-life needs is used to choreograph intuitive experiences with distinct levels of interaction. Our devotion is to never lose sight of the needs of the people with whom we work. This is our Best Practice.
Some of Best Practice Architecture’s most prominent projects include:
- Granny Pad, Seattle, Washington
- Eye Eye, Seattle, Washington
- Big Mouth House, Seattle, Washington
- Smith Tower Tenant Improvement, Seattle, Washington
- Rainier Annex Studios, Seattle, Washington
The following statistics helped Best Practice Architecture achieve 9th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Seattle:
| A+Awards Winner |
1 |
| Featured Projects |
8 |
| Total Projects |
31 |