The architectural and design community in North America continues to showcase exceptional talent, as evidenced by the latest annual ranking of the continent's most influential interior architects and designers. Now in its eighth year, this comprehensive listing highlights the firms and practitioners who are shaping the future of interior architecture through innovative approaches, sustainable practices, and groundbreaking design philosophies.
Among the standout firms featured in this year's selection is Los Angeles-based 22RE, founded by principal Dean Levin. The studio has gained recognition for its holistic approach to ground-up architecture, interiors, and furniture design, with a particular emphasis on craft and creating meaningful sensorial experiences for users. Similarly, San Francisco's Aidlin Darling Design, established by Joshua Aidlin and David Darling in 1998, has built a reputation for projects that prioritize environmental connection and design restraint across both public and private sectors.
The list also recognizes emerging voices making significant impacts in the field. New York-based Almost Studio, cofounded by Dorian Booth and Anthony Gagliardi in 2018, has quickly established itself through experimental approaches to form, material, program, and representation across various project typologies. Meanwhile, Toronto's Anya Moryoussef, who launched her practice in 2016, has gained attention for her focus on the often-overlooked potential of renovations and vernacular reinterpretation, approaching each project with notable restraint and sensitivity.
Several established firms continue to demonstrate leadership in the field. Architecture Research Office in New York, led by Stephen Cassell, Kim Yao, and Adam Yarinsky, maintains its influence through a research-driven approach that unites the collective's diverse expertise. Los Angeles-based Bestor Architecture, established by Barbara Bestor, continues to work across scales from wineries to community centers, consistently focusing on creating accessible urbanism that serves broader community needs.
The bicoastal presence is strongly represented, with firms like Charlap Hyman & Herrero operating from both New York and Los Angeles. Led by Adam Charlap Hyman and Andre Herrero, the firm brings a fantastical, immersive vision that thoughtfully considers divergent art forms and scales. Similarly, BOND, the Bureau of Noam Dvir and Daniel Rauchwerger founded in 2020, operates from both coasts with a mission to bridge the gap between architecture and interior design.
International perspectives enrich the North American design landscape, as seen with firms like LANZA in Mexico City. Founded in 2015 by Isabel Abascal and Alessandro Arienzo, LANZA celebrates beauty through striking form, conceptual furniture, site-specific interiors, and engaging exhibition design. The firm represents the growing influence of Latin American design sensibilities in the broader North American context.
Established powerhouses continue to set industry standards. Rockwell Group, founded in 1984 by David Rockwell, operates as a 350-person firm with offices in New York, Los Angeles, and Madrid. The group has become internationally renowned for realizing layered and theatrical interiors across scales and around the world. Similarly, Marmol Radziner, operating since 1989 under the leadership of Leo Marmol and Ron Radziner, maintains its position through a design-build approach that seamlessly integrates architecture, construction, landscape architecture, and interior design.
The selection also highlights firms that are pushing boundaries in specific sectors. Current Interests in Los Angeles, established in 2017 by Matthew Au and Mira Henry, focuses on cultural projects, residences, and exhibitions with particular emphasis on social, spatial, and material liveliness. CIVILIAN in New York, led by Nicko Elliott and Ksenia Kagner, has carved out a niche in contextual and architecturally driven interiors for cultural institutions as well as commercial companies.
Regional diversity is evident throughout the rankings, with significant representation from cities beyond the traditional coastal centers. Hunt Architecture in Austin, led by Nick and Brittany Hunt, operates as an integrated interior architecture and interior design firm, focusing on a modern yet approachable style that resonates with clients seeking contemporary solutions. Meanwhile, Marlon Blackwell Architects in Fayetteville, Arkansas, led by Marlon and Meryati Blackwell, practices architecture and interiors that are both contextually resonant and experientially rich through a distinctly situational approach.
The Canadian contribution to North American design excellence is well represented. Vancouver's DArcy Jones Architects has been developing inventive experimental and conceptual work across scales in both urban and rural areas since 1999. Omer Arbel Office, also based in Vancouver, continues to experiment with construction methods, spatial concepts, and form while designing for Bocci, the lighting company he cofounded, demonstrating the intersection of product design and architectural practice.
This year's selection reflects the industry's growing emphasis on sustainability, cultural sensitivity, and community engagement. Firms like Future Firm in Chicago, founded by Ann Lui and Craig Reschke in 2015, specifically focus on serving clients in arts and culture organizations and nonprofits, demonstrating architecture's role in supporting cultural institutions. The comprehensive nature of this annual ranking underscores North America's position as a global leader in innovative interior architecture and design, with practitioners consistently pushing the boundaries of what interior spaces can achieve in terms of functionality, beauty, and social impact.
