We made Forbes’ America’s Top Residential Architects List
We’re beyond excited (and honestly, a little in awe!) to share that our small firm made it onto Forbes’ debut list of America’s Top Residential Architects! This honor reflects our commitment to creating unique, personalized, sustainable houses that bring joy and inspiration to our clients’ lives. While we’re a small firm, we believe this recognition speaks to the heart and dedication we put into every detail, allowing us to create homes that are truly greater than the sum of their parts.
The first of its kind, Forbes’ America's Top 200 Residential Architects list aimed to “identify and call attention to those single-family-house designers whose work, region to region and state to state, stands apart for its elevated degree of overall excellence.” Out of over 18,000 firms considered, those selected demonstrated mastery in aesthetics, material selection and environmental responsiveness. The list emphasizes architecture's role in addressing modern issues like climate change, aiming to foster intelligent, place-based home design beyond fleeting trends.
Every American Institute of Architects–member firm with an online presence was evaluated based on how single-family homes were represented in their overall portfolio. The firms that made it to the next level were invited to submit up to three houses, completed in 2019 or later, that were believed to be “exemplary” work that addressed the particulars of place. Submissions were evaluated by a regionally diverse advisory board of industry experts and measured in a three-tiered system as follows:
Tier 1: General Professional Evaluation
This covered the integrity of online presence, from photography quality to awards and publications, coupled with our educational background and work histories.
Tier 2: Evaluation of a single “Exemplary House”
This is measured in stability, utility and beauty.
Tier 3: Evaluation Relative to Forbes’ Architecture’s Residential Guiding Principles & Best Practices, the seven categories of which are as follows:
1. Siting and Local Context
2. Architectural Form and Detailing
3. Building Materials and Craft
4. Spatial Configuration
5. HVAC and Tech
6. Physical and Psychological Effects
7. Environmental | Appropriateness to Region and Local Climate Zone
I submitted a house that is close to my heart—my own home. Not only did I design it, but I also live there. It’s a true reflection of my sustainable design approach, which aligned with what Forbes sought in their criteria. The concrete base anchors the second floor, wrapped in fire-resistant corrugated metal, while a cantilevered glass living area extends outward, offering breathtaking views that connect us deeply to the landscape. At 1,800 square feet, the home is intentional and right-sized, something I am incredibly passionate about.
Each category had specific criteria that were evaluated, but I won’t get into the nitty-gritty. Forbes made the application process more accessible, giving smaller and newer firms a fair shot by simplifying the submission and reducing the usual administrative burden. This allowed me to compete based solely on the quality and impact of my work.
It’s been a few days since the news broke, and it’s still sinking in! I’m so honored to be included alongside these amazing firms. Pinch me, please.
