Forbes Best-in-State Residential Architects

In a period shaped by rising construction costs, labor shortages, and uncertainty across global supply chains, the custom residential housing market continues to evolve. While national data points to a modest slowdown in new single-family construction, demand for well-designed, carefully executed custom homes remains strong. Builders, tradespeople, and architects alike are navigating full schedules, reinforcing the value of experience, thoughtful planning, and long-term perspective.

It is within this environment that Forbes undertook nearly ten months of research to produce its second national list of America’s Best-in-State Residential Architects. The list recognizes 400 architecture firms across all 50 states and Washington, D.C. whose work demonstrates a high level of design excellence, professional rigor, and sensitivity to place.

Rather than ranking firms by size or output, the Forbes methodology focuses on architectural quality and depth. The evaluation considers how homes are conceived, sited, detailed, and lived in over time. The result is a carefully curated snapshot of residential architects whose work reflects both design intelligence and a strong connection to regional context.

A Research-Driven, State-Specific Evaluation

Building on the framework developed for the Forbes Top Residential Architects 2025 list, the Best-in-State evaluation accounts for the cultural, climatic, economic, and regulatory conditions that shape residential architecture in each state. Licensure data was analyzed to guide state-by-state representation, acknowledging that residential practice is inherently local and influenced by distinct regional factors.

This approach recognizes that excellence in residential architecture cannot be defined by a single style or aesthetic. Instead, it emerges through a firm’s ability to respond thoughtfully to its environment, whether urban or rural, coastal or inland, while balancing client needs, environmental responsibility, and architectural integrity.

The Forbes Architecture System of Evaluation

To ensure consistency and depth, Forbes developed a three-tier Architecture System of Evaluation that examines both professional foundations and built work.

Tier 1: General Professional Evaluation
The first tier reviews each firm’s professional background, including the education and experience of its principals, work history, mentorships, awards, and publication record. Attention is also given to the quality and clarity of the firm’s body of work as presented through photography and project documentation.

This tier establishes a baseline of credibility and professional excellence, confirming a sustained commitment to architectural practice.

Tier 2: Evaluation of an Exemplary House
Central to the evaluation is a detailed review of a single residential project selected as representative of the firm’s work. This Exemplary House is assessed through three foundational qualities: stability, utility, and beauty.

Stability considers construction quality, relationship to site, and the ability of the home to endure physically and environmentally over time. Utility evaluates how effectively the house supports daily life, adapts to change, and accommodates evolving needs. Beauty is examined through proportion, material expression, spatial sequence, and the coherence of architectural intent.

This focused review allows Forbes to assess architecture as it is experienced, rather than as a collection of images.

Tier 3: Residential Guiding Principles and Best Practices
The final tier measures each firm’s work against guiding principles that emphasize place-based design, environmental performance, and experiential quality.

Key considerations include siting and local context, with attention to preserving natural landforms, minimizing unnecessary excavation, and responding to solar orientation and climate. Architectural form and detailing are evaluated for balance, clarity, and respect for cultural and environmental context.

Material selection and craftsmanship are central to this review, including the thoughtful use of locally sourced or repurposed materials, engagement with skilled artisans, and the use of responsibly harvested wood products. Spatial configuration is examined through entry sequences, circulation, indoor-outdoor relationships, and the integration of gardens and exterior rooms.

Building systems and technology are also considered, including passive solar strategies, natural ventilation, electric-dominant systems, radiant heating, architectural shading, and smart home integration. Together, these elements support homes that are efficient, comfortable, and adaptable across seasons.

Finally, the evaluation addresses the physical and psychological effects of architecture. Light, acoustics, proportion, and materiality are considered for their impact on comfort, mood, and daily experience. Environmental performance is viewed holistically, encompassing green infrastructure, material responsibility, and resilience to increasingly variable climate conditions.

A Shared Emphasis on Place, Craft, and Longevity

FGA’s inclusion on the America’s Best-in-State Residential Architects list reflects an approach to residential design grounded in careful site analysis, climate-responsive planning, and a respect for regional architectural traditions. Whether designing new homes, additions, or sensitive historic renovations, the firm’s work is shaped by the belief that architecture should feel durable and appropriate to its setting.

Architecture and landscape are developed together from the outset, allowing homes to feel inseparable from their surroundings. Projects are oriented to take advantage of natural light and ventilation, while material palettes are selected for durability, performance, and tactile richness.

Equally important is a focus on long-term livability. Homes are designed to support daily routines and family life while remaining flexible over time. Plans balance clarity and restraint with moments of warmth and discovery, reflecting a belief that well-designed houses should age gracefully and serve multiple generations.

Why This Recognition Matters

Today’s residential clients face a wide range of options, yet not all architectural work is guided by the same level of care or long-term thinking. The Forbes Best-in-State recognition signals a firm’s ability to navigate complexity, including regulatory environments, environmental responsibility, construction realities, and deeply personal client goals.

For homeowners considering a custom residence, renovation, or legacy project, this recognition offers reassurance that a firm’s work has been independently evaluated for quality, integrity, and relevance within its regional context. It affirms an approach to architecture that prioritizes thoughtful design over trends and lasting value over short-term solutions.

FGA is honored to be included among the architects recognized by Forbes and to contribute to a broader national conversation about the future of residential architecture, one grounded in place, responsibility, and the enduring value of well-crafted homes.