In this article, we will look at the top 12 companies for architects in United States. We have also discussed the global architecture market.
The global architectural services market witnessed remarkable growth, surging from USD 360.8 billion in 2022 to a projected USD 549.6 billion by 2032, reflecting a robust compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.3% over the forecast period. In 2022, the Asia Pacific region accounted for approximately 37% of the revenue share, confirming its significant presence in the market. Notably, construction and project management services dominated, contributing over 34.5% to the revenue share in the same year, while urban planning services exhibited a commendable CAGR of 6.5% from 2023 to 2032.
Architectural services encompass a spectrum of activities, including designing, planning, and project management, essential for various industries’ infrastructure development. Rapid urbanization, particularly in developing nations like India and Brazil, has propelled the demand for architectural services, with projects ranging from residential buildings to industrial complexes. Moreover, the integration of advanced technologies like 3D painting and digital advancements has further fueled market growth, offering innovative solutions and enhanced visualization for infrastructure development.
According to BLS, the median pay for architects in 2022 stood at $82,840 per year or $39.83 per hour. Entry-level education typically required a bachelor’s degree with no prior work experience necessary. On-the-job training is common for the professionals and typically includes internships or residencies. In 2022, there were 123,700 architect positions, with a projected job outlook of 5% growth from 2022 to 2032. This growth is expected to result in 6,000 additional jobs in the field over the same period.
In the US, architects predominantly secure employment in Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services, with 93,450 jobs, constituting 5.89% of industry employment and an annual mean wage of $96,310. Residential Building Construction and Nonresidential Building Construction follow, offering 2,020 (0.22%) and 1,670 (0.20%) jobs respectively, with mean wages of $39.71 ($82,610 annually) and $46.71 ($97,150 annually) per hour. The Federal Executive Branch also employs 1,540 architects, offering a higher mean wage of $50.68 hourly or $105,410 annually.
Geographically, California leads with 17,370 architect positions, followed by New York (10,370) and Texas (7,020), with hourly mean wages of $53.95 ($112,210 annually), $49.58 ($103,130 annually), and $43.72 ($90,940 annually) respectively. The District of Columbia boasts the highest concentration of architect jobs with 1,770 positions, offering an hourly mean wage of $56.25 ($116,990 annually). To read more about architects, see the highest paying countries for architects.
Owing to the increasing technological developments in the industry, Autodesk Inc (NASDAQ:ADSK) provides a range of software solutions tailored to the needs of architects, enabling them to streamline their design processes and bring their visions to life. Through Autodesk Inc (NASDAQ:ADSK)’s suite of tools like AutoCAD, Revit, and BIM 360, architects can efficiently create detailed designs, collaborate with team members in real-time, and manage projects effectively. AutoCAD, for instance, offers precise drafting and documentation capabilities, allowing architects to produce accurate drawings and blueprints.
On the other hand, Autodesk Inc (NASDAQ:ADSK)’s Build offers architects a comprehensive solution to address the challenges of fragmented project workflows. By centralizing all project data including models, drawings, issues, specifications, RFIs, and more in a cloud-based platform, Autodesk Inc (NASDAQ:ADSK)’s Build ensures easy access and intelligent insights throughout the project lifecycle. This eliminates the need for multiple point solutions and promotes collaboration among team members, owners, and other stakeholders.
Moreover, Autodesk Build simplifies administrative tasks for architects by integrating construction administration responsibilities such as submittals, RFIs, and punch lists within the same platform. This eliminates manual data transfers and ensures consistency across project documentation. With automated workflows and real-time tracking capabilities, architects can efficiently manage RFIs, submittals, and punch lists, ultimately improving project outcomes and client satisfaction. Additionally, Autodesk Inc (NASDAQ:ADSK)’s Build empowers architects to leverage data analytics to identify and mitigate risks early in the project, optimize workflows, and enhance overall business performance.
Aerial view of a suburban home under construction, displaying its modern architecture.
Our Methodology
To list the top companies for architects in the United States, we looked at the largest architecture firms in the US by revenue and relied on architecturalrecord for the top 25 architecture companies in the US. Then, we acquired the average architect salary for these companies on Glassdoor.com. The list is presented in an ascending order of average potential salaries of architects working for these firms in the US.
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12. Page Southerland Page, Inc
Average Salary: $83,000
Page, a multidisciplinary design firm, has recently expanded its New York presence by partnering with Davis Brody Bond, renowned for projects like the National September 11 Memorial Museum. The decision aims to capitalize on their collaborative success in notable ventures like the US Embassy in Kosovo. Steven M. Davis of Davis Brody Bond highlights the opportunity for innovation in architecture. It is one of the top 50 architecture firms in the world.
11. Stantec Inc
Average Salary: $91,000
Stantec Inc (NYSE:STN) has secured a key project to design a £4 billion ($5.08 billion) gigafactory in Somerset, UK, for Agratas, Tata Group’s global battery business. This project confirms Stantec Inc (NYSE:STN)’s reputation in providing integrated design services, including architectural and MEP design. The gigafactory is set to create up to 4,000 on-site jobs and additional opportunities in the supply chain, marking a substantial investment in the UK automotive and manufacturing sectors.
With over 26,000 employees operating across more than 400 locations globally, Stantec Inc (NYSE:STN) boasts a vast network of expertise. Its ability to secure high-profile projects like the Agratas gigafactory showcases its capability to deliver innovative and sustainable design solutions on a large scale. Hence, it is also one of the best companies to work as an architect.
10. Corgan Associates Inc
Average Salary: $96,000
Corgan Associates, Inc is a leading American architecture and design firm based in Dallas, Texas. As the fourth-largest architecture firm in the US, it has a key global presence and revenue. In 2022, Corgan reported a revenue of $331.18 million, employing over 900 professionals spread across 16 offices worldwide.
9. HDR Architecture
Average Salary: $96,500
HDR, an innovative architecture, engineering, and planning firm, boasts 11,000 employees across 250 sites. They have a global network that facilitates real-time collaboration, enabling them to tackle global challenges. Recognized internationally, HDR ranks second in the World Architecture Survey, with six sectors in the top ten. Hence, it is one of the top 10 architecture firms in the world.
To read more about architects, see countries that produce the best architects in the world.
8. AECOM (NYSE:ACM)
Average Salary: $99,000
AECOM (NYSE:ACM)’s Architecture division has over 2,500 architects across 300+ global offices, driving innovation through holistic, inclusive design processes. Their expertise spans strategic planning to project realization, delivering lasting value and sustainable outcomes. Committed to environmental responsibility, AECOM (NYSE:ACM) focuses on reducing carbon impact and designing for climate adaptation. Moreover, capitalizing on cutting-edge technology, their digitally advanced approach optimizes building performance. With a portfolio spanning diverse sectors and recognized with over 10,000 awards, their transformative designs redefine skylines worldwide.
It is one of the top residential architecture firms in the US.
7. HOK Group, Inc
Average Salary: $99,500
With a global footprint spanning 26 offices across three continents, HOK’s 1,600-strong team collaborates seamlessly to tackle the most pressing architectural challenges of our time. From iconic skyscrapers to sustainable urban developments, HOK’s forward-thinking architects blend creativity with technical expertise, creating spaces that inspire and endure.
6. Perkins Eastman
Average Salary: $103,863
Perkins Eastman is a globally recognized firm specializing in architecture, interior design, urban design, planning, landscape architecture, graphic design, and project management. Established in New York City, it is spearheaded by its founding Principals Bradford Perkins and Mary-Jean Eastman. It is one of the biggest architecture companies in the US.
It is worth noting that Perkins Eastman’s 20-year master plan for Rochester, MN, executed halfway through with the Destination Medical Center (DMC), is reshaping the city around Mayo Clinic. The plan integrates public spaces, streetscapes, and squares to connect Mayo’s facilities with the community, aiming to transform Rochester into a vibrant, walkable urban environment. Key districts like the Heart of the City and Discovery Square have already witnessed significant enhancements, fostering innovation and attracting businesses. Upcoming developments include revitalizing the downtown waterfront and creating a new transit hub with Central Park. The DMC’s success is evident in exceeding private investment goals, job creation, and downtown residency doubling. This long-term vision is driving Rochester’s evolution into a dynamic urban center, energized by collaboration between public and private stakeholders, and promising sustained growth for generations to come.
Perkins Eastman is also one of the top commercial architecture firms in USA.
5. Skidmore Owings & Merrill
Average Salary: $109,000
Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP (SOM) is the epitome of architectural excellence, renowned globally for its visionary approach to design and engineering. Established in 1936 in Chicago by Louis Skidmore, Nathaniel Owings, and John Merrill, SOM has since expanded its footprint across major cities worldwide, solidifying its status as a top-tier architectural firm. With offices spanning from New York City to Hong Kong and Dubai, SOM’s reach is as vast as its portfolio of iconic projects.
The firm’s legacy of innovation is evident in its diverse range of undertakings, from corporate headquarters like The Walt Disney Company and Citigroup to transformative urban developments such as the revitalization of Penn Station and ambitious lunar settlement concepts. SOM’s multidisciplinary practice seamlessly integrates architecture, engineering, and urban planning, ensuring holistic solutions across various project scales.
4. Gensler
Average Salary: $122,500
Gensler, headquartered in San Francisco, is the world’s largest architecture firm, renowned for megaprojects like CityCenter in Las Vegas, SFO Airport renovations, and Shanghai Tower. Their 2023 project, converting 160 Water Street into 588 residential units in Manhattan’s Financial District, addresses housing concerns. With a 2022 revenue of $1.785 billion, Gensler leads the US architecture sector. Moreover, operating in 53 cities across 17 countries by late 2023, they serve clients globally, confirming their expertise and impact on urban landscapes. It is one of the top companies for architects globally.
3. Jacobs Solutions Inc
Average Salary: $125,000
Jacobs is renowned in the field of architecture for its seven decades of delivering innovative solutions globally. With over 1,000 partners, their approach integrates design excellence with stakeholder collaboration, environmental consciousness, and cutting-edge technology. They excel in sustainable building delivery across all phases, from planning to operations maintenance. Ranked among the top firms globally, Jacobs has contributed to iconic projects such as the Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre and the University of Texas at Dallas Student Services Building.
2. Encor Solar
Average Salary: $177,878
Encor Solar is one of the best companies for architects owing to its innovative approach to solar energy solutions. With a focus on design integration, Encor Solar seamlessly incorporates solar panels into architectural plans, enhancing both aesthetic appeal and sustainability. The company’s commitment to cutting-edge technology ensures efficient energy production without compromising architectural integrity. Additionally, Encor Solar’s emphasis on collaboration and customization enables architects to tailor solutions to meet specific project requirements, earning them a reputation for reliability and excellence in the industry. Ultimately, their ability to marry functionality with design makes them a preferred partner for architects seeking sustainable energy solutions.
1. Autodesk Inc
Average Salary: $207,683
Autodesk Inc is a top company for architects in the US due to its innovative suite of software solutions tailored for architectural design, such as AutoCAD, Revit, and Maya. These tools empower architects to create intricate designs, streamline workflows, and visualize projects with precision. With features like 3D modeling, BIM (Building Information Modeling), and collaboration capabilities, Autodesk Inc software enhances efficiency and facilitates seamless communication within architectural teams and with clients. Additionally, continuous updates and support ensure architects stay at the forefront of technology, making Autodesk Inc a cornerstone in the industry’s digital transformation, driving creativity, efficiency, and ultimately, outstanding architectural outcomes. With an average salary of $207,683, it is the top company for architects in the US.
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