Designing and building a custom home is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and it all starts with the right architect. Architects play a critical role in the success of any custom build. They shape how you live, how your home interacts with the landscape, and how efficiently your space functions over time. When paired with the right custom home builders in Utah, great design becomes a lasting reality.
In this guide, we’ll showcase the top residential architects in Utah. We’ll also answer key questions about working with an architect, compare them to building designers, and explain how to find the perfect match for your dream home.
On this page:
An architect does far more than just draw up floor plans. They create a framework for how you live. A great architect will:
Working with a professional architect means your home not only meets your needs but also exceeds your expectations. Conner Construction often works alongside architects from the earliest stages, creating smooth transitions from custom home design in Utah to construction. This early collaboration helps keep projects on budget, on time, and aligned with your vision.
Take a look at Our Process to see what the homebuilding journey looks like from start to finish.
Utah is home to a broad array of talented residential architects, many of whom specialize in custom designs that blend form, function, and the distinctive character of the landscape. Below are some of the best architects in Utah. They are all known for excellence in custom home design, particularly in Utah County, Salt Lake County, Park City, and along the Wasatch Front.
Lloyd Architects is recognized for designing timeless, human-centered homes that respond gracefully to Utah’s diverse landscapes. Their custom residences emphasize sustainable materials, innovative spatial planning, and a strong connection between indoor and outdoor living. With a design philosophy rooted in longevity and livability, Lloyd Architects has earned widespread recognition for homes that feel both refined and deeply connected to their surroundings.
Think Architecture has built a strong reputation for collaboration, creativity, and thoughtful problem-solving. Their custom residential work ranges from contemporary urban homes to expansive estate properties, each shaped by a process that prioritizes the client’s vision, lifestyle, and long-term needs. The firm is widely respected for its ability to balance bold design ideas with practical, livable solutions.
With more than 30 years of experience, Craig Kitterman & Associates is a cornerstone of Utah’s custom residential design community. The firm is known for site-responsive architecture that carefully considers environment, sustainability, and refined detailing. Their work is especially well-suited for clients seeking truly bespoke homes that blend architectural sophistication with a strong sense of place.
Openloft Design is a highly regarded firm specializing in custom home plans and residential architectural design. Known for an approachable, client-friendly process, the team delivers homes that are both functional and visually compelling. Their longstanding reputation, bolstered by high praise on Houzz, makes them a trusted choice for homeowners throughout Utah County.
Upwall Design Architects is a boutique firm celebrated for crafting homes that feel more like art than standard residences. Blending hand-sketching with advanced design technology, the firm creates highly personalized homes that respond to rugged landscapes and distinctive client visions. Their work stands out for its originality, craftsmanship, and seamless integration with challenging natural settings.
Klima Architecture is widely recognized for its commitment to ecological design and thoughtfully modern residential architecture. The firm is known for passive house–inspired homes that prioritize energy efficiency, comfort, and environmental responsibility without sacrificing bold, contemporary aesthetics. Klima’s work reflects a careful balance between innovative building science and striking architectural form, resulting in homes that are as sustainable as they are visually compelling.
Carrick Custom Home Design is a seasoned architectural design studio that specializes in creating custom residential plans with a strong emphasis on both form and function. With over two decades of experience designing homes across the U.S., Carrick’s team focuses on thoughtful proportions, clear construction documents, and builder-friendly detailing that bring clients’ visions to life efficiently and beautifully. Their portfolio includes a wide range of customizable house plans and completed projects, catering to clients’ individual lifestyles while ensuring aesthetics and practicality coexist harmoniously. The firm’s creative process is client-centric, with an emphasis on personalized consultation and meticulous attention to design quality that often elicits enthusiastic responses from homeowners.
Morgan Fine Homes, also known as S.W. Morgan Fine Home Design, is a custom residential design practice rooted in extensive hands-on construction experience. The firm’s principal, Sam Morgan, brings decades of building and design expertise to crafting home plans that are both technically sound and tailored to clients’ preferences. Leveraging advanced 3D design and rendering technologies, Morgan Fine Homes allows clients to virtually visualize their future homes—down to interior details—before construction begins, enhancing decision-making and minimizing costly revisions. Their services span custom home design, stock plans, remodels, additions, and comprehensive drafting support, with a reputation for personal collaboration and thorough attention to detail.
Creations West is a long-established design and architectural planning firm known for its broad library of home plans and custom design services. With roots stretching back to the early 1990s, Creations West offers both stock and tailored designs across a variety of architectural styles, ranging from Modern Farmhouse and Craftsman to Prairie and Rustic aesthetics. Their design process is highly collaborative, inviting clients and builders to work together from initial sketches through fully developed plans that are structurally thoughtful and buildable. The firm’s work regularly appears in regional design showcases like the Northern Wasatch Parade of Homes, underscoring its creative capabilities and commitment to realizing clients’ dream homes.
Jewkes Design positions itself as a premier custom home design firm focused on transforming clients’ visions into detailed, builder-ready architectural plans. The firm prides itself on a high level of client satisfaction, clear communication, and an immersive design process that makes home building exciting rather than overwhelming. Jewkes’s approach blends creative innovation with meticulous attention to detail, offering both custom and stock floor plans that reflect individual tastes, from modern to timeless traditonal styles. Their portfolio showcases a variety of stunning homes, and reviews highlight their responsiveness, organizational strength, and ability to adapt plans creatively to clients’ evolving ideas.
These firms are just a few of the standout Utah architects homeowners trust to build unique, high-quality residences. When paired with one of the best home builders in Utah, like Conner Construction, you get the perfect team for a custom home that exceeds expectations. And if you're wondering how long the full process takes, check out our guide on how long it takes to build a custom home in Utah.
While these are the top architectural firms recommended by luxury home builders in Utah, there are many other strong options in the area.
Imbue Design is a modern, design-driven firm specializing in custom residential and conscious architecture. Known for clean lines, thoughtful material selections, and forward-thinking concepts, the firm creates homes that reflect both contemporary aesthetics and responsible design principles. Imbue is an excellent choice for clients seeking architecture that feels progressive, intentional, and deeply personal.
Cedar + Steel is a custom residential architectural design studio focused on creating functional, aesthetically refined, and site-responsive homes throughout Utah. Their highly collaborative process begins with one-on-one planning sessions that explore the client’s vision, lifestyle, and specific site conditions. The result is architecture that feels grounded, purposeful, and thoughtfully integrated into its environment.
With more than three decades of experience, BHD Architects brings a wealth of architectural expertise to custom residential projects across Utah. In addition to home design, the firm’s background in commercial architecture and planning informs a well-rounded, strategic approach to each project. Their work reflects a balance of technical knowledge, design clarity, and long-term functionality.
Inouye Design specializes in luxury residential architecture throughout Utah and the Mountain West. The firm is known for its strong focus on high-end custom homes that combine refined detailing, elegant proportions, and a deep understanding of client expectations. Their work is well-suited for homeowners seeking elevated, sophisticated architectural solutions.
McQuay Architects is a premier firm with decades of experience in custom residential architectural design. Serving Southern Utah, the firm is known for creating standout homes that respond to the region’s dramatic landscapes and unique building conditions. Their work is ideal for clients seeking distinctive designs paired with proven architectural expertise.
Sparano + Mooney Architecture brings a nationally recognized design sensibility to Utah’s architectural landscape. Known for modern, site-specific architecture, the firm creates residential designs that feel sculptural, intentional, and deeply connected to place. Their work stands out for its dedicated conceptual approach and seamless integration with the surrounding environment.
If you're exploring your options for custom home design in Utah, these architectural firms offer an incredible range of talent and vision. Many of them regularly partner with the most respected luxury home builders in Utah to create residences that are both beautiful and functional.
Want to better understand how design choices affect your total build cost? Check out our guide on the cost of a custom home in Utah for real numbers and local insights.
The best custom homes aren’t built in isolation. They’re the result of collaboration between visionary architects and skilled builders. View Our Gallery to see what can come about when beautiful design meets flawless execution.
The best custom homes in Utah are created when everyone focuses on what they do best.
Conner Construction believes the earlier the architect and builder are brought together, the better the outcome. This means:
We’ve built lasting partnerships with many of Utah's top architects, and we know what it takes to create a truly custom home that reflects your lifestyle, stays within budget, and is built to last. Learn more about the Services we offer.
Architectural fees for a custom home typically range from 8% to 15% of your total construction cost. Some architects offer flat rates or charge per square foot, depending on project complexity. For example, on a $1 million home, design fees could range from $80,000 to $150,000. Conner Construction helps clients align design and build budgets early to avoid surprises. Check out our Utah County Custom Home Cost Guide for more details.
Start by reviewing online portfolios of Utah architects, especially those with experience in custom home design. Look for positive client reviews, clear communication, and homes that reflect your style. Platforms like Houzz and Home Builder Digest are great for finding vetted professionals.
Or contact a trusted custom home builder in Utah, such as Conner. We’re happy to recommend architects we work with regularly.
A good architect will have a strong design portfolio, excellent references, and a reputation for collaboration and creativity. They should also understand building codes, energy efficiency, and local conditions in Utah. You can also apply some of the same principles from our guide on choosing a custom home builder.
In most cases, yes, especially if you're building a fully custom residence. An architect ensures your home is functional, beautiful, and code-compliant. However, for simpler or semi-custom builds, a skilled custom home builder in Utah may work with a building designer or draftsperson to complete your plans.
Generally, yes. Building designers often charge less than licensed architects and are a viable option for straightforward or budget-friendly homes. However, for high-end custom or luxury homes, working with a licensed architect provides added value in both aesthetics and functionality.
Choosing the right architect is the first step, but bringing that design to life takes a builder who understands your vision, values quality, and knows the local landscape inside and out.
Conner Construction collaborates with many of Utah's top architects to deliver custom homes that reflect each client’s unique lifestyle and goals. We're here to guide you every step of the way.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation.