Recognized as the fourth-biggest industrial market in the U.S., Dallas appeals to a lot of newcomers who are eager to move to a city with a thriving economy. With plenty of job opportunities and family-friendly neighborhoods, the city also offers a wide range of affordable homes for homebuyers and renters. People who advocate sustainability and green building practices will find many options when it comes to choosing the best green architects in Dallas.
Many homeowners find it difficult to hire a firm that can easily deliver their needs, preferences, schedule, and budget without compromising one of the items on their list. In this guide, our editorial team came up with highly reputable firms in Dallas and nearby areas that specialize in green architecture. Each firm was chosen for its expertise and extensive experience, particularly in sustainable designs and methods.
5G Studio Collaborative
1217 Main St., Suite #500, Dallas, TX 75202
The award-winning 5G Studio Collaborative offers a full scope of architectural services. Since 2005, the firm has completed billions of dollars worth of construction under the leadership of co-founder Scott Lowe. For 16 years, the company has successfully managed all types of design challenges by coming up with the most creative solutions. With offices located in Texas, Georgia, Florida, and Indonesia, the design studio has completed over a thousand projects located across the globe.
Since its inception, 5G Studio Collaborative has amassed countless awards and recognitions. In 2020, the firm was honored with the People’s Choice Award at the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Awards for its outstanding work at the Batu Hotel. For two consecutive years, the company was named by Architect Magazine as one of the Top U.S. Firms under the design category.
The Winnwood Residence in Addison serves as one of the firm’s notable projects earning a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Platinum Certification. 5G Studio Collaborative developed an energy-efficient home with an exterior designed to blend in with the natural environment. The addition of geothermal wells and a rain collection system enables the property to minimize excess water. In 2017, the Texas Society of Architects announced the firm as the Design Award winner.
ShipleyArchitects
1709 Gould St., Dallas, TX 75215
Specializing in modern and contemporary style homes, ShipleyArchitects provides a wide range of architectural and design services in Dallas. The firm is known for delivering superior quality and craftsmanship at an affordable price. Founder Dan Shipley values the importance of creating budget-friendly homes without sacrificing the overall design.
Throughout his impressive career, Dan has developed a unique approach to the design process and believes in making the most of the materials available. He gained experience working for several architectural firms and honed his skills in design, building, and project management. With his guidance, the firm has delivered numerous residential and commercial projects surpassing customer expectations.
The House of Olympic Proportions located in Port Townsend earned the firm the 2015 AIA Honor Award for its outstanding design work. Featuring a gray color palette, the property imbues a warm and inviting feeling while blending in with the natural environment. ShipleyArchitects has also been featured in several publications including Architect Magazine and Residential Architect.
LaRue Architects
500 N. Capital of Texas Hway., Building 8, Suite 110, Austin, TX 78746
Austin-based LaRue Architects specializes in designing custom homes integrating sustainable practices to create unique and cost-efficient homes. Composed of a close-knit crew of professional architects and project managers, the company takes on a direct and personalized approach. By focusing on the client’s needs and preferences, the company delivers exceptional results regardless of project size and scope.
The design-driven firm has over 30 years of industry experience developing over 400 residential projects. Firm principal James LaRue developed his expertise in designing spaces specifically tailored to the unique landscape and environment of Central Texas. The company’s projects reflect the perfect balance between functional design and the natural environment. Since its inception, the firm has amassed numerous recognitions including the 2019 Luxe Red Awards.
One of the firm’s noteworthy projects is the House on the Hidden Pond located in Dallas. LaRue Architects was assigned to create a remarkable mid-century home with an open space floor plan. The combination of different materials and textures enhances the overall look of the property creating a simple yet elegant look.
Winn Wittman Architecture
5220 Spring Valley Rd., Suite #220, Dallas, TX 75254
With offices in Austin and Dallas, Winn Wittman Architecture specializes in contemporary homes throughout Central Texas. Established in 1996, the firm is recognized for its innovative approach to green architecture which combines old and new methods. With the firm’s signature panels, the company aims to reduce solar gain and improve energy efficiency in every home.
Founder Winn Wittman is recognized as one of the country’s top architects on contemporary design. His works have been featured in various media channels including The Discovery Network and HGTV. He has won numerous awards including the Best Green Innovation from Green Building and Design for Wittman Panel.
Wittman Architecture’s work on the Parallelogram House in Austin highlighted the firm’s expertise in handling challenging projects. With the property’s limited space, the firm conceptualized a functional design while maximizing the spectacular views of the home. The home’s unique angles and energy-efficient glass panels create a seamless and modern overall look.
GGOArchitects
1808 S Good Latimer Expy., Suite 105, Dallas, TX 75226
Founded in 1987, GGOArchitects is recognized as the first green architectural firm in Dallas. Specializing in energy-efficient designs and passive solar techniques, the firm aims to enhance the quality of life through sustainability. Having completed over 500 projects throughout the U.S., the company uses advanced tools, technologies, and practices to create a safe and healthy environment.
Founder Gary Gene Olp is an expert in building practices. His design-build approach combines meticulous design and planning to create spaces that foster a stronger community. With offices based in Dallas and Sedona, the firm has grown its portfolio and caters to residential, commercial, and institutional projects. The design studio also offers its own Healthy Home Consulting Services.
As an industry leader in sustainability, GGOArchitects has earned several designs and green building awards including the first Leadership in Environmental Energy and Design (LEED) Platinum Certified Home in Texas for its work on Heather’s Home. For this property, the firm crafted a unique contemporary design using energy-efficient systems and methods to create a healthy environment for the homeowners. This project received media attention and was featured in Oprah Magazine.
Overland Partners
203 E Jones Ave., Suite #104, San Antonio, TX 78215
Established in 1987, Overland Partners specializes in green architecture focusing on creating sustainable solutions across all types of build-outs. Founder Tim Blonkvist has completed projects throughout the globe including the U.S., Europe, India, China, and Saudi Arabia. His design principle combines art and architecture while always focusing on incorporating natural light into the environment. For more than 30 years, the firm has developed a detailed process enabling the company to handle the most complex design issues.
One of the firm’s outstanding projects is the Residence for Art located in Dallas. The homeowners assigned Overland Partners to curate a contemporary design to house their private art collection. The firm took inspiration from their artworks to strike a balance between light and space. Using energy-efficient lighting fixtures, the firm focused on creating an environment that highlights the artworks throughout the home.
Since its inception, the firm has received numerous recognitions for its inspiring projects. In 2015, Overland Partners was honored with the Chicago Athenaeum International Architectural Design Award.
Cornerstone Architects
7000 Bee Cave Rd., Suite #200, Austin, TX 78746
Austin-based Cornerstone Architects offers architecture and interior design services throughout Texas and the U.S. Since 1989, the firm has expanded its services to international clients. Specializing in sustainable design principles, the firm customizes each project to deliver the most efficient solutions.
Leading the firm are partners Mark Carlson, Bob Wetmore, Rodney Palmer, and Ranjit Gupta. Their combined expertise has led to countless successful projects. Over the years, the design studio has completed a variety of high-end homes, multi-family units, mixed-use properties, and commercial projects. With a diverse portfolio, the firm has earned several awards including the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Gold-rated sustainable projects.
The Wallis Residence serves as one of the firm’s showcase projects. Cornerstone Architects took on the challenge of restoring the rundown property and transforming it into a simple, clean, and elegant home. The firm installed large glass walls to maximize the stunning views of the property and bring in lots of natural light.
Lake | Flato
311 Third St., San Antonio, TX 78205
Founded in 1984, Lake | Flato caters to an international clientele with a diverse portfolio across all building types. With a strong passion for sustainability, the design studio is dedicated to creating environmentally responsible designs in every project. With a group of highly skilled architects and talented craftsmen, the company guarantees superior quality and workmanship regardless of project size and scope.
Lake | Flato was formed through the partnership between David Lake and Ted Flato. David specializes in urban transformation and has worked on notable projects including the Georgia Tech Engineered Biosystems Building which earned him a LEED Platinum Award. Ted, on the other hand, focuses on applying sustainable techniques. His award-winning projects include the ASU Polytechnic Academic Campus which received an AIA COTE Top 10 Award.
The firm’s work on the Bluffview Residence in Dallas showcased the studio’s expertise in designing challenging landscapes. For this project, Lake | Flato took on the task of designing a property in a steep environment. The home’s roof was patterned to follow the natural slope of the area to create harmony between nature and space.
Miró Rivera Architects
505 Powell St., Austin, TX 78703
For more than two decades, the award-winning Miró Rivera Architects (MRA) has amassed more than 100 design awards and 40 AIA Awards. The architecture firm is recognized for its distinctive style of producing high-quality modern designs. Spearheading the firm are founders Miguel Rivera and Juan Miró. Their first collaboration as partners earned the company a positive reputation and several design awards from the AIA.
MRA specializes in sustainable projects and focuses on integrating time-tested methods and natural lighting. Its design approach is anchored in delivering responsible architecture. Since its inception, the firm has grown an impressive list of clients with projects ranging from residential and commercial to institutional and entertainment centers. Over the years, the company has developed its skill in managing large-scale projects and is fully equipped to handle the most challenging design issues. In 2016, MRA was honored with the prestigious Texas Society of Architects’ Architecture Firm Award.
Featured here is the firm’s Vertical House. This home’s multi-awarded architecture and design boast clean lines, sheer glass walls, and sculptural sun shades. The dramatic five-story home rises above the treetops and looks over stunning views of Dallas’ downtown skyline. Judges praised the project for its exquisite detail and its integration of the land, the views, energy strategies, structure, and detailing.
