Last updated on May 27th, 2024 at 08:49 am
Unlike other cities in Florida, Jacksonville is both a business center and a city replete with homes built before 1967. As a result, the architecture in Jacksonville is an infusion of modern and historic home styles. That said, the latest contemporary home style trends are often present in the city’s residential areas along with some of the most classic and timeless traditional and European architecture.
This list features 15 of the best residential architects in Jacksonville. They were chosen and ranked based on their work history, affiliations, and previous projects. Several of these firms offer unique services and apply innovative solutions to their exclusive designs. Additionally, the firms on this list are the architects behind some of the area’s most recognizable and award-winning homes.
This list includes both licensed architects and residential designers who can both design stunning homes but differ in other services offered. Architects are trained in design, engineering, and project management and have passed a licensing exam. Residential designers typically don’t manage projects and plans will need to be approved by a structural engineer. Whether you choose to hire an architect or a residential designer will depend on your project needs and complexity.
If you are thinking about building a custom home, we recommend checking each builder’s license with the local licensing board, speaking to past clients, and using our bidding system to get competitive quotes from at least 3 contractors. Getting multiple bids is the best way to ensure you get a fair price and that bids include the complete scope of work. On the other hand, if you want to learn more about the cost of building a custom home in Jacksonville, check out our cost guide article.
Blake, Neal & Zona Architecture
2600 Belfort Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32216
Blake, Neal and Zona Architecture was established in 1997 and has since secured a strong reputation for its excellent services and projects, some of which have earned the firm several distinctions from the American Institute of Architects (AIA). The firm was founded by its president, John Zona III, who prior to his establishment of the firm won more than two dozen design awards for his skills and expertise. Under Zona’s leadership, the firm utilizes an integrated project delivery approach and a “master builder” approach, which unifies the owner, architect, and builder in each project. Blake, Neal and Zona Architecture’s approaches are reflected in the firm’s schematic designs and extensive reviews.
One of the firm’s most notable projects is the home featured here, which includes its own studio. For this home, the firm aimed for a contemporary style, as reflected by the home’s unique exterior curves. The firm also opted for a neutral color palette and large floor-to-ceiling windows and entryways.
Content Modern
6 E Bay St. #305, Jacksonville, FL 32202
Content Modern specializes in a variety of designs—from the most intricate and traditional styles, such as French Country and Mediterranean, to the latest contemporary styles. It provides a full range of design services, offers each of its clients a two-hour design consultation, and conducts virtual facelifts for clients hoping to boost the curb appeal of their homes. The firm is led by its three principals, Greg Beere, Jason Fisher, and John Drum, who have a combined experience of nearly five decades both in the design and construction industries. Additionally, the three are well-versed in infusing sustainable techniques into their work and are LEED-accredited.
One of the firm’s best works is this 6,200-square-foot residence, which took three years to construct and features a contemporary coastal style. It was crafted with several sustainable products and has wonderful views of the ocean. The house also features clean lines, a neutral color palette, and several glass elements.
Cronk Duch Architecture
1936 San Marco Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32207
Manned by a team of skilled and talented architects and designers, Cronk Duch Architecture is an award-winning firm that offers both architectural and planning services. It has been in the industry for more than two decades and operates design studios not only in Jacksonville, but also in Palm Beach and St. Augustine. Since its establishment, the firm has completed more than 200 projects across the U.S., the Caribbean, and Latin America. It began as a partner-led design firm, which explains why, to this day, its partners are active participants throughout each building process. The firm also ensures that each home it designs remains faithful to the client’s vision.
The firm is also well-known for its regard for sites’ histories and for its expertise in traditional and vernacular building practices. This expertise is best seen through the project featured here. For this particular home, the firm adhered to classic English cottage themes but also incorporated hints of the Mediterranean style. The firm used a neutral color palette along with stucco exteriors, curved entryways, and several dormer windows.
Dasher Hurst Architects
1022 Park St. Suite #309, Jacksonville, FL 32204
Dasher Hurst Architects offers a full range of architectural and interior design services. It specializes in completing complex and challenging homes and has worked on projects of all sizes. To complete projects, the firm utilizes a highly personal approach, and its principals oversee each project. It is led by its namesakes, Glenn Dasher and Tom Hurst, both of whom have been recognized multiple times by the AIA for their excellent individual work. They have both worked with noteworthy firms and have designed several award-winning projects prior to their establishment of the firm. With Dasher and Hurst at its helm, the firm itself has been a regular recipient of several distinctions from the AIA. Several of the firm’s projects have also been named as among some of the area’s best buildings.
Completed in 2009, this 3,550-square-foot project is LEED-certified and features two long bars connected by a custom-made glass bridge. The home has its own pool spa, an entry courtyard, and a fountain. For this home, the firm was recognized with a Merit Design Award from the AIA’s Jacksonville Chapter.
Dig Architecture
13500 Sutton Park Dr. S Suite #301, Jacksonville, FL 32224
Since its inception in 2015, Dig Architecture has worked on around 30 homes and is the proud recipient of more than nine Preservation and AIA distinctions. It handles every facet of a project, from pre-design to construction, and assists with technical drawings, which aids in ensuring the quality of the designs given to clients’ selected builders and contractors. The firm is led by Nicholas Renard, a licensed architect in Florida and Ohio with extensive experience working with large international design firms. The firm primarily designs homes with traditional and contemporary styles, but Its portfolio showcases a variety of home styles.
For the home featured here, the firm employed classic Craftsman elements, as seen in the choice of shutters, paneled details, and beams. The home also features a few coastal details as well as a shingled roof.
ELM
1035 Kings Ave., Jacksonville, FL 32207
ELM provides architectural planning and landscaping services throughout the U.S. and on an international scale. It has been in the industry since 2001 and utilizes a highly personalized, multidisciplinary approach. It has taken on both large- and small-scale projects and operates via an open studio manned by a team of experienced and seasoned professionals. Aside from residential work, the firm also takes on urban designs, commercial structures, recreation and hospitality work, and other cultural projects. ELM employs a variety of designs, as exhibited by its portfolio. From elegant Craftsman bungalows and traditional homes to Spanish revivals and stately colonial-themed houses, the firm’s projects are often distinguished by their excellent custom details and millwork.
Shown here is one of the firm’s mountain residences. Located in North Carolina, this home offers sprawling views of the area and was designed with a classic, rustic mountain home style in mind. It has a sweeping front porch and a cozy floor plan similar to that of an Appalachian retreat.
ENB Architects
1361 13th Ave. S Suite #230, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250
Established in 1986, Ebert Norman Brady Architects has completed more than 500 projects since its inception and extends its services to a variety of markets. In addition to residential work, it has taken on several commercial, government, healthcare, hospitality, educational, and cultural work. The firm has completed projects across the southeastern region of the U.S. and is often distinguished by its excellent woodwork, clean lines, and custom finishes. At its helm are J. Tom Norman and Scott A. Brady, both of whom are award-winning architects with more than three decades of experience and LEED certifications. Norman is the proud recipient of the Henry Adams Memorial Bronze Medal, and Brady is well-versed in every form of architecture, including naval architecture and design-build processes. The firm itself has also been distinguished with several awards. It was most recently lauded with a Merit Award for Built Commercial from the AIA earlier this year.
The project featured here is one of the firm’s best works. Originally crafted in 1990, this home earned the firm an Honor Award for Design from the AIA’s Jacksonville Chapter in 2010. It features Brazilian Tigerwood decking, stucco finishes made of harvested oyster shells, and several contemporary design elements.
Group 4 Design
1520 Prudential Dr., Jacksonville, FL 32207
Group 4 Design provides a full range of architecture and interior design services and is experienced both on the local and international levels. It has worked on a variety of projects and utilizes a highly collaborative approach. Its team is specially trained to reduce any hidden or unexpected costs and is known for delivering all of its projects within the agreed-upon timeframe and budget. The firm is also an active member of its community and has worked on several affordable housing projects—free of charge. Headquartered in downtown Jacksonville, the firm has also taken on several multifamily, corporate, senior living, and retail projects. Further, it infuses sustainability efforts into its work and provides excellent green design options for its clients.
The featured project is a 3,500-square-foot home and showcases ranch designs with hints of classic Spanish revival elements. For this home, the firm incorporated a clean, off-white stucco exterior, several wooden elements, and curved finishes.
kasper architects + associates
10175 Fortune Parkway Suite #701, Jacksonville, FL 32256
kasper architects, or ka+, brings several years of experience to each project it takes on. It provides a complete array of architecture and interior design services, in addition to unique turnkey solutions. Its team is comprised of eight registered architects as well as several designers and craftsmen, making the firm equipped to personally oversee each project it takes on throughout the entire process. The firm utilizes only the latest industry technology and has since completed more than a thousand projects since its establishment in 2004. It has been recognized with several accolades from the AIA, and its work has been published in the Jacksonville Business Journal. Further, its portfolio showcases a gallery of contemporary and modern estates, in addition to several traditional and coastal-inspired homes.
Dubbed the “Riverside Residence,” shown here is a modern riverfront home with clean, sleek lines and a lot of glass which gives the home an abundance of natural light. The home features the juxtaposition of clean white and wood on both the exterior and interior.
KES Architects
2742 Herschel St., Jacksonville, FL 32204
KES Architects was founded in the spring of 2018 after its principal, Kevin Solomon, decided to branch out and start a firm of his own. He has had the privilege of growing and working alongside Richard P. Skinner, one of Northeast Florida’s most recognizable architects, and his graduate project being published in The Classicist’s tenth volume. These experiences of his have brought forward a highly meticulous and client-centric approach for the firm. Given his experience, the firm has also particular expertise for traditional and urban designs and themes. This is best exhibited by its portfolio which showcases a gallery of several coastal and modern residences. Its work is best distinguished often by its use of beams, millwork, and custom finishes.
The featured project shown above won the firm an Award of Merit from the AIA back in 2017. This luxurious Atlantic Beach residence features modern interiors, wooden exterior finishes, and a veranda overlooking the ocean. The firm’s team opted for a neutral color palette and also designed a spacious and open lanai area perfect for lounging and entertainment.
Mark Macco Architects
472 Osceola Ave., Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250
With features in publications like Luxury Living and Ocean Home, Mark Macco Architects is regarded as one of the Jacksonville area’s premier residential architecture firms. It is led by its namesake, Mark Macco, an architect with more than two decades of experience, whose work is best reflected by the firm’s high-end residential and commercial projects. The firm is nationally certified and licensed in several states, including the territory of Puerto Rico, which ensures that the firm is capable of completing any project regardless not only of scale but also of location. The firm’s process is highly holistic and emphasizes the importance of the infusion of both functionality and design. This may be seen through the firm’s portfolio, which displays an extensive range of designs, as well as expertise in precise lines; warm, European-inspired spaces; and challenging details.
One of the best examples of the firm’s work is the home featured here. This extravagant Spanish revival boasts classic terracotta roofs, a stucco exterior, and several intricate stone finishes. The firm’s team also included large windows and several one-of-a-kind fixtures.
Stansel & Case Architects
2245 St. Johns Ave., Jacksonville, FL 32204
Stansel & Case Architects assists throughout the entirety of a project—from conception to completion. It offers preliminary design, pricing, and design development services and assists with handling construction documents. The firm stays connected with projects during the building process and conducts weekly site meetings to address any issues that may possibly arise. Its principals, Maju Stansel and David Case, are both award-winning and experienced architects who have shaped the firm into the company that it is today.
Notably, Stansel’s experiences exposed her to a rich variety of architectural styles, including high-end New York City homes and timeless European designs. She currently serves as a commissioner on the Jacksonville Historic Planning Commission and is a recipient of the Addison Mizner Medal for the Episcopal High School Academic Buildings from the Institute of Classical Architecture and Art’s (ICAA) Florida Chapter. Case has been distinguished several times for his preservation work and was recently lauded with a Pedagogy medal from the Florida Chapter’s Palladio Journey.
Starr Sanford Design Associates
370 4th Ave., S Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250
Based in Northeast Florida, Starr Sanford Design Associates has had the privilege of being featured in publications such as Coastal Living and Architectural Digest. With expertise in an array of coastal, traditional, and contemporary styles, the firm is headed by Julia Starr Sanford. Before establishing the firm, Starr designed for a variety of projects, including film sets, resorts, offices, and retail centers. She was the art director for NBC’s “Today Show” and the 1996 Centennial Olympic Broadcast and is a founding partner of the Sky Institute + Foundation for the Future, through which the firm maintains a partnership for its design needs. The firm is also affiliated with the New Urban Guild, which is a group of some of the country’s most talented designers.
The home featured here is one of the firm’s transitional coastal homes. For this home, the firm opted for a mostly neutral palette, several dormer and large windows, and finishes. Inside, the home features a marble kitchen, large entertainment spaces, and a large backyard complete with a pool.
Steven E. Hutchins Architects
1617 San Marco Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32207
Steven E. Hutchins Architects (SEHA) has been a trailblazer in the area’s sustainable architecture movement since the 1980s. The firm has used alternate energy and reusable resources for more than a hundred of its projects and maintains connections with vital organizations such as the US Green Building Council. The firm has offices in Jacksonville and St. Croix and offers a full range of architectural services. In addition to single-family homes, the firm also takes on commercial, hospitality, multi-family, historical, and interior design projects. Its work has graced the pages of several noteworthy publications and has been lauded for its designs. One of the firm’s most notable projects is the home featured here. This project won the firm a distinction from its local AIA chapter and was featured in Miami Home & Decor, Florida International Magazine, 904 Magazine, Jacksonville Magazine, and World Architecture News.
The firm is led by LEED-accredited professional and architect Steve E. Hutchins, who personally directs and commits the company towards working on stylish, functional, and sustainable designs. Under his leadership, the firm has been recognized more than 20 times for its excellent designs since its establishment. Hutchins is backed by the firm’s group of skilled architects, interior designers, and green building professionals.
Studio 9 Architecture
315 E Bay St. Suite #303, Jacksonville, FL 32202
Recognized as one of North Florida’s most respected firms, Studio 9 Architecture offers a full range of residential and commercial services as well as interior design work. It provides innovative solutions and is also noted for its efforts in the sustainable design movement. Since its inception, it has worked on nearly 400 projects and over a million square feet in terms of interior design. It commits itself to simplicity, with its work mostly featuring a recurring theme of straight lines, minimalist details, and the usage of modern materials and elements. Aside from its residential projects, it has also taken on several commercial and corporate endeavors, in addition to larger-scale projects such as retirement communities.
Depicted above is perhaps one of the firm’s best work. This single-family home won the firm an Award of Merit from the AIA in 2011. It was built in half an acre of land with a grand oak canopy and tall pines hovering just above it. The home offers wonderful views of the area’s surrounding forest and features several living areas on its second level and bedrooms on its first. It has a unique interior and exterior stairway, in addition to a detached workshop.
TTV Architects
115 E Forsyth St., Jacksonville, FL 32202
TTV Architects is a nationally recognized firm that offers not only residential services, but also completes commercial, government, religious, and healthcare projects. It provides a full range of architecture, interior design, and construction administration services. The firm oversees each project until completion to ensure that its plans are reflected smoothly and thoroughly. It also handles financial management and emphasizes the importance of consistent and open lines of communication with its clients throughout the entire process. The firm has completed more than 670 projects for the past two decades it has been in service and is manned by a team with a combined experience of over a century. The firm’s work has graced the pages of publications such as Modern Cities and Downtown Vision and is noted for its excellent contemporary and traditional designs.
Located in Jacksonville, the chosen project spans 3,000 square feet on a lot with rich vegetation and a 35-foot slope that leads to a creek. Inside, the home has a master suite, several entertainment spaces, and family rooms.
How can I find an architect or home builder near me?
Read our latest articles on the best architects and home builders in and near Jacksonville. If you don’t see your project type below, just let us know – we are happy to create a tailored recommendation list just for you.
Custom home builders in Jacksonville
Custom home builders in Florida
About Our Rankings
This list takes a range of ranking criteria into consideration, including but not limited to: work history, customer satisfaction, awards and recognition, geographic area of work, cost, building permits, and clientele. We spent over 40 hours researching local contractors before calculating the final ranking for this post. If there is additional information about your business that could affect these rankings, please fill out this form and we will take it into consideration.
Get Bids For Your Build
If you are thinking about building a custom home, we recommend checking each builder’s license with the local licensing board, speaking to past clients, and using our bidding system to get competitive quotes from at least 3 contractors. Getting multiple bids is the best way to ensure you get a fair price and that bids include the complete scope of work.
