Regarded as a modern metropolis in North Texas, Dallas serves as the state’s commercial and cultural hub. It is known for its great art districts, and museums, and for commemorating the site of President John F. Kennedy’s assassination. This list showcases 15 of Dallas’ best and leading residential architects behind some of its most recognizable homes and spaces. These companies were chosen based on their experiences, countless accolades, and diverse backgrounds.
Overland Partners, Inc.
1845 Woodall Rodgers Fwy. Suite #1500, Dallas, TX 75201
Overland Partners is the product of the vision and ideals of its leader and founding partner, Rick Archer. He is a fellow at the American Institute of Architects (AIA), which is the highest distinction that the prestigious organization gives its members. He plays an active role as a design principal of the firm and focuses on education, health care, non-profit and urban design. Under his leadership, the firm has won various noteworthy distinctions, which include the AIA’s COTE Top 10 Award, Architect Top 50 Award in Sustainability and Design, and the Texas Architect Firm of the Year Award among other national, regional, and local awards.
Showcased above is one of the firm’s best works. Located in the heart of Dallas, this home spans roughly 14,500 square feet. It serves as an oasis for both indoor and outdoor entertaining and was designed specifically to respond to its beautiful environment. The living area leads to two courtyards and also has a simple wooden bridge.
Max Levy Architect
5646 Milton St. Suite #709, Dallas, TX 75206
Max Levy Architect is the product of the vision of its principal, Max Levy. he holds a degree in architecture from the University of California. He is a proud fellow of the AIA, which is the highest distinction the prestigious organization bestows upon its clients. Prior to his establishment of the firm, he first gained experience working in various impressive architectural firms like The Oglesby Group, Skidmore Owings & Merrill, and Joseph Esherick & Associates. Under his leadership, the firm has won several Honor Awards from the AIA and has had its work featured in publications like Papercity/Dallas.
The firm’s portfolio showcases an excellent range of modern and contemporary spaces. It has an affinity for straight lines and minimalist finishes. Often, its work is distinguished for its great palettes and unique fixtures.
Oglesby Greene Architecture
1925 San Jacinto St. #300, Dallas, TX 75201
Oglesby Greene Architecture extends its services throughout Dallas and specializes in every aspect of the process. Aside from its residential work, its portfolio also showcases several impressive religious, cultural, educational, civic, and commercial projects. The firm is especially regarded for its extensive planning and restoration services. It also incorporates various sustainability practices, assuring homeowners of the high efficiency of its work. The firm describes its team as a group of classic modernists, which reflects itself in its spaces. Featured above is one of the firm’s best homes.
For this project, the firm’s team opted for simple forms and chose natural materials. The home is rectangular and showcases full-height glass throughout, with the exception of its west elevation. The masonry garden wall merges with the north façade to reinforce the connection between inside and out.
Cunningham Architects
918 Dragon St. Dallas, TX 75207
Founded in 1981, Cunningham Architects extends its services throughout Dallas and has worked in some of its most sought-after neighborhoods. Since its establishment, it has won over 60 design awards and is highly regarded for its affinity toward sustainable building. The firm is the proud recipient of countless distinctions from the AIA. These include both Merit and Honor Awards, in addition to Citation Awards. Showcased above is an excellent example of the firm’s talent and expertise.
Located in Dallas, this home spans over 5,500 square feet and was finished back in 2007. This is the first ground-up house for this neighborhood in 50 years. Its exteriors are clad in painted fiber and cement siding while native plants were used to soften its edges.
Welch Architecture
820 Exposition Ave. Suite #4, Dallas, TX 75226
Welch Architecture offers its clients a complete range of architecture and interior design services. It extends its services throughout Dallas and assists with everything from start to finish. Since its establishment, it has curated relationships with a select group of the top interior design firms, landscape architects, and lighting designers in the area. At its helm is its leader and owner, Cliff Welch. He is a fellow at the AIA and has been honored at the local and national levels. Throughout his decades working in the field of modern architecture, he has won over 30 awards. Featured above is one of the firm’s best homes.
Known as “The Enclave at Northcliff,” this project sits on an undeveloped triangular-shaped tract of land in East Dallas. It featured a great mid-century theme and low flat roofs. Some other great details include its open floor plan, floor-to-ceiling windows, and custom fixtures.
M Gooden Design
3720 Canton St. Dallas, Texas 75226
With features in publications like Dwell and ArchDaily, M Gooden Design is a highly-lauded firm that is experienced in every aspect of the residential architecture process. It makes use of a highly collaborative and transparent design process, which encompasses everything from programming and concept development to product selection and detailing. Its team also assists with documentation and construction administration. The firm is led by its founding principal, Michael Gooden. He is licensed in both Texas and Wisconsin and draws inspiration from over two decades of working on both residential and commercial designs. His work has been published in multiple publications, which include Dwell, Interior Design Magazine, the Dallas Morning News, D Magazine, and ArchDaily.
The chosen project is a stellar example of the firm’s talent. Labeled in its portfolio as the Taula House, this single-family residence was designed for a multigenerational family in the Preston Hollow neighborhood of Dallas. Its exteriors are clad with precast concrete, weathered steel, and dark gray basalt stone, with accents of Brazilian Ipe siding, polished stucco, and zinc composite panel. As for its interiors, its monumental staircase dominates its main entry, coupled with a 20-foot tall curtain of glass from behind.
SHM Architects
4514 Travis St. Suite #302, Dallas, TX 75205
SHM Architects is a boutique design studio that has been in business since 2005. It operates out of two offices in Dallas and Crested Butte in Colorado, which was first launched in 2019 to serve its clients across the Mountain West region. In terms of design, its portfolio showcases a diverse range of contemporary and traditionally inspired spaces. The firm is no stranger to acclaim. Its work has been featured in publications like Architectural Digest, Elegant Homes, and The Dallas Morning News. Pictured above is one of the firm’s best projects.
For this home, the firm’s team maximized the use of the space’s natural light. Its central courtyard seamlessly connects its interiors and outdoors, all while using beautiful earth tones. Some other great details include its transitional touches and details.
Wernerfield Architecture
2607 N. Carroll Ave. Dallas TX 75204
Wernerfield Architecture extends its services throughout Dallas and has had the privilege of working in some of its most sought-after neighborhoods and communities. It is a multidisciplinary firm that offers a wide range of design and construction services. These include master planning, conceptual design, handling construction documents, and project management. It also oversees general contracting, in addition to construction administration.
The firm takes on projects regardless of size or scale, evidenced by the above. Its portfolio depicts an impressive and diverse range of modern and contemporary themes. Featured is the CCR1 home exuding modern elegance though minimalism. Its modern design flows seamlessly from its exterior to its interior layout. The design maximized the area of the home and used materials such as stone, wood, and glass to blend in perfectly with its natural surroundings. The abundance of glass used in this project also blurs the line between indoor an outdoor living.
Stephen B. Chambers Architects, Inc.
5207 McKinney Ave. Suite #16, Dallas, TX 75205
Stephen B. Chambers Architects specializes in ranches, residential design, and historic restoration projects. It is the product of the vision of its owner and leader, Stephen Chambers, who ensures each project that the firm takes on receives the benefit of his experience. He is a licensed architect, interior designer, and former general contractor. Under his leadership, the firm maintains affiliations with vital organizations like the AIA, Building Green, and Green Building Connect.
The chosen project is an excellent example of the firm’s talent and expertise. The primary goal for this project was to extensively remodel it and incorporate modern elements. For this, it made consistent use of Texas limestone and various sustainable details.
Ron Wommack Architect
1111 Lagoon Dr. Dallas, TX 75207
Ron Wommack Architect specializes in both commercial and residential projects. It extends its work throughout Dallas and the entirety of Texas. The firm is led by its founder and owner, Ron Wommack. He is a fellow at the AIA, and prior to establishing his firm, he gained experience working for two of the Southwest’s most recognized and design-oriented firms, The Oglesby Group and Frank Welch Associates. Under his leadership, the firm has won countless AIA Awards, in addition to a North American Copper in Architecture Award and several Texas Society of Architects Design Honor Awards.
The firm can manage any project type, from the development of new, denser housing typologies and single-family residences to corporate office facilities and public projects. Ron has a degree in architecture from Texas Tech University and has also served as an adjunct professor at the University of Texas at Arlington.
Malone Maxwell Dennehy Architects
3400 Oak Grove Ave. Suite #202, Dallas, TX 75204
Malone Maxwell Dennehy Architects is a full-service architectural firm based in Dallas. It has been in business since 1992 and specializes in residential, commercial, and retail interiors, in addition to corporate marketing centers. It has also worked in multiple religious, educational, and co-working spaces. In 2013 the firm was recognized as the Architecture Firm of the Year by the Dallas Chapter of the AIA.
The firm has had its work featured in a variety of publications, including Texas Architect. Its portfolio showcases stellar contemporary and modern-themed projects, with work that is often characterized by open concept floor plans, large paned windows, and minimalist finishes.
Shipley Architects
1709 Gould St. Dallas, TX 75215
Shipley Architects is experienced in every phase and aspect of the residential architectural process. It maintains a highly hands-on approach, which allows for little to almost no significant revisions throughout the entire process. Some of its best projects can be found across Dallas. The firm has won countless AIA Awards and Citation Awards from publications like Residential Architect Magazine.
Uniquely, the firm has also worked on several roadside attractions. The chosen project above is one of its best homes. For this project, its team employed a mix of eclectic and contemporary touches. The team took on a minimalistic approach while making the home feel warm and welcoming. The space is maximized to give it a more spacious look while still incorporating personal elements that define its owners’ lifestyle.
Selzer Associates
4514 Travis St. Suite #235, Dallas, TX 75205
Selzer Associates is an architecture and interior design practice that has been in business since 1964. Since its establishment, it has been the proud recipient of over 38 national, state, and local design awards. The firm is composed of a talented and experienced team of professional architects, intern architects, interior designers, and support staff. Since the firm’s establishment, the firm has won preservation Achievement Awards and AIA distinctions.
At the firm’s helm is its founder and president, Dale Selzer. He is an AIA fellow and graduated from Ohio University with an Honors Bachelor of Science in Architectural Engineering degree. Under his leadership, the firm has become a diversified practice, which includes retail, commercial, institutional, religious, and industrial projects.
GGO Architects
1808 S. Good Latimer Expy. Suite #105, Dallas, TX 75226
GGO Architects is the first green practice to open in Dallas and focuses on green and sustainable designs. It incorporates energy efficiency, passive solar techniques, natural day lighting, non-toxic materials, advanced building science, and enhanced indoor air quality. Since its establishment, the firm has worked across Dallas and has taken on over 300 projects. These include residential projects and commercial, institutional, and museum work.
Depicted above is one of the firm’s best works. Labeled in its portfolio as the Passmore residence, this home is a low-impact new construction that is LEED Certified. It features stone exteriors and wood finishes.
A.GRUPPO Architects
5804 Kenwood, Dallas, TX 75206
With three decades of industry experience, A.GRUPPO Architects uses a highly streamlined design-build approach while maintaining control of the entire process from inception to completion. It specializes in sustainable, modern residential, and commercial builds throughout Texas. The firm was founded in 2005 and is the brainchild of its owners, Andrew Nance and Thad Reeves. Under their leadership, A.GRUPPO engages in a broad range of project types and scales from detailed interior installations to large-scale master planning and speculative development.
Since its establishment, the firm has been featured in publications like Texas Architect, Build Direct, and D Magazine. It is also the recipient of countless AIA distinctions. It has also joined the organization’s annual Dallas Tour of Homes.
