The Best Residential Architects and Designers in Columbus, Ohio

Last updated on August 7th, 2024 at 02:36 am

Choosing the right residential architect in Columbus, Ohio, is crucial for ensuring your home’s design and construction process goes smoothly. The expertise of a residential architect can help you avoid common pitfalls, maximize space utilization, optimize energy efficiency, and incorporate sustainable materials. Additionally, they bring artistic flair and unique design elements that reflect your personality, turning a house into a true home.

Columbus, with a population of 907,971 and a median home value of $247,174, is appealing due to its solid economic base, lower cost of living, and diverse activities in the city and nearby communities. Residential projects in Columbus typically cost between $200,000 and $550,000, with some high-end projects reaching up to $650,000. The cost per square foot averages $124.37, reflecting the investment required for quality construction. With projects often taking up to nine months to complete, finding a skilled architect is essential to managing timelines and ensuring a seamless construction process.

This article will introduce you to some of the best Columbus, Ohio architects. These professionals are known for their creativity, reliability, and ability to handle projects of all sizes. With 269 relevant contractors in the area, selecting the right architect can make a significant difference in achieving your dream home. These architects are equipped to deliver exceptional results, ensuring your home is functional and efficient and a true reflection of your style and personality.

Overview: The Best Residential Architects and Designers in Columbus, Ohio

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

Richard Taylor Architects

48 South High St. Ste. B, Dublin, OH 43017

Richard Taylor is one of Dublin’s architects, and his contributions to the community can be seen and felt throughout the city.  He has lent his expertise to the city’s sector, such as the Planning and Zoning Commission and the Historic District’s Cultural Review Board. Taylor has designed establishments all over Ohio, Arizona, and Colorado, but his passion is residential architecture. Taylor’s RTA Studio specializes in designing custom homes and renovation projects. Its designs evoke a nostalgic feel because every homeowner is familiar with these traditional façades, and Richard Taylor Architects tailors these styles to every client.

But Richard Taylor Architects is not limited to classic designs; this modern home in Olentangy Boulevard proves that. The home stands out in a neighborhood filled with traditional homes.  It has a simple, beige linear façade and the oak finish gives it a contemporary look. The clean polished look is maintained in the interior. It has a sleek, gray color palette paired with monochromatic furnishing.

Jamee Parish Architecture & Design

3636 N. High St. Suite #203, Columbus, OH 43214

Since she was a little girl, Jamee Parish has wanted to be an architect. She started working at RTA Studio while completing her undergraduate degree in Architecture. After years of working for RTA and obtaining her master’s, she finally established Jamee Parish Architecture & Design in 2014. Parish could pursue her true passion for designing custom homes with her firm. Some of her work has landed on the pages of Columbus Monthly magazine.

Below, you can see where Jamee Parish Architecture & Design transformed a 1960s suburban house into a modern craftsman home. The home always had a very rustic feel: the exterior’s wood horizontal sidings were accented with a raised stone water table. The client loved the craftsman style so much that the rustic look was retained in the interior but given a modern twist. Columbus Monthly’s 2017 Home & Garden Issue featured this gorgeous Dublin home. 

Behal Sampson Dietz

990 West Third Ave., Columbus, OH 43212

Behal Sampson Dietz has been in business for a century, making it one of the oldest firms in the area. Founders Tom Sampson and Jim Dietz lead the architectural sector and bring years of experience in design to every project. Sampson has been a residential architect since the late ’70s, and Dietz has been managing the firm’s design services since 1985. Both partners have created a thorough architectural process that can be found on the firm’s website. 

Behal Sampson Dietz is often found in the local magazine Columbus Monthly Homes. The firm has also gained a number of accolades, including being part of Business First Magazine’s Fast 50 list of fastest-growing companies in Greater Columbus and being included on The List of the Top Greater Columbus Residential Renovation Contractors.

Behal Sampson Dietz’s historic Upper Arlington home made it to the cover of the Columbus Monthly Homes magazine. The red brick Colonial home has a very traditional stately façade. Its symmetrical front interior has two brick wings. One opens to the kitchen and family room; the other includes a private den. 

Meyers+Associates Architecture + Interior Design

232 North Third St., Suite #300, Columbus, OH 43215

Full-service architectural firm Meyers+Associates Architecture + Interior Design has a team of experienced architects certified by distinguished organizations like the AIA and the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED). Founder Christopher Meyers is an AIA and LEED-certified architect who has also been honored by renowned publications. He has been part of Business First Magazine’s 40 under 40 and Architect Magazine’s Top 50 Firms list. 

Among the top residential architects in Columbus, Ohio, Meyers+Associates Architecture + Interior Design boasts of creating the first LEED Silver establishment when it built its headquarters. Aiming to be the perfect example of sustainable architecture, the firm uses existing space to create a modern, functional office. 

Another notable project of the firm is this modern farmhouse in Delaware.

Located in a 200-acre horse pasture, local materials were sourced for timber framing and interior wood interiors. The home’s interior and exterior included different kinds of wooden accents. The front façade has white wooden planks reminiscent of a barn, and the interior’s truss construction has a polished dark wood finish.

urbanorder architecture

797 Summit St., Columbus, OH 43215

urbanorder architecture is known for providing historic preservation and reuse designs tailored to homeowners’ lifestyles. Founders Dean Berlon and Steven Hurt are skilled in historic preservation projects. Berlon was the Chair of the Italian Village Society’s Preservation Committee, while Hurtt specialized in historic building rehabilitation for eight years. The firm has surrounded itself with historical architecture, and its main studio can be found in the National Historic District North of Downtown Columbus. 

The award-winning Prescott Place is a great example of how Urban Order can transform an outdated establishment into a contemporary bohemian home. This home was originally a workshop built in the 1900s, and its vintage interiors were restored because the architects loved the exposed brick and wood trusses. Repurposing the old interiors granted a shabby chic look to the firm’s modern renovations. However, the unit’s focal point is its stunning courtyard, which is inspired by the central gardens of Italian and Spanish homes. The courtyard invited light into the home, and its garden also gave fresh air to the space. This stunning remodel won the 2016 Chrysalis Award for Best Whole House Remodel.

Greg Dutton Studio

1277 E Broad St., Columbus, OH 43205

A chance meeting between former colleagues Matt Diersen and Greg Dutton led to the inception of the award-winning architectural studio Midland Studio. Both founders are architects with a background in adaptive reuse and state that they are most comfortable in open green areas. Greg Dutton Studio’s sustainable projects have graced the pages of national publications like Dwell, New York Magazine, and GQ.

Featured below is one of the firm’s recent projects that has caught the attention of design organizations and publications around the country. Dutton designed the 600-square-foot cabin with his family on the founder’s family farm. Dubbed The Hut, it is a secluded retreat that adopted the Scandinavian hygge principle— creating a cozy space that brings peace of mind. Dutton built a contemporary cabin inspired by farm life. Nestled on a hilltop, The Hut’s elevated location is reminiscent of a treehouse with a sophisticated interior and includes a minimalist aesthetic. The result has been featured on television and has received the 2019 AIA Ohio Architecture Honor Award. 

YR Architecture + Design

49 S Huron Ave., Columbus, OH 43204

Throughout her career, Yvonne Riggins has seen every kind of architecture. Riggins believes good design should be present in city and rural projects. Her volunteer work for impoverished areas worldwide has given Riggins a better idea of how design can benefit the utility of a space. Her vast experiences encouraged her to establish YR Architecture + Design. The firm’s goal is to provide affordable modern architecture for every kind of client. A renowned Columbus architect, the studio was recognized by the American Institute of Architects (Small Project).

The Open Door project is a housing project overseen by YR Architecture. Its goal is to provide a comprehensive learning experience for people who want to build their first home. The project will include project roadmaps, blog articles on residential design, case study interviews, and a community that will support and guide homeowners through every step of the home-building process. 

Through its many projects, YR Architecture experiments with different home styles. The Fombell Renovation shows the firm’s great architectural technicalities. YR Architecture built two new additions that include features of a French Eclectic home. The additions have modern, sustainable designs that give an updated look to the traditional home.

The Jones Studio

503 S. Front St. Ste.#220, Columbus, OH 43215

Established by Brian Jones, The Jones Studio is a multidisciplinary firm that offers a range of services focused on residential projects. The Jones Studio advocates for new urbanism, a practical design principle that uses underdeveloped building types and eco-friendly materials.

During the firm’s start, it focused on creating residential projects that have a diverse range of styles. Some of these homes can be classical, neo-traditional, or contemporary. The firm bases its aesthetic on a home’s location and the homeowner’s character. The same goes for its interior design, as the overall tone is inspired by the homeowner’s aesthetic. 

Tim Lai ArchitecT

400 W Rich St. Studio #301, Columbus, OH 43215 

Design-oriented Tim Lai ArchitecT was established because its founder wanted to focus on small-scale, culturally relevant projects for the community. The firm offers its commercial and residential projects to the Columbus neighborhood. Founder Tim Lai manages the firm with his wife, Eliza Ho, an art historian who oversees the creative side of the business. The couple ensures that every project is unique and functional for the community. Among the best residential architects in Columbus, Ohio, it was featured in a 2021 The Columbus Dispatch article.

The couple worked with Hanlin Rainaldi Construction during the Oats and Barley Market construction. Both firms had a great working relationship and worked on more commercial projects together. Soon after, the architectural firm hired Hanlin Rainaldi Construction for residential projects. The shortage of contemporary custom home builders in Central Ohio encouraged the two firms to establish Stella Home, a design company that will combine the expertise of both firms for residential clients in Ohio.

This Delaware home is an example of Tim Lai’s contemporary work. The contrast between black and light wood accentuates the home’s irhome’srfaçade.  This kind of architecture is very common among contemporary homes as it permits more sunlight into the home and, in every corner of the Delaware project, these large windows are found. 

Rogers Krajnak Architects

264 South Third St., Columbus, OH 43215

Rogers Krajnak Architects is the product of Darryl Rogers and Peter Krajnak’s architectural practices. These expert partners collaborate in different architectural sectors and combine their expertise in leading a firm with a wide range of services. One of the best Columbus, Ohio architects, Rogers focuses on design and consultant management; Krajnak handles master planning and marketing services. 

RKA works with different contractors to complete these projects. These collaborations have earned the firm awards from organizations like the Associated Builders and Contractors and the National Association of the Remodeling Industry. 

House Trends featured a Worthington home restored by RKA. Originally built in 1967, the firm transformed the Mid-Century home into a contemporary space with a more open design. The home is located on a wooded hillside, and the firm wanted the homeowners to feel more connected to their surroundings through a free-flowing layout. Outdoor terraces were also incorporated into the home’s design. 

Residential Design Solutions

7844 Flint Rd., Columbus, OH 43235

Jim Wright has been designing residential projects in Ohio for more than ten years. He has also been part of several architectural organizations like the American Institute of Building Design. Residential Design Solution is Wright’s firm, providing residential services for custom homes and renovations. Before consulting with the firm, clients can bring in design inspirations and plans that the firm can customize according to the clients’ clients’ needs or have a fully tailored architectural plan from the firm. Residential Design Solutions also offers a collection of pre-made home plans that they can tailor to your home.

The firm participated in the 2013 Parade of Homes and, in 2014, won three awards from the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) and the American Residential Design Awards. 

Residential Design Solutions has a great grasp of classical architecture. This Georgia-style home has a traditional brick exterior, and its sophisticated design stays true to the traditional Georgian style. Despite being very traditional, there is nothing intimidating about the home, as the classic elements create familiarity.

New Avenue Architects and Engineers

232 North Third St., Suite #300, Columbus, OH 43215

New Avenue Architects and Engineers is a collaborative architectural studio that creates comprehensive design plans. Experienced architect Michael Maistros and seasoned engineers Robert W. Miller and Greg Miller establish the firm. Given their backgrounds, the firm’s foundation takes a pragmatic approach to architectural design. This practical approach constantly hones the team’s creativity because they are able to apply creative solutions to a client’s problems.

A Columbus architect, the firm’s polished traditional homes have participated twice in the Parade of Homes. Farmhouse homes usually have a brighter exterior but New Avenue Architects used a darker color to give this project a more contemporary look. As a result, classic Farmhouse style themes are present in every corner,  from the entryway’s wooden truss to the garage doors inspired by barn doors. 

Keiser Design Group

800 Cross Point Rd., Suite M, Gahanna, OH 43230

Keiser Design Group is an architectural firm that focuses on residential projects and services commercial and senior living projects. Founder Dan Keiser prioritized residential projects because he wanted the firm to create relationships through architecture. Keiser is passionate about working for the benefit of the community and can live out that passion through his firm.

Clients can learn more about the firm’s expertise through the projects and case studies found on the firm’s website. Among others is a 2010 Parade of Homes entry completed in collaboration with Weaver Custom Home. This Georgian home was designed to showcase Weaver’s historic craftsmanship. Its red brick exterior is traditional, and thus, Keiser designed a contemporary floor plan for a growing family’s modern lifestyle.

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 residential architects and designers in the Columbus, Ohio 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.