Last updated on May 27th, 2024 at 06:50 am
Orlando is a city key to Florida’s economy, with a flourishing local cultural scene. The city is a melting pot of various cultures and subcultures. Orlando is a beacon of entertainment, sports, and various demographics and communities. This rich quality of life makes the city an aspirational place to live. People looking to build a home in Orlando should consider hiring an architect to ensure a great experience and optimal results.
This list features the best residential architects in Orlando. To come up with this list, our team has gathered a shortlist of local architects and assessed each based on a set of criteria. For each firm, we considered the work history, capabilities, and overall quality of work exhibited.
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 Orlando, check out our cost guide article.
JWB Architects
2295 S Hiawassee Rd., Ste. #304, Orlando, FL 32835
Under the leadership of John W. Burt, an industry veteran of over 30 years, JWB Architects has provided premium architectural services in Orlando for 17 years. The firm emphasizes the need for a strong work ethic, honesty, and integrity in providing design. Via these values, the firm has completed various projects in the residential, commercial, industrial, and hospitality industries.
The firm understands the importance of being comfortable in your home. JWB works hard to make sure that each home is gorgeous, but also welcoming, inviting, and adaptive to the changing needs of the homeowners. JWB-designed homes vary in style and in function. The firm is capable of a wide range of styles including French, Victorian, Spanish Colonial, and Contemporary.
Keesee Associates
258 Southhall Ln., Ste. #200, Maitland, FL 32751
2015 American Residential Design Awards Designer of the Year awardee Keesee Associates is a total design studio. Since its inception in 1992, the firm has prioritized the welfare of its clients above everything else. The firm leverages its strong customer service with a thorough set of design services covering all aspects of design. Founder and President Mike Keesee has been in the industry for over 30 years, operating as a Certified Professional Building Designer, a Florida Certified Building Contractor, and a Home Property Inspector.
Keesee is trained in classical architectural techniques, accredited by Classical Architecture/Classic America in New York. The firm not only makes the design beautiful but also functional.
Michael Wenrich Architects
1800 N Orange Ave., Ste. A, Orlando, FL 32804
Michael Wenrich is a seasoned architect who has made his presence felt all over Florida, Virginia, Vermont, and South Carolina. Wenrich is passionate about livable modern design and continuously pushes the firm towards new innovations. He was trained at Virginia Tech and the University of Virginia. His leadership has afforded the team a number of awards and accolades including the 2018 Parade of Homes Award and the 2017 AIA Orlando Chapter Award of Merit. The firm has graced the pages of Interior Appeal and Dwell.
The Wenrich portfolio includes a number of Modern and Contemporary homes that amaze onlookers and comfort their owners. Our editorial team was taken by this residence in Lake Ivanhoe with Modern elements. The firm has a striking color combination of matte black and natural wooden tones. This contrast gives the home a bespoke feel and remarkable poise. On the inside, the home is as comfortable as it is stylish. Wenrich made ample room for functionality and family activities.
Nasrallah Architectural Group
3920 Edgewater Dr., Ste. #101 Orlando, FL 32804
Nasrallah Architectural Group is an award-winning architectural firm specializing in premium residential and commercial projects. Owner and Principal Mark Nasrallah has been in the industry for almost four decades after he graduated from the Master’s program at the University of Florida. His high-level of design has enabled the firm to win the City of Orlando’s Golden Brick Award, Street of Dreams, Builder’s Choice, and other major distinctions. Metro Magazine has featured the firm’s work.
Photo by Josh Corrigan / Ellis Creek Photography.
Since 1981, the firm has designed major home projects in various styles including Contemporary, Farmhouse, Transitional, and Greek Revival. The Ocala Horse Farm—a premier Farmhouse-style home—testifies to the greatness of Nasrallah and his firm. The home has a massive layout and a complementing courtyard that completes the elegance and allure of the estate.
Phil Kean Design Group
912 W Fairbanks Ave., Winter Park, FL 32789
Phil Kean Design Group is the winner of the 2020 Grand Aurora Award’s Silver Aurora Award, Orlando Magazine’s #1 homebuilder in its Best of Orlando list in 2020, and the 2019 Parade of Homes’ Grand Award. These accolades obviously speak of the firm’s stature but the company’s accomplishments go beyond the trophy case. Kean is a sought-after architect trained in the halls of Harvard and Washington University. He has a Master’s in Architecture as well as an MBA degree. He also served as previous President of Central Florida’s Master Custom Builder Council.
Looking at the firm’s portfolio, homeowners will see why the firm has been well-received by industry organizations and institutions. Homes such as the Contemporary estate featured in the photo showcase Kean’s technical precision and design clarity. The home reaches its level of sophistication by refusing to overdo the design.
Rabits & Romano Architecture Planning and Design
5127 S Orange Ave., Ste. #110 Orlando, FL 32809
Rabits & Romano is an Orlando-based architectural firm led by Bob Rabits and Fulvio Romano. Rabits is a licensed architect in Georgia and Florida and an alumnus of the Pennsylvania State University, while Romano graduated from the University of South Florida with a master’s degree in architecture. The firm has a thorough understanding of the Orlando architectural scene and has strong experience in various market sectors in both the commercial and residential sectors. Since 1986, the firm has accumulated a significant amount of experience in the residential architectural scene.
Rabits & Romano has designed outstanding homes in multiple styles including Craftsman and Contemporary. The Lake Nona home in the photo is a great example of the firm’s keen eye for detail and use of functional design elements.
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.
