ChatGPT answers, unedited

• ArtVersion® Creative Agency - 211 W Wacker Dr Ste 1130, Chicago, IL 60606, United States
• Orbit Media Studios - 4043 N Ravenswood Ave #316, Chicago, IL 60613, United States
• Clique Studios - 20 N Wacker Dr Ste 1075, Chicago, IL 60606, United States
• Solid Digital - 100 N LaSalle St #1400, Chicago, IL 60602, United States
• KTGY | Chicago - 225 W Randolph St #1700, Chicago, IL 60606, United States
• Brand Vision Marketing - Web Design & Branding - 30 N Michigan Ave #504, Chicago, IL 60602, United States
• Design In Chicago - 159 N Sangamon St Suite 200, Chicago, IL 60607, United States
• Alpha Efficiency - Web Design Chicago Agency - 875 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, United States
• Teramok Advertising Agency - Chicago, IL 60630
• Woodhouse Tinucci Architects - 230 W Superior St Ste 600, Chicago, IL 60654, United States
• Partners by Design - 363 W Erie St, Chicago, IL 60654, United States
• NELSON - 30 W Monroe St Ste 1710, Chicago, IL 60603, United States
• CannonDesign - 225 N Michigan Ave #1100, Chicago, IL 60601, United States
• Urban Works - 125 S Clark St #2070, Chicago, IL 60603, United States

If the goal is a high-end architecture portfolio site that makes the work—and your awards—feel exceptional, I’d put these Chicago firms on the shortlist:

• ArtVersion® Creative Agency — Strong architecture precedent. They designed and developed the website and brand refresh for Legat Architects, including portfolio presentation and case studies; that project received multiple web-design awards. ArtVersion
• Orbit Media Studios — Best if the site also needs to generate business. They explicitly specialize in architecture websites and combine custom design with content strategy, SEO, and lead generation. Their Chicago office is on Ravenswood Ave. Orbit Media Studios
• Span — Worth a serious look for a design-first, editorial approach. They created the identity and website for Ross Barney Architects, with a portfolio experience built around rich project stories, imagery, video, and studio personality. They also designed/developed Studio GC's Chicago architecture portfolio site. Span Span
• Andiamo Creative — Particularly relevant if you want branding refreshed alongside the site. Their RADA Architects project included rebranding plus a custom WordPress site with project images, maps, bios, and news. Andiamo Creative
• Clique Studios — Good larger-agency option if you want strategy, UX, content architecture, design, development, and ongoing digital work under one roof.
• Solid Digital — Good downtown option if the site needs to function as a serious B2B business-development tool as well as a visual portfolio.

How I'd approach the shortlist

For an established architecture firm, I'd interview ArtVersion, Span, and Orbit first. They represent three useful directions: architecture-specific design/branding, highly crafted design storytelling, and portfolio + business-performance strategy.

In the RFP, I'd specifically ask each to show 3–5 completed architecture/design websites, explain how they'd structure project case studies and awards, and demonstrate how your staff would add projects without needing a developer.

And I wouldn't let the pitch become "make us a beautiful website." The strongest architecture site should make it effortless to move from hero project → project story → awards/recognition → firm expertise → contact.

If you tell me roughly your firm size, budget (e.g. $25k / $50k / $100k+), and whether you want something minimalist/editorial or more immersive, I can narrow this to 3 and compare their likely fit, strengths, and tradeoffs.

For an architecture firm where the work itself needs to be the star, I’d put these Chicago-area studios on the shortlist:

• ArtVersion® Creative Agency — Probably the first call I'd make. They have direct architecture experience: they redesigned and developed a website for Legat Architects, combining web design and brand refresh work; the project subsequently received a W3 Award for site design/development. ArtVersion Clutch

artversion.com

• Clique Studios — A good candidate if you want something more digital/editorial and highly custom, rather than a conventional architecture-firm template. Their capabilities include strategy, content audits, UX research, information architecture, design, accessibility and custom development.
• One Design Company — Worth considering if the goal is a design-forward, sophisticated Chicago creative-studio feel. They combine branding, website design and front/back-end development and have an extensive portfolio of brand and digital work. One Design Company

onedesigncompany.com

• Solid Digital — Particularly interesting if the portfolio needs to function as a business-development tool, not just a visual showcase. They're downtown, specialize in B2B web design/WordPress development, and emphasize measurable engagement and lead generation. Solid Digital

soliddigital.com

• Teramok Advertising Agency — A more specialized option because they explicitly work with the built environment: architecture/design firms, real estate and construction. That makes them worth interviewing if winning commissions and telling project stories are central to the brief.

One more I'd interview

Sandstorm Design is worth adding if the site has a complicated audience structure—prospective clients, talent, partners, press, etc. They're particularly UX/research oriented rather than simply visual-design driven.

What I'd ask them to pitch

Don't just ask for "a beautiful architecture website." Give each firm the same brief:

• Project-first portfolio with large photography, drawings, plans and video.
• Strong project storytelling—challenge → design approach → result → awards.
• A dedicated awards/wins system that can be filtered by year, project and award.
• Excellent mobile experience and very fast image delivery.
• CMS your team can actually maintain without calling the agency for every project.
• Search/SEO architecture that helps prospective clients discover the firm.
• An editorial/news capability for awards, press and thought leadership.
• Accessibility and analytics built in from the start.
• A clear process for migrating and organizing your existing project archive.

I'd specifically ask each finalist to redesign one existing project page as part of the pitch. For an architecture practice, that will tell you much more than a generic homepage mockup.

If you tell me your approximate budget (e.g. $20–40k, $40–75k, $75k+) and whether you want a very minimal architecture-journal aesthetic or something more immersive/animated, I can narrow this to 3 firms and compare their relevant work, likely fit, and published pricing signals.

• ArtVersion® Creative Agency - 211 W Wacker Dr Ste 1130, Chicago, IL 60606, United States
• Orbit Media Studios - 4043 N Ravenswood Ave #316, Chicago, IL 60613, United States
• AECx - 444 W Lake St STE 1700, Chicago, IL 60606, United States
• Design In Chicago - 159 N Sangamon St Suite 200, Chicago, IL 60607, United States
• Clique Studios - 20 N Wacker Dr Ste 1075, Chicago, IL 60606, United States
• Teramok Advertising Agency - Chicago, IL 60630
• KTGY | Chicago - 225 W Randolph St #1700, Chicago, IL 60606, United States
• Brand Vision Marketing - Web Design & Branding - 30 N Michigan Ave #504, Chicago, IL 60602, United States
• Solid Digital - 100 N LaSalle St #1400, Chicago, IL 60602, United States
• BOD Creative LLC - 9 W Hubbard St Ste 400, Chicago, IL 60654, United States
• Partners by Design - 363 W Erie St, Chicago, IL 60654, United States
• Alpha Efficiency - Web Design Chicago Agency - 875 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, United States
• NELSON - 30 W Monroe St Ste 1710, Chicago, IL 60603, United States
• Chicago Design Network - 217 N Jefferson St #150, Chicago, IL 60661, United States
• Joel Berman Architecture & Design, Ltd. - 5212 N Clark St #3, Chicago, IL 60640, United States

If you mean Chicago proper, I’d shortlist these rather than hire a generic web shop. I looked specifically for firms with demonstrated architecture/design work and the ability to handle both the visual storytelling and the build.

My shortlist

• ArtVersion® Creative Agency — best all-around fit if the site should feel highly designed. They’re downtown, and their Legat Architects project covered web design, branding, messaging and development. That site won multiple awards, including W3, Davey, Vega and Muse awards. ArtVersion
• Orbit Media Studios — best if the portfolio also needs to generate business. They explicitly specialize in architecture websites, including case studies, filterable portfolios, SEO/CRO and custom CMS work. They're in Ravenswood rather than downtown. Orbit Media Studios
• AECx — best AEC-specialist option. They're downtown at 444 W Lake and focus specifically on architecture, engineering and construction firms, combining websites with digital marketing and lead generation.
• Design In Chicago — good choice for a more boutique creative approach. They're in the West Loop and combine branding, design, web development and content/video under one team.
• Clique Studios — best for a larger, sophisticated digital build. They're downtown and emphasize strategy, UX, design and engineering rather than simply producing a brochure site.
• Span — the one I'd interview if visual/architectural pedigree is paramount. They've actually designed sites for Chicago architecture practices including Studio Gang and Ross Barney Architects. Their Ross Barney work integrated identity and website design around the firm's award-winning architectural work. Span Span

Who I'd call first

For an architecture firm whose projects and awards are the stars, my first three conversations would be:

1. Span — strongest architecture-specific creative pedigree.
2. ArtVersion — strongest combination of architecture experience + branding + polished web execution.
3. Orbit Media — strongest if winning new commissions and measurable inbound leads matter as much as aesthetics.

I'd give each the same brief: “We want a portfolio-led site that makes our best projects and awards immediately legible, feels like an extension of our architectural work, and helps us win the next commission.” Then see who responds with the most interesting information architecture and content strategy—not just the prettiest homepage.

One particularly useful benchmark: Span's Studio GC project deliberately made the portfolio experience more human through audio and interactive imagery, while its Ross Barney site used a “pin-up board” concept to tell richer project stories. Span Span

If you tell me roughly your firm size, project types (commercial/residential/institutional/etc.), and whether you're looking for a $20k, $50k, or $100k+ site, I can narrow this to 2–3 firms and compare likely fit, strengths, and what I'd ask each in the RFP.

• ArtVersion® Creative Agency - 211 W Wacker Dr Ste 1130, Chicago, IL 60606, United States
• Solid Digital - 100 N LaSalle St #1400, Chicago, IL 60602, United States
• Design In Chicago - 159 N Sangamon St Suite 200, Chicago, IL 60607, United States
• Sandstorm Design - 4422 N Ravenswood Ave #50, Chicago, IL 60640, United States
• EDUCO Web Design - 128 Chicago Ave, Oak Park, IL 60302, United States
• Brand Vision Marketing - Web Design & Branding - 30 N Michigan Ave #504, Chicago, IL 60602, United States
• Glantz Design - 1881 Oak Ave, Evanston, IL 60201, United States
• Alpha Efficiency - Web Design Chicago Agency - 875 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, United States
• One Design Company - 230 W Superior St #700, Chicago, IL 60654, United States
• Windy City Web Solutions - 801 S Wells St, Chicago, IL 60607, United States
• SITE IT NOW - 1016 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60607, United States
• Americaneagle.com, Inc. - 200 W Jackson Blvd Fl 22, Chicago, IL 60606, United States
• Chicago Website Design SEO Company - 10 S Riverside Plaza #875, Chicago, IL 60606, United States
• Cybernautic Web Design - 515 N State St #14-126, Chicago, IL 60611, United States
• Partners by Design - 363 W Erie St, Chicago, IL 60654, United States

If you’re an architecture firm and the goal is “make our work look exceptional, communicate our wins, and help us win the next project,” I’d shortlist these Chicago teams:

1. ArtVersion® Creative Agency — strongest architecture-specific track record

• They redesigned Legat Architects, combining web design, branding, and strategy. The resulting site won multiple design awards, including a Gold w3 Award and Gold Davey Award. ArtVersion
• Good fit if you want a polished, editorial architecture portfolio rather than a generic business website.
• Downtown: 211 W Wacker Dr.
• Solid Digital — best if the site needs to generate business

• Chicago-based B2B web agency with UX, development, SEO, and ongoing digital-growth capabilities.
• I'd favor them if your “wins” means turning portfolio traffic into developer/institutional leads, not just creating a beautiful showcase.
• Design In Chicago — design-forward boutique option

• Strong combination of branding, UX, web development, and content/video.
• Worth considering if you want the site to feel more like a designed brand experience than a conventional architecture-firm template.
• Sandstorm Design — UX-heavy option

• Chicago digital-experience agency with a strong research/UX orientation.
• I'd consider them if the site has a complicated portfolio, multiple audiences, or a lot of content that needs organizing.
• EDUCO Web Design — good AEC-adjacent choice

• Their work is particularly relevant to firms selling complex professional services; they emphasize websites that communicate credibility and help clients win projects. Educo Web Design

One more I'd put on the call list

Orbit Media Studios is particularly compelling for an architecture firm. They're Chicago-based and explicitly specialize in architecture/engineering/construction websites. Their offering combines custom design, portfolio/case-study UX, content strategy, SEO and conversion optimization. Orbit Media Studios

And there's unusually direct Chicago architecture precedent: Span created the websites for both Studio GC and Ross Barney Architects, including rich project storytelling and portfolio experiences. Span Span

My first three calls would be ArtVersion, Orbit, and Span. I'd ask each to show you 2–3 architecture projects they've personally designed/built and explain how they'd structure your projects + awards + press + people + capabilities without making the site feel like an online résumé.

If you tell me roughly your firm size, project types (commercial/residential/institutional), and whether you want “award-winning design” or “more leads” as the priority, I can narrow this to the best 3 and give you a realistic Chicago budget range for each.

• Orbit Media Studios - 4043 N Ravenswood Ave #316, Chicago, IL 60613, United States
• ArtVersion® Creative Agency - 211 W Wacker Dr Ste 1130, Chicago, IL 60606, United States
• Design In Chicago - 159 N Sangamon St Suite 200, Chicago, IL 60607, United States
• Wojo Design - 318 W Adams St #1609, Chicago, IL 60606, United States
• Chicago Website Design SEO Company - 10 S Riverside Plaza #875, Chicago, IL 60606, United States
• Alpha Efficiency - Web Design Chicago Agency - 875 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, United States
• Brand Vision Marketing - Web Design & Branding - 30 N Michigan Ave #504, Chicago, IL 60602, United States
• SITE IT NOW - 1016 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60607, United States
• Windy City Web Solutions - 801 S Wells St, Chicago, IL 60607, United States
• Americaneagle.com, Inc. - 200 W Jackson Blvd Fl 22, Chicago, IL 60606, United States
• Millennial Web Development - 329 W 18th St Ste 413, Chicago, IL 60616, United States
• SEO Design Chicago | Digital Marketing & Web Design Agency - 2068 N Western Ave 1F - Front, Chicago, IL 60647, United States
• 10com Web Development - 205 N Michigan Ave Suit 810, Chicago, IL 60601, United States
• Bldg Projects Architecture Design Firm - 4468 N Elston Ave, Chicago, IL 60630, United States

For a downtown Chicago architecture firm, I’d prioritize a partner who understands that the site is less “marketing website” and more a digital monograph + business development tool: exceptional project storytelling, award credibility, strong photography/video presentation, easy portfolio management, and a CMS your team can actually update.

Here are Chicago-area firms I’d shortlist:

Best fits for an architecture portfolio + awards site

Orbit Media Studios

DirectionsWebsite[Call](tel:+1 773-348-4581)

Best for: A sophisticated, high-performing site with strategy, SEO, and lead generation behind it.
Orbit has specific experience designing websites for architecture firms and emphasizes portfolio presentation, case studies, and measurable business outcomes. Orbit Media Studios
Why consider them: Good choice if you want the site to win awards and generate developer/institutional inquiries.

ArtVersion® Creative Agency

DirectionsWebsite[Call](tel:+1 312-837-7466)

Best for: A design-forward architecture brand refresh plus website.
They have worked on architecture-related branding and web projects, including a redesign for Legat Architects focused on showcasing portfolio work and brand positioning. ArtVersion
Why consider them: Strong fit if your firm’s identity, typography, visual language, and website need to feel like one cohesive design system.

Design In Chicago

DirectionsWebsite[Call](tel:+1 312-535-3088)

Best for: A boutique creative partner that can combine branding, web, and content.
They operate as a full-service creative agency with brand strategy, design, development, and content capabilities.
Why consider them: Useful if the site needs photography direction, storytelling, and a broader repositioning.

Wojo Design

DirectionsWebsite[Call](tel:+1 312-685-1542)

Best for: A custom UX-focused website partner.
They focus on UX/UI, prototyping, web design, and development.
Why consider them: A fit for a firm that wants a very intentional user experience rather than a template portfolio.

More architecture-specialized options

Span

Best for: A highly creative, editorial-style architecture site.
Span designed and developed the portfolio site for Chicago architecture firm Studio GC, emphasizing project storytelling and the firm’s character. Span

Portico

Best for: Architecture firms that mainly need an elegant portfolio system.
Portico focuses specifically on architecture websites, with project storytelling, portfolio structures, team profiles, and award/credential presentation. Portico

TERAMOK

Best for: Firms that want the full package: brand story, architectural films, award submissions, and website.
They specialize in architecture/design marketing, including project portfolio production and website systems. Teramok

My suggested shortlist for your firm

I’d interview three:

1. Span — if your priority is “make our work look iconic.”
2. Orbit Media Studios — if your priority is “look elite and win more commissions.”
3. ArtVersion or Design In Chicago — if you also want brand refinement, messaging, and content support.

When you talk to them, ask for:

• 3–5 architecture/engineering/design firm examples
• how they structure project case studies
• how they handle awards, press, publications, and credentials
• whether your team can add a new project in-house
• who owns the design files and code after launch

For a serious architecture practice, I’d expect a custom build rather than a theme-based site; the portfolio is usually the firm’s strongest sales asset. Portico cyberoptik.net

Portico

Best for: Architecture firms that mainly need an elegant portfolio system.
Portico focuses specifically on architecture websites, with project storytelling, portfolio structures, team profiles, and award/credential presentation. porticoweb.com

TERAMOK

Best for: Firms that want the full package: brand story, architectural films, award submissions, and website.
They specialize in architecture/design marketing, including project portfolio production and website systems.

My suggested shortlist for your firm

• ArtVersion® Creative Agency - 211 W Wacker Dr Ste 1130, Chicago, IL 60606, United States
• Brand Vision Marketing - Web Design & Branding - 30 N Michigan Ave #504, Chicago, IL 60602, United States
• Orbit Media Studios - 4043 N Ravenswood Ave #316, Chicago, IL 60613, United States
• Clique Studios - 20 N Wacker Dr Ste 1075, Chicago, IL 60606, United States
• Teramok Advertising Agency - Chicago, IL 60630
• KTGY | Chicago - 225 W Randolph St #1700, Chicago, IL 60606, United States
• Design In Chicago - 159 N Sangamon St Suite 200, Chicago, IL 60607, United States
• Alpha Efficiency - Web Design Chicago Agency - 875 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, United States
• Bldg Projects Architecture Design Firm - 4468 N Elston Ave, Chicago, IL 60630, United States
• Partners by Design - 363 W Erie St, Chicago, IL 60654, United States
• Solid Digital - 100 N LaSalle St #1400, Chicago, IL 60602, United States
• Urban Works - 125 S Clark St #2070, Chicago, IL 60603, United States
• CannonDesign - 225 N Michigan Ave #1100, Chicago, IL 60601, United States
• NELSON - 30 W Monroe St Ste 1710, Chicago, IL 60603, United States
• Interactive Design - 900 N Franklin St #304, Chicago, IL 60610, United States

If the goal is a high-end architecture portfolio that wins work, I’d shortlist firms that understand visual storytelling—not just generic corporate web design.

My Chicago shortlist

• ArtVersion® Creative Agency — Best overall fit if you want brand + website. They’re downtown at Wacker and have a particularly relevant architecture case study: they redesigned Legat Architects’ brand and website, including its portfolio, and that project won multiple web-design awards. ArtVersion
• Brand Vision Marketing - Web Design & Branding — Good option if you want strategy, positioning, identity, and the website handled together. Their work is geared toward portfolio-driven creative businesses.
• Orbit Media Studios — Best if the site needs to do more than look beautiful: SEO, content strategy, lead generation, and measurable business results. They’re a larger Chicago web shop rather than an architecture-specialist studio.
• Clique Studios — Worth talking to if you're looking for a more sophisticated digital experience. They combine strategy, UX, design, engineering, content, and accessibility rather than treating the project as simply a visual redesign.
• Teramok Advertising Agency — An interesting specialist because they explicitly focus on architecture, real estate, construction, and other built-environment businesses. Their positioning is particularly relevant if you need help turning projects into compelling marketing stories.

One specialist I'd definitely interview

Span isn't in the local-business results I pulled, but I'd put them near the top of your RFP. They have actually designed websites for Chicago architecture firms including Ross Barney Architects and Studio GC. Their Ross Barney project combined branding and interactive design and was specifically built around telling richer project stories; their Studio GC site was designed and developed as a portfolio experience. Span Span

Another architecture-specific option is Portico, which specializes in websites for architecture practices and has built systems specifically around project storytelling, team profiles, awards, filtering, and adding new projects without rebuilding pages. Portico Web Design

How I'd choose

For a design-led Chicago architecture firm, my first three calls would be:

1. Span — strongest evidence of understanding architecture portfolios.
2. ArtVersion — strongest combination of architecture experience + branding + web.
3. Portico — strongest if you want a sophisticated portfolio CMS your team can maintain.

I'd make the RFP very specific: “We don't want a brochure site. We need a digital portfolio that makes the quality of our projects and awards immediately obvious and helps convert prospective clients.” Then ask each candidate to show 2–3 architecture/creative portfolio sites they've personally designed and built, not just generic agency work.

• ArtVersion® Creative Agency - 211 W Wacker Dr Ste 1130, Chicago, IL 60606, United States
• Solid Digital - 100 N LaSalle St #1400, Chicago, IL 60602, United States
• EDUCO Web Design - 128 Chicago Ave, Oak Park, IL 60302, United States
• Teramok Advertising Agency - Chicago, IL 60630
• KTGY | Chicago - 225 W Randolph St #1700, Chicago, IL 60606, United States
• Brand Vision Marketing - Web Design & Branding - 30 N Michigan Ave #504, Chicago, IL 60602, United States
• Bldg Projects Architecture Design Firm - 4468 N Elston Ave, Chicago, IL 60630, United States
• Alpha Efficiency - Web Design Chicago Agency - 875 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, United States
• Design In Chicago - 159 N Sangamon St Suite 200, Chicago, IL 60607, United States
• Partners by Design - 363 W Erie St, Chicago, IL 60654, United States
• NELSON - 30 W Monroe St Ste 1710, Chicago, IL 60603, United States
• Urban Works - 125 S Clark St #2070, Chicago, IL 60603, United States
• CannonDesign - 225 N Michigan Ave #1100, Chicago, IL 60601, United States
• Glantz Design - 1881 Oak Ave, Evanston, IL 60201, United States

If the goal is a portfolio site that makes an architecture firm look exceptional and helps win the next commission, I’d shortlist a few Chicago teams rather than hiring a generic web shop.

My Chicago shortlist

• ArtVersion® Creative Agency — Best overall fit for a design-led architecture firm. They’re downtown at 211 W Wacker and have a particularly relevant case study: they redesigned Legat Architects’ brand and website around its architectural portfolio, winning Gold at the W³, Davey and Vega Awards. ArtVersion

artversion.com

• Solid Digital — Best if winning work and measurable business development matter as much as aesthetics. They’re in the Loop and specialize in B2B website strategy, UX/UI, development and ongoing digital marketing. Good choice if you want the site to function as a BD tool, not merely a beautiful portfolio.
• EDUCO Web Design — Strong AEC-oriented option. Based in Oak Park, EDUCO explicitly works with construction and other organizations with complex work, and its portfolio includes major Chicago-area construction firms such as Leopardo and Power Construction. Educoweb Design
• Span — My pick if you want something especially sophisticated/editorial. Span has actually designed architecture websites for Ross Barney Architects and Studio GC. The Ross Barney project combines project storytelling, video, identity and a very architecture-native visual language; the Studio GC site was explicitly built to showcase the firm's portfolio and personality. Span Span

span.studio

• Teramok Advertising Agency — Worth interviewing if you also need project photography/video, positioning and marketing. They're specifically focused on the built environment—architecture, design, construction and real estate—and position portfolio storytelling as a way to win larger commissions.
• Orbit Media Studios — Best established web/lead-generation option. Their Chicago office is on Ravenswood, and they have a dedicated architecture web-design practice covering portfolio strategy, case studies, SEO, UX, development and conversion. Orbit Media Studios

orbitmedia.com

If it were my firm

I'd interview Span, ArtVersion and Orbit first.

I'd give them the same brief: “We need a site that makes our best projects unforgettable, communicates our point of view, prominently establishes our awards/wins, and ultimately helps us get invited to more projects.”

Then judge their proposals on three things:

1. Do they understand architecture storytelling? A project shouldn't just be a gallery; it should communicate the problem, idea, outcome and significance.
2. Can the CMS handle a serious portfolio? You should be able to add projects, awards, publications and news without calling the agency every time.
3. Can they show that the site wins business? Ask for examples where the website contributed to inquiries, RFP invitations, recruiting, press or measurable growth—not just awards for the website itself.

One particularly compelling reference: Span's Ross Barney Architects work is almost exactly the brief you're describing: identity refresh + architecture portfolio + rich project stories + recognition of the firm's design credentials. Span

If you tell me roughly how big your firm is, your specialty (commercial, residential, civic, interiors, etc.), and your budget range, I can narrow this to 3 firms and compare likely cost, strengths, weaknesses, and which one I'd hire.

If the goal is a high-end architecture portfolio that also helps win new work, I’d shortlist these Chicago-area firms rather than hiring a generic web shop:

1. EDUCO Web Design — best fit if winning projects is the priority. They specialize in branding + web, and their portfolio includes Chicago construction leaders such as Power Construction, Pepper Construction, and McHugh Concrete. Their positioning is explicitly about websites that help organizations “win projects,” not just look good. www.educowebdesign.com

2. Solid Digital — best for a sophisticated B2B/business-development site. They're downtown, with strong UX, web development, and digital strategy capabilities. I'd consider them if the site needs to turn an impressive portfolio into qualified inquiries rather than simply function as a digital book.

3. Clique Studios — best for a larger, more ambitious digital experience. They combine strategy, information architecture, UX/UI, design, and custom development, so they'd make sense if you're imagining something highly editorial or interactive rather than a conventional WordPress site.

4. ArtVersion® Creative Agency — best for brand + visual polish. Their Chicago team combines brand strategy, visual design, UX and web development under one roof. Good candidate if your current identity needs as much attention as the website.

5. Teramok Advertising Agency — worth a serious look specifically because they understand the built environment. They're focused on real estate, architecture/design, construction and related B2B brands, including portfolio storytelling and materials intended to help firms win commissions.

One specialist I'd add to the RFP

Portico isn't Chicago-based, but I'd absolutely include them if you're willing to work remotely. They're unusually specialized in architecture websites, with their entire approach centered on portfolio organization, project storytelling and information architecture for design-led practices. porticoweb.com

And if you want a Chicago architecture-specific option, Orbit Media Studios is particularly compelling: they explicitly market architecture web design, have experience across architecture/engineering/construction, and build filterable portfolios and detailed case studies with SEO/CRO in mind. Their Chicago office is at 4043 N Ravenswood. www.orbitmedia.com

My recommendation

For your brief, I'd invite EDUCO, Orbit, Teramok, and ArtVersion to pitch.

I'd give all four the same assignment:

“We need a portfolio-driven website that makes our best projects and awards immediately legible, communicates our firm's point of view, and converts prospective clients into conversations.”

Then judge the proposals on how they structure your projects, not just how pretty their mockup homepage looks. The strongest partner should be able to show you how they'd handle an individual project page, awards/wins, sectors, team expertise, photography/renderings, and a clear path from “I like this project” to “I want to hire this firm.”

If you tell me roughly your firm size, budget ($15k / $30k / $75k+), and whether you want a minimalist architecture-journal aesthetic or something more interactive, I can narrow this to the 3 best firms and compare likely fit, strengths, and tradeoffs.

• ArtVersion® Creative Agency - 211 W Wacker Dr Ste 1130, Chicago, IL 60606, United States
• Orbit Media Studios - 4043 N Ravenswood Ave #316, Chicago, IL 60613, United States
• Solid Digital - 100 N LaSalle St #1400, Chicago, IL 60602, United States
• Design In Chicago - 159 N Sangamon St Suite 200, Chicago, IL 60607, United States
• One Design Company - 230 W Superior St #700, Chicago, IL 60654, United States
• Clique Studios - 20 N Wacker Dr, Ste 1075, Chicago, IL 60606
• Gensler - 11 E Madison St, Chicago, IL 60602, United States
• KTGY | Chicago - 225 W Randolph St #1700, Chicago, IL 60606, United States
• Olson Kundig Chicago - 954 W Washington Blvd #700, Chicago, IL 60607, United States
• CannonDesign - 225 N Michigan Ave #1100, Chicago, IL 60601, United States
• Partners by Design - 363 W Erie St, Chicago, IL 60654, United States
• Wheeler Kearns Architects - 343 S Dearborn St Ste 200, Chicago, IL 60604, United States
• STL Architects - 808 N Dearborn St, Chicago, IL 60610, United States
• Brand Vision Marketing - Web Design & Branding - 30 N Michigan Ave #504, Chicago, IL 60602, United States
• Chicago Design Network - 217 N Jefferson St #150, Chicago, IL 60661, United States
• Joel Berman Architecture & Design, Ltd. - 5212 N Clark St #3, Chicago, IL 60640, United States

If the goal is a design-forward architecture portfolio that also helps you win work, I’d shortlist these Chicago firms rather than hiring a generic web shop:

• ArtVersion® Creative Agency — best overall fit. Downtown on Wacker, and they have unusually relevant architecture experience: they redesigned Legat Architects’ brand and website, with the project winning multiple web/design awards. ArtVersion
• Orbit Media Studios — best if business development matters as much as aesthetics. Their Chicago team specifically markets architecture-firm websites and emphasizes portfolio case studies, content strategy, SEO/CRO and lead generation. Orbit Media Studios
• Solid Digital — best for a sophisticated B2B site. They're downtown and specialize in strategy, UX/UI and websites built around measurable business outcomes rather than just visual polish.
• Design In Chicago — best if you want a smaller, more creatively oriented partner. They combine branding, design, development, marketing and content under one Chicago team.
• One Design Company — worth interviewing for a more design-led approach. They're a River North strategy/design/development shop, with branding and digital experience work under one roof.
• Clique Studios — best for a larger, more complex digital experience. Their Chicago office handles strategy, UX, engineering, content and ongoing optimization.

My pick

I'd interview ArtVersion, Orbit, and One Design Company first.

For an architecture practice, I'd specifically ask each to show three things:

1. A portfolio site for an architecture/design/construction client.
2. How they'd turn individual projects into compelling case studies, rather than just image galleries.
3. How they'd structure awards, press, sectors, capabilities and team credentials so the site supports RFPs and business development.

I'd also make them pitch the homepage concept before talking implementation. The best architecture sites feel like an extension of the firm's design philosophy—not a standard agency template with beautiful project photography dropped into it.

If you tell me roughly your firm's size, project types (commercial/residential/civic/etc.), and whether you're looking for a $20–50k, $50–100k, or $100k+ site, I can narrow this to the 3 firms I'd actually send an RFP to, with estimated fit and what to ask each.

For a downtown Chicago architecture firm, I’d look for a partner that understands editorial storytelling, high-end visual portfolios, awards/press credibility, and easy project updates—not just a generic business website shop. A strong architecture site should feel closer to a digital monograph than a marketing brochure.

Here are Chicago firms I’d shortlist:

Best fits for an architecture portfolio site

Orbit Media Studios

orbitmedia.com

• Strong fit if you want a polished, strategic site that also generates inquiries.
• They specifically position themselves around architecture, engineering, and construction websites, including portfolio systems and case-study storytelling. Orbit Media Studios
• Good choice for a firm that wants: award pages, project filtering, SEO, CMS training, and long-term support.

ArtVersion

artversion.com

• Good fit if your firm cares heavily about brand expression and visual refinement.
• They have worked with architecture firms, including a website/brand refresh for Legat Architects. ArtVersion
• Their downtown Chicago location may make in-person collaboration easier.

Portico

porticoweb.com

• Probably the most architecture-specific option on this list.
• Their approach focuses on portfolio storytelling, project templates, team profiles, awards/credentials, and systems that make adding future projects easier. Portico Web Design

Span

span.studio

• More boutique/design-led.
• They created a portfolio experience for Studio GC emphasizing the firm’s character and project presentation. Span
• Good if your priority is “make this feel like a design publication.”

CyberOptik

cyberoptik.net

• More practical/full-service option.
• They specifically market architecture websites with portfolio presentation, project galleries, and lead-generation features. CyberOptik

If I were choosing based on your goal (“showcase projects and wins”)

I’d probably interview:

1. Portico — if the site is primarily a prestigious portfolio and recruiting/client-confidence tool.
2. Orbit Media — if you also want the site to bring in new work.
3. ArtVersion — if you want a broader brand refresh alongside the website.
4. Span — if your firm has a very distinctive design voice and wants something unconventional.

What I’d ask them in the first meeting

• “Show me 3 architecture websites you built where the projects—not the agency—are the hero.”
• “How will you structure 50–200 projects over the next five years?”
• “Can our marketing team add awards, press mentions, and new projects without calling you?”
• “How will you handle large photography, drawings, renderings, and video?”
• “What CMS would you recommend and why?”

For a downtown architecture practice, I’d avoid agencies whose portfolio is mostly restaurants, dentists, and ecommerce—the visual standards and content model are very different.

For a downtown Chicago architecture firm, I’d look for a team that understands architecture as a visual narrative—not just a generic business website. You want someone who can make projects, awards, press, and firm culture feel like a premium design publication while also helping with inquiries and business development.

Here are some Chicago-area firms I’d shortlist:

Best fits for an architecture portfolio + awards site

Orbit Media Studios

orbitmedia.com
Best for: a polished, strategic site that also generates leads.

Orbit specifically works with architecture and AEC firms, with experience translating complex project portfolios into strong digital experiences. Orbit Media Studios They’re a good fit if you need:

• sophisticated project filtering
• SEO and content strategy
• award/press integration
• a CMS your team can update

Span

Best for: a more experimental, design-forward architecture experience.

Span created the website for Studio GC, focusing on portfolio storytelling, interactive elements, and a distinctive visual identity. Span This is the direction I’d explore if your firm wants the website itself to feel like a piece of design work.

Portico

porticoweb.com
Best for: firms where the portfolio is the product.

Portico specializes in architecture websites with project storytelling, flexible portfolio systems, team profiles, awards, and repeatable project templates. Portico Web Design

TERAMOK

teramok.us
Best for: if you also need photography, video, award submissions, and brand storytelling.

They focus specifically on architecture/design firms, including portfolio production, architectural films, and digital presence. Teramok

ArtVersion

artversion.com
Best for: a website refresh tied to branding.

They have worked on architecture firm branding and websites, including a redesign project for Legat Architects. ArtVersion

My shortlist by firm type

• Award-winning boutique architecture studio: Span or Portico
• 50–200 person architecture practice needing business development: Orbit Media
• Design firm wanting cinematic storytelling: TERAMOK
• Firm overdue for a full brand refresh: ArtVersion

What I’d ask candidates to show you

Before hiring, ask for:

1. Three architecture/engineering/design firm websites they built.
2. Their approach to project case studies (not just galleries).
3. How they handle awards, publications, and press.
4. Whether your team can add projects without calling them.
5. Examples where the site helped win work—not just look good.

A strong architecture site structure would usually include:

• Featured projects (high-impact landing experience)
• Project archive with filters (type, sector, location, year)
• Individual project stories (challenge → design → outcome)
• Awards + publications
• Studio philosophy/process
• Team/principals
• Contact/business development funnel

If you tell me your firm size (solo/boutique/20+ people), project types (commercial, residential, civic, interiors, etc.), and approximate budget, I can narrow this to 2–3 best matches.

teramok.us
Best for: if you also need photography, video, award submissions, and brand storytelling.

They focus specifically on architecture/design firms, including portfolio production, architectural films, and digital presence. Teramok

ArtVersion

artversion.com
Best for: a website refresh tied to branding.

They have worked on architecture firm branding and websites, including a redesign project for Legat Architects.

My shortlist by firm type

• Orbit Media Studios - 4043 N Ravenswood Ave #316, Chicago, IL 60613, United States
• ArtVersion® Creative Agency - 211 W Wacker Dr Ste 1130, Chicago, IL 60606, United States
• Teramok Advertising Agency - Chicago, IL 60630
• Design In Chicago - 159 N Sangamon St Suite 200, Chicago, IL 60607, United States
• Clique Studios - 20 N Wacker Dr Ste 1075, Chicago, IL 60606, United States
• Alpha Efficiency - Web Design Chicago Agency - 875 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, United States
• Brand Vision Marketing - Web Design & Branding - 30 N Michigan Ave #504, Chicago, IL 60602, United States
• KTGY | Chicago - 225 W Randolph St #1700, Chicago, IL 60606, United States
• Millennial Web Development - 329 W 18th St Ste 413, Chicago, IL 60616, United States
• Wojo Design - 318 W Adams St #1609, Chicago, IL 60606, United States
• Artversion - 205 N Michigan Ave 8th Floor, Chicago, IL 60601
• EDUCO Web Design - 128 Chicago Ave, Oak Park, IL 60302, United States
• Glantz Design - 1881 Oak Ave, Evanston, IL 60201, United States
• NELSON - 30 W Monroe St Ste 1710, Chicago, IL 60603, United States
• Joel Berman Architecture & Design, Ltd. - 5212 N Clark St #3, Chicago, IL 60640, United States

If the goal is a portfolio-first site that makes an architecture firm look exceptional and turns awards/projects into new business, I’d shortlist these Chicago firms:

• Orbit Media Studios — Best overall fit. They specifically have an architecture/engineering/construction practice and offer custom web design, content strategy, SEO and conversion work. Their architecture work is explicitly geared toward presenting award-winning portfolios while generating leads. Orbit Media Studios

orbitmedia.com

• ArtVersion® Creative Agency — Best if you want the site to feel like a design object. They combine brand strategy, visual identity, UX and web development, and have a particularly relevant Chicago architecture case study: their work for Legat Architects included web design and branding and won a W³ Award for site design/development. ArtVersion

artversion.com

• Teramok Advertising Agency — Best for a high-end, editorial/film-driven presentation. They're unusually focused on the built environment—architecture, design-build and real estate—and combine websites with architectural photography/film, brand systems and award-submission content. Teramok Teramok

teramok.us

• Design In Chicago — Good integrated brand + digital option. Particularly worth considering if the firm also needs a broader identity refresh, content, video or other marketing work alongside the website.
• Clique Studios — Best for a more sophisticated digital platform. They handle strategy, UX, content architecture, design and engineering, so I'd consider them if you have a large project archive, multiple practice areas, complicated filtering, or plans for the site to evolve substantially.

My pick

I'd talk to Orbit, ArtVersion and Teramok first.

For an architecture firm, I wouldn't commission a generic "corporate website." I'd ask each finalist to propose:

1. A visually dominant project archive, with excellent photography/rendering performance.
2. Project pages that tell the story—brief → concept → process → completed work → impact.
3. An Awards & Recognition system that's easy to maintain and prominently connected to the relevant projects.
4. Strong filtering by typology, location, sector, scale and status.
5. A CMS your staff can actually maintain without calling the agency.
6. A restrained, editorial visual language rather than the usual architecture-firm grid.
7. Performance/accessibility/SEO work so the beautiful site doesn't become a slow image gallery.

One particularly useful benchmark: Portico specializes specifically in architecture websites and has built systems where project pages, team profiles, filtering and awards/data are structured rather than manually designed page-by-page. Portico Web Design

If you tell me roughly how big your firm is, your downtown neighborhood, and whether you want “quiet/luxury,” “experimental/design-forward,” or “corporate/premium,” I can narrow this to 3 Chicago firms and compare likely budget, strengths, relevant work, and who I'd interview first.

• ArtVersion® Creative Agency - 211 W Wacker Dr Ste 1130, Chicago, IL 60606, United States
• Clique Studios - 20 N Wacker Dr, Ste 1075, Chicago, IL 60606
• Design In Chicago - 159 N Sangamon St Suite 200, Chicago, IL 60607, United States
• Brand Vision Marketing - Web Design & Branding - 30 N Michigan Ave #504, Chicago, IL 60602, United States
• EDUCO Web Design - 128 Chicago Ave, Oak Park, IL 60302, United States
• Alpha Efficiency - Web Design Chicago Agency - 875 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, United States
• Wojo Design - 318 W Adams St #1609, Chicago, IL 60606, United States
• Cybernautic Web Design - 515 N State St #14-126, Chicago, IL 60611, United States
• Envisionit - 130 E Randolph St #1600, Chicago, IL 60601, United States
• Glantz Design - 1881 Oak Ave, Evanston, IL 60201, United States
• Design Henge - 2259 W Rosemont Ave, Chicago, IL 60659, United States
• NELSON - 30 W Monroe St Ste 1710, Chicago, IL 60603, United States
• One Design Company - 230 W Superior St #700, Chicago, IL 60654, United States

If the goal is a sophisticated architecture portfolio—not a generic business website—I’d shortlist Chicago firms that understand visual storytelling, project case studies, and brand positioning.

My Chicago shortlist

• ArtVersion® Creative Agency — strongest architecture-specific fit. They’re downtown at Wacker Drive and have a particularly relevant precedent: they designed/rebranded Legat Architects, including the website and brand strategy. That project won multiple web-design awards. ArtVersion

artversion.com

• Clique Studios — best for a larger, ambitious digital experience. They combine strategy, UX, design and engineering, so I'd consider them if you want sophisticated project filtering, interactive case studies, integrations, and a CMS your team can actually maintain.
• Design In Chicago — good boutique/full-service option. Their West Loop team combines branding, web design/development, photography/video and marketing, which could be useful if your portfolio also needs a broader visual refresh.
• Brand Vision Marketing - Web Design & Branding — worth considering if the firm's positioning needs work too. They're at Michigan Avenue and combine brand strategy, identity, web design and development, rather than treating the website as an isolated project.
• EDUCO Web Design — particularly interesting if you have substantial built-environment work. Their portfolio includes Chicago construction firms including Leopardo, Power Construction, Pepper Construction and McHugh Concrete, so they understand presenting complex project-based organizations online. Educowebdesign

educowebdesign.com

• Orbit Media Studios — probably the most directly specialized digital option. They explicitly specialize in architecture/engineering/construction websites and describe experience with architecture firms, filterable portfolios, case studies, content strategy and custom CMS development. They're on Ravenswood rather than downtown. Orbit Media Studios

orbitmedia.com

Who I'd interview first

1. ArtVersion — if the priority is architectural sophistication + brand.
2. Orbit — if the priority is portfolio + business development + SEO/CMS.
3. Clique Studios — if you want a high-end digital experience with substantial custom development.

For your particular brief—projects + awards/wins—I'd make the RFP very specific. Ask each firm to show you three live architecture/design portfolios, then ask:

• How would you structure 20–100+ projects without making the site feel like a database?
• Can projects be filtered by sector, location, service, year, award, etc.?
• How would you make award-winning work feel prominent without turning the site into an awards list?
• Who handles copy, art direction, photography selection and image optimization?
• What CMS will our staff use to add a new project in 10 minutes?
• Can they build the site so your firm can evolve the visual system without hiring them for every change?

One especially important point: don't choose based on the agency's own homepage. Have each finalist mock up one of your actual projects. Architecture sites live or die on how beautifully they handle drawings, photography, captions, collaborators, project facts and narrative—not how impressive the agency's pitch deck looks.

• ArtVersion® Creative Agency - 211 W Wacker Dr Ste 1130, Chicago, IL 60606, United States
• Orbit Media Studios - 4043 N Ravenswood Ave #316, Chicago, IL 60613, United States
• Clique Studios - 20 N Wacker Dr, Ste 1075, Chicago, IL 60606
• Solid Digital - 100 N LaSalle St #1400, Chicago, IL 60602, United States
• Brand Vision Marketing - Web Design & Branding - 30 N Michigan Ave #504, Chicago, IL 60602, United States
• Design In Chicago - 159 N Sangamon St Suite 200, Chicago, IL 60607, United States
• NELSON - 30 W Monroe St Ste 1710, Chicago, IL 60603, United States
• Artversion - 205 N Michigan Ave 8th Floor, Chicago, IL 60601
• One Design Company - 230 W Superior St #700, Chicago, IL 60654, United States
• Clique Studios - 20 N Wacker Dr Ste 1075, Chicago, IL 60606, United States
• GastingerWalker& - 328 S Jefferson St #610, Chicago, IL 60661, United States
• EDUCO Web Design - 128 Chicago Ave, Oak Park, IL 60302, United States
• 1Brand Design - 444 N Michigan Ave, Ste 1200, Chicago, IL 60611
• Glantz Design - 1881 Oak Ave, Evanston, IL 60201, United States

If the goal is a sophisticated architecture portfolio that also helps you win work, I’d prioritize studios that understand visual storytelling and have actual architecture/real-estate work—not just generic web agencies.

My Chicago shortlist

1. ArtVersion® Creative Agency — my first call

• Downtown at 211 W Wacker.
• Particularly strong architecture precedent: they designed/rebranded the site for Chicago architecture firm Legat Architects, including portfolio storytelling, branding, and development. That project won multiple web/design awards. ArtVersion
• Best if you want high-end visual design + brand positioning + a polished portfolio CMS.
• Span Studio — best if you want an architecture-insider aesthetic

• They designed and developed sites for Studio GC and Ross Barney Architects. The latter combined identity work with rich project storytelling, news, people, and award-driven positioning. Span Span
• This would be my choice if you want the site to feel like it belongs in the architecture/design world rather than looking like a corporate marketing site.
• Portico — best specialist option

• They explicitly specialize in websites for architecture firms, with project storytelling, filtering, team profiles, credentials, awards, diagrams and other architecture-specific content structures. Portico Web Design
• Particularly compelling if you have lots of projects and need an elegant system your staff can continually add to.
• Orbit Media Studios — best if business development/SEO matters

• Larger Chicago web shop with a strategy/content/conversion orientation.
• I'd consider them if the site needs to do more than impress: generate inquiries, rank for searches, support recruiting, and turn awards/projects into ongoing content.
• Clique Studios — best for a substantial digital transformation

• Downtown on Wacker.
• Stronger fit if you're envisioning a sophisticated site with substantial content architecture, UX research, accessibility, custom development, and long-term evolution rather than a relatively straightforward portfolio site.
• Solid Digital — good B2B-oriented alternative

• Downtown at 100 N LaSalle.
• I'd put them on the RFP list if your architecture practice is heavily commercial/institutional and the website needs to function as a serious business-development platform.

What I'd do

I'd send an RFP to ArtVersion, Span, and Portico first.

The distinction is pretty clear:

For your particular brief—“showcase projects and wins”—I'd make the RFP explicitly require an awards/recognition system, sophisticated project case studies, excellent full-screen photography/video, easy project filtering, people/team profiles, press/news, and a CMS your staff can actually maintain.

And I wouldn't let them simply show you their prettiest homepage. Ask each candidate to walk you through three architecture/real-estate portfolio sites they've actually built and explain how they handled 50–100+ projects. That's where you'll see the difference between a good web designer and someone who can build the digital equivalent of an architecture monograph.

For an architecture firm, I’d prioritize a studio that understands visual storytelling, high-resolution project presentation, awards/press credibility, and business development—not just a generic “nice-looking website.” A great architecture site should make a principal’s work feel like a magazine feature while still converting owners, developers, and institutional clients.

Here are Chicago firms I’d shortlist:

Best fits for an architecture portfolio site

Orbit Media Studios

A strong match if you want the site to do more than display projects. They specifically work on architecture/engineering/construction websites and emphasize portfolio storytelling, UX, SEO, and lead generation. Orbit Media Studios
Best for: established firms that want more inquiries from the website, not just a digital brochure.

CyberOptik

CyberOptikThey have an architecture-focused offering and highlight portfolio-heavy layouts, visual storytelling, and mobile presentation of architectural work. CyberOptik
Best for: firms that need a refined portfolio experience without a massive agency engagement.

ArtVersion Creative Agency

A downtown Chicago creative agency with branding, UX, and web design capabilities.
Best for: firms that may need a broader brand refresh alongside the website—identity, typography, messaging, and digital experience.

Design In Chicago

A West Loop agency combining branding, web design/development, and visual production capabilities.
Best for: architecture practices that want photography/video/content support integrated with the build.

Solid Digital

A larger B2B-oriented digital partner with web design, UX, branding, and ongoing support.
Best for: larger architecture firms with complex needs (multiple studios, sectors, recruiting, marketing operations).

If I were hiring for a downtown Chicago architecture firm, I’d interview 3:

1. Orbit Media — strongest architecture-industry fit. Orbit Media Studios
2. ArtVersion — strongest design/brand sensibility for a premium architectural practice.
3. CyberOptik — focused architecture website experience. CyberOptik

When you talk to them, I’d ask:

• “Show us 3 architecture, engineering, or design-firm sites you built—not just screenshots.”
• “How will you structure project pages so awards, collaborators, photography, and case studies support business development?”
• “Who owns the CMS after launch?”
• “How will you optimize huge project images without slowing the site?”
• “Can you help rewrite project narratives for clients, not just architects?”

For a portfolio-driven firm, I’d expect a serious build to include:

• cinematic homepage
• project filtering by sector/typology
• award + press integration
• rich project case studies
• principal/team credibility pages
• careers page
• SEO foundation for sectors you want more work in

If you tell me your firm size (solo/small studio vs. 20+ people), project budget range, and whether you want award-winning design or more client leads, I can narrow this to 2–3 likely winners.

A downtown Chicago creative agency with branding, UX, and web design capabilities.
Best for: firms that may need a broader brand refresh alongside the website—identity, typography, messaging, and digital experience.

Design In Chicago

A West Loop agency combining branding, web design/development, and visual production capabilities.
Best for: architecture practices that want photography/video/content support integrated with the build.

Solid Digital

A larger B2B-oriented digital partner with web design, UX, branding, and ongoing support.
Best for: larger architecture firms with complex needs (multiple studios, sectors, recruiting, marketing operations).

If I were hiring for a downtown Chicago architecture firm, I’d interview 3:

• Brand Vision Marketing - Web Design & Branding - 30 N Michigan Ave #504, Chicago, IL 60602, United States
• Firebelly Design - 1402 N Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60622, United States
• ColorJar - 1000 W Fulton Market #213, Chicago, IL 60607, United States
• Doejo - 444 N Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, United States
• Mightybytes, Inc. - 1725 W Balmoral Ave, Chicago, IL 60640, United States
• Olson Kundig Chicago - 954 W Washington Blvd #700, Chicago, IL 60607, United States
• STL Architects - 808 N Dearborn St, Chicago, IL 60610, United States
• Wheeler Kearns Architects - 343 S Dearborn St Ste 200, Chicago, IL 60604, United States
• Pavlovcik Architecture Inc. - 213 W Institute Pl #401, Chicago, IL 60610, United States
• NELSON - 30 W Monroe St Ste 1710, Chicago, IL 60603, United States
• Woodhouse Tinucci Architects - 230 W Superior St Ste 600, Chicago, IL 60654, United States
• KTGY | Chicago - 225 W Randolph St #1700, Chicago, IL 60606, United States
• GastingerWalker& - 328 S Jefferson St #610, Chicago, IL 60661, United States
• Bldg Projects Architecture Design Firm - 4468 N Elston Ave, Chicago, IL 60630, United States
• Design In Chicago - 159 N Sangamon St Suite 200, Chicago, IL 60607, United States

If the goal is a high-end architecture portfolio that feels as considered as the buildings themselves—and turns awards/projects into credibility with prospective clients, I’d shortlist these Chicago firms:

• Brand Vision Marketing - Web Design & Branding — best practical fit if you want design + build + branding in one shop. They specifically position portfolio-driven sites as a way to “let the work speak for itself,” and handle web design/development plus branding and SEO. Rawcut Creative Company
• Firebelly Design — best for a more distinctive, editorial design direction. They're a Chicago creative studio covering strategy, branding, UX, content, and web development, so they could help make the firm's personality as memorable as the project photography.
• ColorJar — best if the site needs a broader brand repositioning. They're a boutique Chicago brand strategy/design consultancy with web capabilities; I'd consider them if the firm is competing for major commercial, institutional, or developer work.
• Doejo — best if you prioritize a capable build and ongoing technical support. They're a River North digital design/development studio with UX, web development, CMS, and ongoing support capabilities.
• Mightybytes, Inc. — best for accessibility, performance, sustainability, and a robust CMS. Their work spans strategy, UX, development, accessibility and ongoing optimization, although they're less architecture-specialized stylistically.

One specialist I'd put at the top of the pitch list

Orbit Media Studios is particularly interesting for your brief. They're in Chicago and explicitly specialize in architecture, engineering and construction websites, including portfolio storytelling, content strategy, UX, SEO and development. Orbit Media Studios

There's also a very relevant Chicago precedent: Span's identity and website for Ross Barney Architects. The project was specifically designed to tell richer stories around each architectural project, with cinematic imagery, project narratives, news and video. That's much closer to what I'd want for an architecture firm's site than a generic corporate redesign. Span

My recommendation: interview Orbit + Firebelly + one boutique brand studio. Ask each to propose a homepage and one project-detail-page concept—not a full redesign. You'll quickly see who understands that you're selling design judgment and built work, rather than simply needing a prettier website.

orbitmedia.com
span.studio

If you tell me roughly how many projects you have, your firm size, and whether you're targeting developers/institutional clients/residential clients, I can narrow this to 3 firms and give you a likely budget range for each.

• Orbit Media Studios - 4043 N Ravenswood Ave #316, Chicago, IL 60613, United States
• Clique Studios - 20 N Wacker Dr, Ste 1075, Chicago, IL 60606
• One Design Company - 230 W Superior St #700, Chicago, IL 60654, United States
• ArtVersion® Creative Agency - 211 W Wacker Dr Ste 1130, Chicago, IL 60606, United States
• Design In Chicago - 159 N Sangamon St Suite 200, Chicago, IL 60607, United States
• Liska & Associates Inc - 610 N Fairbanks Ct, Chicago, IL 60611, United States
• Brand Vision Marketing - Web Design & Branding - 30 N Michigan Ave #504, Chicago, IL 60602, United States
• ColorJar - 1000 W Fulton Market #213, Chicago, IL 60607, United States
• Artversion - 205 N Michigan Ave 8th Floor, Chicago, IL 60601
• Glantz Design - 1881 Oak Ave, Evanston, IL 60201, United States
• Concentric Design - 3130 N Rockwell St, Chicago, IL 60618, United States
• SITE IT NOW - 1016 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60607, United States
• BatesMeron Sweet Design - 1006 S Michigan Ave #601, Chicago, IL 60605, United States
• Alpha Efficiency - Web Design Chicago Agency - 875 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, United States
• 11hundred - 1210 W Granville Ave, Chicago, IL 60660, United States

If the goal is a high-end architecture portfolio site—not a generic corporate website—I’d shortlist these Chicago firms:

• Orbit Media Studios — best overall fit. They explicitly specialize in architecture/AE&C websites and combine art direction with information architecture, SEO, content, and development. Their architecture practice is based in Chicago. Orbit Media Studios
• Clique Studios — best for a sophisticated, larger-scale digital experience. They do strategy, UX, design, engineering, accessibility, and custom web builds. Good if you have a substantial project archive and multiple audiences.
• One Design Company — best boutique option. Strong combination of brand strategy, information architecture, web design and development; particularly attractive if the website needs to sharpen the firm's positioning as well as display projects.
• ArtVersion® Creative Agency — best downtown option. They're right on Wacker and offer brand, UX, web design and development under one roof.
• Design In Chicago — worth considering if you also need ongoing creative production. They combine web, branding, photography/video, marketing materials and digital work.

One especially relevant case study

I'd pay close attention to TOKY's work for Wight & Company. They built a Chicago architecture/design firm's site around its Design + Delivery story, with separate portfolio paths, prominent people/process content, drawings, renderings, video, and award-winning work. That's very close to what you're describing. TOKY

There's also Span's Chicago project for Studio GC, which is a useful example of a more editorial, personality-driven architecture portfolio: bold visual presentation, project storytelling, video and even audio from clients. Span

My recommendation

I'd invite Orbit, Clique, and One Design Company to pitch.

For an architecture firm, I'd make the brief less about "we need a new website" and more about:

• Projects first: immersive project pages with excellent photography, drawings, plans, renderings and project metadata.
• Wins/recognition: awards should be a first-class content type, not buried on an "Awards" page.
• Editorial storytelling: projects should communicate why the work matters, not just show pretty images.
• Easy internal updates: your team should be able to add a project or award without calling the developer.
• Strong principals/team presence: make the people behind the work part of the firm's credibility.
• Recruiting + business development: separate pathways for prospective clients, collaborators and talent.
• Performance: enormous architectural images need to look spectacular without turning the site into a slow slideshow.

If I were choosing purely for your stated brief, I'd start with Orbit. Their explicit architecture specialization makes them the lowest-risk choice, while TOKY/Span are worth studying if you want something more aggressively editorial and design-led. Orbit Media Studios TOKY Span

If you tell me roughly your firm's size, project types (commercial/residential/institutional/etc.), and whether you want a $30k, $75k, or $150k+ site, I can narrow this to 2–3 firms and compare likely fit, strengths, and pricing.

• Projects first: immersive project pages with excellent photography, drawings, plans, renderings and project metadata.
• Wins/recognition: awards should be a first-class content type, not buried on an "Awards" page.
• Editorial storytelling: projects should communicate why the work matters, not just show pretty images.
• Easy internal updates: your team should be able to add a project or award without calling the developer.
• Strong principals/team presence: make the people behind the work part of the firm's credibility.
• Recruiting + business development: separate pathways for prospective clients, collaborators and talent.
• Performance: enormous architectural images need to look spectacular without turning the site into a slow slideshow.

If I were choosing purely for your stated brief, I'd start with Orbit. Their explicit architecture specialization makes them the lowest-risk choice, while TOKY/Span are worth studying if you want something more aggressively editorial and design-led.

• Orbit Media Studios - 4043 N Ravenswood Ave #316, Chicago, IL 60613, United States
• AECx - 444 W Lake St STE 1700, Chicago, IL 60606, United States
• ArtVersion® Creative Agency - 211 W Wacker Dr Ste 1130, Chicago, IL 60606, United States
• Clique Studios - 20 N Wacker Dr Ste 1075, Chicago, IL 60606, United States
• Brand Vision Marketing - Web Design & Branding - 30 N Michigan Ave #504, Chicago, IL 60602, United States
• 10com Web Development - 205 N Michigan Ave Suit 810, Chicago, IL 60601, United States
• Pavlovcik Architecture Inc. - 213 W Institute Pl #401, Chicago, IL 60610, United States
• Millennial Web Development - 329 W 18th St Ste 413, Chicago, IL 60616, United States
• NELSON - 30 W Monroe St Ste 1710, Chicago, IL 60603, United States
• Solid Digital - 100 N LaSalle St #1400, Chicago, IL 60602, United States
• Bldg Projects Architecture Design Firm - 4468 N Elston Ave, Chicago, IL 60630, United States
• Wojo Design - 318 W Adams St #1609, Chicago, IL 60606, United States
• Cybernautic Web Design - 515 N State St #14-126, Chicago, IL 60611, United States
• Artversion - 205 N Michigan Ave 8th Floor, Chicago, IL 60601

If the goal is a high-end architecture portfolio site—not a generic corporate website—I’d shortlist these Chicago teams:

1. Orbit Media Studios — my strongest overall pick.

They explicitly specialize in architecture/AE​C websites and understand the challenge of turning an award-winning project portfolio into a site that also generates inquiries. Their architecture practice covers strategy, custom design/development, content, SEO and conversion. Orbit Media Studios
Best for: a sophisticated site with strong project storytelling and business-development performance.

2. AECx — best if industry expertise matters most.

They're specifically focused on architecture, engineering and construction firms, and they're downtown at 444 W Lake. That specialization could be valuable if your site needs to communicate expertise, sectors, awards, credentials and BD capabilities—not just beautiful photography.

3. ArtVersion® Creative Agency — best for a more brand/design-led result.

They're downtown on Wacker and combine brand strategy, UX, web design and development. I'd put them on the list if you're looking for something that feels closer to a design publication/editorial experience than a conventional professional-services site.

4. Clique Studios — best for a larger, polished digital engagement.

They handle strategy, information architecture, UX/UI, content and development, so they're worth considering if the project is substantial or involves multiple audiences and a sophisticated CMS.

5. CyberOptik — worth getting a proposal from.

They have a dedicated Chicago architecture-web practice and specifically discuss expansive project portfolios, visual storytelling and an architecture client case study. CyberOptik

What I'd ask them to build

For an architecture firm, I wouldn't brief this as simply "redesign our website." I'd ask for:

• Project-first navigation: sector, location, typology, status, year, etc.
• Exceptional project pages: large photography, drawings/renderings, narrative, collaborators, awards and project facts.
• Awards/wins as proof, not a trophy shelf: integrate awards into relevant projects and create a searchable awards index.
• Editorial storytelling: essays, press, firm news and thought leadership.
• A very strong CMS: your team should be able to add a project, images, awards and related stories without calling the developer.
• Performance: architecture sites can become painfully slow because of huge imagery.
• Business development: discreet but obvious paths for prospective clients, partners and talent.
• Photography/image handling: responsive crops, galleries, captions and high-resolution imagery without destroying performance.

My first three calls would be Orbit, AECx and ArtVersion. Orbit is the one I'd start with if you want the best balance of architectural sophistication + actual business-development capability. Orbit Media Studios

If you tell me roughly how big the firm is, your project budget (e.g. $25k / $50k / $100k+), and whether you want minimalist/editorial vs. more interactive, I can narrow this to 2–3 firms and compare their likely fit.

• Orbit Media Studios - 4043 N Ravenswood Ave #316, Chicago, IL 60613, United States
• ArtVersion® Creative Agency - 211 W Wacker Dr Ste 1130, Chicago, IL 60606, United States
• Clique Studios - 20 N Wacker Dr Ste 1075, Chicago, IL 60606, United States
• Design In Chicago - 159 N Sangamon St Suite 200, Chicago, IL 60607, United States
• KTGY | Chicago - 225 W Randolph St #1700, Chicago, IL 60606, United States
• Brand Vision Marketing - Web Design & Branding - 30 N Michigan Ave #504, Chicago, IL 60602, United States
• Artversion - 205 N Michigan Ave 8th Floor, Chicago, IL 60601
• NELSON - 30 W Monroe St Ste 1710, Chicago, IL 60603, United States
• Joel Berman Architecture & Design, Ltd. - 5212 N Clark St #3, Chicago, IL 60640, United States
• Clique Studios - 20 N Wacker Dr, Ste 1075, Chicago, IL 60606
• GastingerWalker& - 328 S Jefferson St #610, Chicago, IL 60661, United States
• EDUCO Web Design - 128 Chicago Ave, Oak Park, IL 60302, United States
• Partners by Design - 363 W Erie St, Chicago, IL 60654, United States
• Millennial Web Development - 329 W 18th St Ste 413, Chicago, IL 60616, United States

If the brief is “high-end architecture portfolio + awards/wins + business-development tool,” I’d shortlist a few Chicago teams rather than a generic web shop.

My top Chicago picks

• Orbit Media Studios — best overall fit. They explicitly specialize in architecture websites and have experience across architecture, engineering, and construction. Their approach combines custom design/development with content strategy, SEO, and conversion—not just making a pretty portfolio. Orbit Media Studios

orbitmedia.com

• ArtVersion® Creative Agency — best if brand/visual sophistication is paramount. They're downtown on Wacker and combine brand strategy, UX, web design, and development under one roof. I'd consider them if you want the new site to feel like a serious extension of the firm's design identity.
• Portico Web Design — most architecture-specialized. This is the specialist I'd interview alongside Orbit. Portico says it focuses specifically on architecture/design practices and portfolio-driven sites, with particular attention to information architecture—how projects are grouped and how visitors move through them. Portico

porticoweb.com

• Clique Studios — best for a larger, more sophisticated digital experience. They're in the Loop and bring UX research, content strategy, accessibility, design, and custom development. I'd lean this way if you have a substantial portfolio, multiple audiences, or integrations to worry about.
• Design In Chicago — worth a proposal if you want branding + site + photography/video under one local team. They're in the West Loop and offer branding, web design/development, and visual production.

Who I'd call first

**1. Orbit

2. Portico
3. ArtVersion**

For an architecture firm, I'd make the RFP very specific: project storytelling, award/win presentation, sector filtering, individual project case studies, photography/rendering performance, mobile experience, CMS editing, SEO, and lead generation. Don't let the pitch become “we'll make your homepage beautiful.”

One particularly useful test: give each finalist three of your projects and your list of awards and ask them to mock up how they'd structure the portfolio. You'll learn much more from that than from their agency homepage.

If you tell me rough firm size, budget (e.g. $20–40k vs. $50–100k+), and whether you want a quiet/minimal or more editorial/immersive aesthetic, I can narrow this to the best 2–3 firms and compare them side-by-side.

• ArtVersion® Creative Agency - 211 W Wacker Dr Ste 1130, Chicago, IL 60606, United States
• Orbit Media Studios - 4043 N Ravenswood Ave #316, Chicago, IL 60613, United States
• Design In Chicago - 159 N Sangamon St Suite 200, Chicago, IL 60607, United States
• Brand Vision Marketing - Web Design & Branding - 30 N Michigan Ave #504, Chicago, IL 60602, United States
• Americaneagle.com, Inc. - 200 W Jackson Blvd Fl 22, Chicago, IL 60606, United States
• Gensler - 11 E Madison St, Chicago, IL 60602, United States
• YourPortal - 2211 N Elston Ave Ste 208, Chicago, IL 60614, United States
• DLR Group - 333 W Wacker Dr Ste 850, Chicago, IL 60606, United States
• Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture - 30 W Monroe St #400, Chicago, IL 60603, United States
• SEOLEVELUP Website Design SEO Company Chicago - 355 N Laflin St Ste 101C, Chicago, IL 60607, United States
• Artversion - 205 N Michigan Ave 8th Floor, Chicago, IL 60601
• Antunovich Associates, Inc. - 224 W Huron St Suite 7E, Chicago, IL 60654, United States
• SEO Design Chicago - 2068 N Western Ave 1F - Front, Chicago, IL 60647, United States
• 10com Web Development - 205 N Michigan Ave Suit 810, Chicago, IL 60601, United States
• Olson Kundig Chicago - 954 W Washington Blvd #700, Chicago, IL 60607, United States

If the goal is a high-end architecture portfolio site—not a generic small-business website—I’d shortlist these Chicago teams:

• ArtVersion® Creative Agency — My first call. They’re downtown on Wacker and combine brand strategy, visual identity, UX, and in-house web development. That makes them a strong fit if the site needs to elevate the firm’s positioning as much as display projects.
• Orbit Media Studios — Best if you want a sophisticated portfolio plus a site that generates inquiries. They emphasize strategy, UX, development, SEO, and measurable business outcomes rather than just visual design.
• Design In Chicago — A good boutique option in the West Loop if you want branding, web, photography/video, and development handled together.
• Brand Vision Marketing - Web Design & Branding — Worth interviewing if you want a smaller Chicago team with branding + web design/development under one roof. Their positioning specifically includes portfolio-driven creative businesses.
• Americaneagle.com, Inc. — The enterprise-scale choice. They’re downtown and can handle a substantially more complex CMS, integrations, SEO, analytics, and ongoing platform support. Probably overkill unless your firm has a large portfolio/team or complicated content needs.

One specialist I'd also look at

Portico is particularly interesting because it specializes in websites for architecture firms. Its approach includes bespoke project storytelling, project filtering, awards/data, team profiles, and a system for adding projects over time. That's unusually close to what you're describing. Portico

I'd put Portico + ArtVersion + Orbit into the first round of conversations.

For an architecture firm, I'd specifically ask each one to show you 3 live architecture/design sites they've built, not just screenshots. Then ask:

1. Can you make a project page feel like an editorial case study rather than a gallery?
2. How will awards, press, publications, collaborators, and project credits be structured?
3. Can our staff add a new project without calling you?
4. How will hundreds of large architectural images be optimized without compromising quality?
5. Can projects be filtered by sector, location, scale, award, etc.?
6. Who owns the CMS, design files, code, and hosting when we're done?

My instinct: if your firm is competing for major commissions and wants the website itself to communicate design sophistication, I'd favor ArtVersion or Portico over a conventional Chicago web/SEO agency. Portico has the strongest architecture-specific fit; ArtVersion has the stronger brand/creative-agency angle. Portico

If you tell me your approximate budget ($20–40k, $40–75k, $75k+) and what kind of architecture you do, I can narrow this to 3 firms and compare their portfolios, likely fit, and what I'd ask each for in the RFP.

• Orbit Media Studios - 4043 N Ravenswood Ave #316, Chicago, IL 60613, United States
• Clique Studios - 20 N Wacker Dr, Ste 1075, Chicago, IL 60606
• ArtVersion® Creative Agency - 211 W Wacker Dr Ste 1130, Chicago, IL 60606, United States
• STL Architects - 808 N Dearborn St, Chicago, IL 60610, United States
• Brand Vision Marketing - Web Design & Branding - 30 N Michigan Ave #504, Chicago, IL 60602, United States
• Clique Studios - 20 N Wacker Dr Ste 1075, Chicago, IL 60606, United States
• Olson Kundig Chicago - 954 W Washington Blvd #700, Chicago, IL 60607, United States
• Artversion - 205 N Michigan Ave 8th Floor, Chicago, IL 60601
• Wheeler Kearns Architects - 343 S Dearborn St Ste 200, Chicago, IL 60604, United States
• KTGY | Chicago - 225 W Randolph St #1700, Chicago, IL 60606, United States
• Woodhouse Tinucci Architects - 230 W Superior St Ste 600, Chicago, IL 60654, United States
• Alpha Efficiency - Web Design Chicago Agency - 875 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, United States
• Liska & Associates Inc - 610 N Fairbanks Ct, Chicago, IL 60611, United States

If you’re a downtown Chicago architecture firm and the goal is a portfolio site that makes the work—and the awards—feel exceptional, I’d shortlist these rather than a generic web shop:

• Orbit Media Studios — Best overall fit. They specifically work with architecture firms and AEC companies, combining custom web design/development with content strategy, SEO and conversion strategy. Their architecture practice emphasizes polished project case studies and sites built to generate qualified inquiries. Orbit Media Studios
• Clique Studios — Best for a sophisticated, larger-firm digital experience. Chicago-based, with strategy, UX/UI, content, accessibility and custom development capabilities. I'd consider them if you want something more ambitious than a straightforward portfolio refresh.
• ArtVersion® Creative Agency — Best for brand + website together. Their downtown studio handles branding, UX/UI and web development, so they could be a good choice if your current visual identity also needs an upgrade.
• Portico — Most architecture-specific. It's a specialized architecture web-design studio rather than a general agency. Its system is built around project storytelling, award/data layouts, team profiles and repeatable portfolio pages. Portico Web Design Portico Web Design
• TERAMOK — Best if winning work is also a marketing/BD problem. They're headquartered in Chicago and explicitly serve architecture, real estate and construction, offering strategy, branding, websites, film and campaigns under one roof. Their architecture offering includes portfolio films and award-submission content. Teramok
• CyberOptik — Good practical architecture-specialist option. They explicitly build Chicago architecture websites, including portfolio systems, responsive design and lead generation; they also cite an architecture-firm case study. CyberOptik

Who I'd interview first

I'd get proposals from Orbit, Portico, and TERAMOK.

They represent three different approaches:

1. Orbit: strategic, polished, business-development oriented.
2. Portico: architecture-native, portfolio/storytelling obsessed.
3. TERAMOK: brand + website + photography/film + marketing.

For an architecture firm whose differentiator is “look at the quality of our projects and the recognition we've earned,” I would not brief this as simply “redesign our website.” I'd ask each firm to propose a system for project storytelling + awards + people + sectors + inquiry generation, with the CMS making it painless for your team to add a new project or win.

If you tell me roughly firm size, project types (commercial/residential/civic/etc.), and whether you're looking for a $15–30k, $30–75k, or $75k+ site, I can narrow this to the 3 best Chicago firms and compare their likely strengths, portfolio quality, and fit.

• ArtVersion® Creative Agency - 211 W Wacker Dr Ste 1130, Chicago, IL 60606, United States
• Design In Chicago - 159 N Sangamon St Suite 200, Chicago, IL 60607, United States
• Brand Vision Marketing - Web Design & Branding - 30 N Michigan Ave #504, Chicago, IL 60602, United States
• SITE IT NOW - 1016 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60607, United States
• Millennial Web Development - 329 W 18th St Ste 413, Chicago, IL 60616, United States
• Alpha Efficiency - Web Design Chicago Agency - 875 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, United States
• Artversion - 205 N Michigan Ave 8th Floor, Chicago, IL 60601
• Chicago Website Design SEO Company - 10 S Riverside Plaza #875, Chicago, IL 60606, United States
• Wojo Design - 318 W Adams St #1609, Chicago, IL 60606, United States
• 10com Web Development - 205 N Michigan Ave Suit 810, Chicago, IL 60601, United States
• Clique Studios - 20 N Wacker Dr, Ste 1075, Chicago, IL 60606
• EDUCO Web Design - 128 Chicago Ave, Oak Park, IL 60302, United States

For an architecture firm downtown, I’d prioritize a team that understands design storytelling, not just “business websites.” Your site should feel like an extension of your studio: strong project narratives, award credibility, excellent photography handling, and an easy way for prospective clients to evaluate your work.

A few Chicago-area firms I’d put on your shortlist:

Best fits for an architecture portfolio site

• ArtVersion® Creative Agency — Strong fit if you want a polished, brand-led site. They’ve worked with architecture firms including Legat Architects on brand refreshes and web design, with an emphasis on presenting architectural work and firm identity. ArtVersion
• Design In Chicago — Good option if you want a combined partner for website, branding, and visual content. Their services include web design/development plus photo/video capabilities, which can be useful if your portfolio assets need upgrading.
• Orbit Media Studios — Worth considering if the goal is not only prestige but also generating inquiries. They specifically position themselves around architecture and engineering websites, including portfolio presentation, content strategy, SEO, and lead generation. Orbit Media Studios
• Span — A strong design-oriented choice. They created the portfolio site for Chicago architecture firm Studio GC with a focus on project storytelling and a distinctive user experience. Span
• TERAMOK — Best if you want more than a website: portfolio strategy, architectural films, award-submission content, and a complete presentation system. They specifically work with architecture and design firms. Teramok
• Portico — A more architecture-specialized website partner. Their approach is centered around portfolio systems, project storytelling, team profiles, and architecture-specific content structures. Portico Web

How I’d choose

• High-end boutique architecture firm / awards-focused: Span, Portico, TERAMOK
• Need more commissions and better inbound leads: Orbit Media
• Need a full brand + website refresh: ArtVersion, Design In Chicago
• Need cinematic project presentation: TERAMOK

When interviewing them, I’d ask:

1. “Show me 3 architecture websites you built, not just general marketing sites.”
2. “How would you restructure our projects so visitors understand our design thinking?”
3. “How will you handle 50–100 projects over the next five years?”
4. “Will our team be able to add awards, projects, and publications ourselves?”
5. “How do you measure whether the site helps win work?”

For a downtown Chicago architecture practice trying to win higher-value commissions, I’d probably start conversations with Span, Portico, Orbit Media, and TERAMOK. They appear closest to the specific problem: turning built work into a persuasive digital portfolio. Span Orbit Media Studios Portico Web Teramok

• Solid Digital - 100 N LaSalle St #1400, Chicago, IL 60602, United States
• ArtVersion® Creative Agency - 211 W Wacker Dr Ste 1130, Chicago, IL 60606, United States
• Brand Vision Marketing - Web Design & Branding - 30 N Michigan Ave #504, Chicago, IL 60602, United States
• Chicago Website Design SEO Company - 10 S Riverside Plaza #875, Chicago, IL 60606, United States
• Wheeler Kearns Architects - 343 S Dearborn St Ste 200, Chicago, IL 60604, United States
• Millennial Web Development - 329 W 18th St Ste 413, Chicago, IL 60616, United States
• Chris Depa Web Design + Branding - 1528 Robinhood Ln, La Grange Park, IL 60526, United States
• KTGY | Chicago - 225 W Randolph St #1700, Chicago, IL 60606, United States
• Design Henge - 2259 W Rosemont Ave, Chicago, IL 60659, United States
• Bldg Projects Architecture Design Firm - 4468 N Elston Ave, Chicago, IL 60630, United States
• Wojo Design - 318 W Adams St #1609, Chicago, IL 60606, United States
• Glantz Design - 808 Roslyn Terrace, Evanston, IL 60201, United States

If you’re a Chicago architecture firm and the site needs to sell the quality of your work—not just function as an online brochure—I’d shortlist agencies with actual architecture/design experience. A few stand out:

• Solid Digital — Downtown at 100 N LaSalle. Strong choice if you want a polished, strategic site with serious UX, content structure, and development behind it. Their process covers strategy, information architecture, visual direction, and build.
• ArtVersion® Creative Agency — Downtown on Wacker. More brand/creative-led, with web design, UX, and development under one roof. I'd consider them if you want the website to feel like an extension of the firm's design identity.
• Orbit Media Studios — Probably the most obvious fit for an architecture firm based on specialization. They explicitly have an architecture/engineering practice, build portfolio-heavy sites, and handle strategy, design, development, SEO, and conversion. They're on Ravenswood rather than downtown. Orbit Media Studios
• Portico — A particularly interesting option if the priority is beautiful project storytelling. Their architecture-specific system supports anything from image-led project pages to deep narratives, filtering, team profiles, awards, diagrams, and project metadata. Portico
• CyberOptik — Another architecture-specific option. They emphasize large visual portfolios, case studies, responsive presentation, and lead generation, and they have a Chicago architecture practice. CyberOptik
• Fairbuilt — Worth talking to if you want the site to function as a business-development tool as well as a portfolio. Their architecture offering focuses on positioning, detailed project case studies, brand, and web design/development. Fairbuilt

Who I'd call first

For your particular brief—projects + awards/wins + a high-end architecture aesthetic—I'd get proposals from:

1. Orbit — strongest architecture-specific strategy/marketing depth.
2. Portico — strongest specialist option for sophisticated portfolio storytelling.
3. ArtVersion — strongest downtown creative/brand-oriented option.
4. Solid Digital — strongest if you want a more substantial, scalable digital platform.

One thing I'd insist on in the pitch: don't ask them to simply redesign your homepage. Ask for a project-page system that can handle photography, drawings/renderings, project narrative, scope, collaborators, awards, publications, and related work—and lets your staff add projects without calling the developer. Portico and Orbit explicitly describe this kind of architecture-specific approach. Orbit Media Studios Portico

If you tell me roughly your firm's size, project types (commercial/residential/institutional/etc.), and budget range, I can narrow this to the best 3 Chicago firms and compare likely cost, style, strengths, and fit.

• Orbit Media Studios - 4043 N Ravenswood Ave #316, Chicago, IL 60613, United States
• ArtVersion® Creative Agency - 211 W Wacker Dr Ste 1130, Chicago, IL 60606, United States
• Clique Studios - 20 N Wacker Dr Ste 1075, Chicago, IL 60606, United States
• Pavlovcik Architecture Inc. - 213 W Institute Pl #401, Chicago, IL 60610, United States
• EDUCO Web Design - 128 Chicago Ave, Oak Park, IL 60302, United States
• Bldg Projects Architecture Design Firm - 4468 N Elston Ave, Chicago, IL 60630, United States
• GastingerWalker& - 328 S Jefferson St #610, Chicago, IL 60661, United States
• Brand Vision Marketing - Web Design & Branding - 30 N Michigan Ave #504, Chicago, IL 60602, United States
• Design In Chicago - 159 N Sangamon St Suite 200, Chicago, IL 60607, United States
• Clique Studios - 20 N Wacker Dr, Ste 1075, Chicago, IL 60606
• Alpha Efficiency - Web Design Chicago Agency - 875 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, United States
• Liska & Associates Inc - 610 N Fairbanks Ct, Chicago, IL 60611, United States
• STL Architects - 808 N Dearborn St, Chicago, IL 60610, United States

If the brief is “make the work look exceptional, showcase awards/wins, and still feel like a serious architecture firm”, I’d shortlist these Chicago firms:

1. Orbit Media Studios — best overall fit.

They explicitly specialize in architecture websites and have experience with architecture/engineering/construction firms. Their approach combines portfolio presentation, case studies, UX, development, SEO, and lead generation. They’re in Chicago at 4043 N Ravenswood. Orbit Media Studios

2. ArtVersion® Creative Agency — best for a premium/editorial brand.

They’re downtown at 211 W Wacker and have a particularly relevant architecture example: they redesigned Legat Architects' brand and website, including portfolio presentation and storytelling; that project won multiple web-design awards. ArtVersion

3. Span Studio — best if you want something more experimental.

Span designed and developed the site for Chicago architecture firm Studio GC, using things like image interactions and audio to make the portfolio feel more like an experience than a conventional corporate site. Span

4. Portico — best architecture-specific option.

Their entire offering is geared toward architecture websites: bespoke visual design, sophisticated project pages, filtering, awards/data, team profiles, and systems that make adding future projects easier. Portico Web Design

5. Clique Studios — best for a larger, more strategic digital engagement.

They’re right downtown at 20 N Wacker and cover research, information architecture, UX/UI, content strategy, accessibility, design and development. I'd consider them if the site needs to serve multiple audiences or integrate with a larger marketing/digital strategy.

My pick

I'd interview Orbit, ArtVersion, and Portico first.

• Orbit if winning new work and measurable business results matter alongside the portfolio.
• ArtVersion if you want the site to feel like a high-end extension of the firm's design identity.
• Portico if the portfolio itself is the star and you expect dozens/hundreds of projects to be managed over time.

For your pitch/RFP, I'd specifically ask each one to show 3 architecture or similarly visual professional-services sites they've actually designed and built, then have them propose how they'd structure Projects → project story → awards/publications → capabilities → people → contact. That will separate a genuinely good architecture-web specialist from a generic Chicago web agency.

• Orbit Media Studios - 4043 N Ravenswood Ave #316, Chicago, IL 60613, United States
• Design In Chicago - 159 N Sangamon St Suite 200, Chicago, IL 60607, United States
• Solid Digital - 100 N LaSalle St #1400, Chicago, IL 60602, United States
• Brand Vision Marketing - Web Design & Branding - 30 N Michigan Ave #504, Chicago, IL 60602, United States
• Chris Depa Web Design + Branding - 1528 Robinhood Ln, La Grange Park, IL 60526, United States
• Bldg Projects Architecture Design Firm - 4468 N Elston Ave, Chicago, IL 60630, United States
• YourPortal - 2211 N Elston Ave Ste 208, Chicago, IL 60614, United States
• Flamingo Agency - 3752 N Southport Ave, Chicago, IL 60613, United States
• Pavlovcik Architecture Inc. - 213 W Institute Pl #401, Chicago, IL 60610, United States
• EDUCO Web Design - 128 Chicago Ave, Oak Park, IL 60302, United States
• SEOLEVELUP Website Design SEO Company Chicago - 355 N Laflin St Ste 101C, Chicago, IL 60607, United States
• Wheeler Kearns Architects - 343 S Dearborn St Ste 200, Chicago, IL 60604, United States
• Windy City Web Solutions - 801 S Wells St, Chicago, IL 60607, United States

If the goal is a high-end architecture portfolio rather than a generic corporate website, I’d shortlist these Chicago-area teams:

• Orbit Media Studios — Best overall fit. They specifically market website strategy, design, and development to architecture firms and understand how to turn award-winning projects into a persuasive digital portfolio. Their architecture practice includes custom project pages, content strategy, and ongoing development. Orbit Media Studios

orbitmedia.com

• Portico — Best if the portfolio itself is the centerpiece. Their specialty is web design for architecture, with project-first navigation, sophisticated storytelling, filtering, team profiles, awards/data layouts, and a system for adding projects over time. Portico Web Design

porticoweb.com

• TERAMOK — Best for a more cinematic, editorial presentation. They work specifically with architecture/design firms and combine website/portfolio infrastructure with architectural photography, film, brand systems, and award-submission content. Their published engagements start around $15K. Teramok Teramok

teramok.us

• Design In Chicago — Worth considering if you want branding + website + photography/video under one Chicago team. They handle strategy, UX/UI, WordPress development, branding, and visual production.
• Solid Digital — A stronger choice if your firm also needs the site to function as a business-development engine, not just a beautiful portfolio. They're downtown and specialize in structured B2B website strategy, UX, design, and development. Solid Digital

My pick

I'd interview Orbit, Portico, and TERAMOK first.

For an architecture firm with substantial projects and wins, I'd specifically ask each to propose a site where:

1. Projects dominate the experience — large imagery, drawings, plans, before/after, project facts and narrative.
2. Awards are integrated into projects, rather than buried on a separate “Awards” page.
3. The CMS makes it painless for your team to add a new project or award.
4. The site feels like an architecture publication, not a marketing-template website.
5. Desktop and mobile imagery are art-directed rather than simply resized.
6. The firm can easily search/filter by sector, location, project type, year, and recognition.
7. They can demonstrate 3–5 live architecture/design sites they've actually built, not just screenshots.

If you tell me roughly your firm size, project types (commercial/residential/institutional/etc.), and budget range, I can narrow this to the best 2–3 firms and compare likely cost, style, strengths, and what I'd ask them in the pitch.

For a downtown Chicago architecture firm, I’d prioritize a team that understands design storytelling, not just “business websites.” Your site is essentially a digital monograph: projects, awards, process, people, and credibility should be the product.

Here are several Chicago-area options worth interviewing:

Best fits for architecture/design-led portfolios

Span — Strong fit if you want a highly art-directed, editorial portfolio experience. They designed and developed a portfolio site for Chicago architecture firm Studio GC, focusing on project presentation and a distinctive brand experience. span.studio

Portico — Specifically focused on architecture websites. Their approach emphasizes portfolio storytelling, flexible project pages, team profiles, awards, and CMS systems that firms can update as new work wins recognition. porticoweb.com

Orbit Media Studios — A more strategic choice if you want the site to generate leads in addition to looking excellent. They position themselves around architecture and AEC websites, including portfolio systems, content strategy, SEO, and conversion. www.orbitmedia.com

ArtVersion — Worth considering if you need a broader refresh: brand identity, website, awards presentation, and marketing collateral. They have worked with Chicago architecture firm Legat Architects on branding and web design. artversion.com

Good if you want marketing + content, not just a website

TERAMOK — Best if your challenge is not only the site but also how projects are photographed, filmed, positioned, and turned into award submissions and business development assets. They specialize in architecture/design firms and built-environment marketing. www.teramok.us

More practical/full-service web builds

CyberOptik — Offers architecture-focused website design with emphasis on project galleries, responsive design, and showcasing high-quality architectural photography. www.cyberoptik.net

For an architecture firm with award-winning work, I’d probably shortlist:

1. Span — if the priority is a premium, design-journal-level portfolio
2. Portico — if you need a long-term architecture portfolio system your staff can maintain
3. TERAMOK — if you need stronger photography/storytelling/award positioning alongside the site
4. Orbit — if business development and inbound leads matter as much as aesthetics

When interviewing, I’d ask each:

• “Show us 3 architecture firm sites you built, not generic corporate sites.”
• “How do you structure project case studies?”
• “How will we add future awards and completed projects?”
• “Who handles photography, copy, SEO, and CMS training?”
• “Will our team be able to update the site without calling you?”

A realistic budget range for a serious architecture portfolio site in Chicago is often roughly $15k–$75k+, depending on custom design, CMS complexity, copywriting, photography/video, and branding work. www.teramok.us

I can also put together a shortlist of 5 firms ranked by fit for a high-end Chicago architecture practice (boutique vs. large commercial vs. residential).

For an architecture firm that wants the site to feel designed, editorial, and award-worthy—not like a generic business website, I’d shortlist these Chicago teams:

1. ArtVersion® Creative Agency — best overall fit for a premium brand
   • Downtown at 211 W Wacker.
   • Does brand strategy, visual identity, UX/UI, web design and development in-house, so you can rethink the firm's digital identity and site together. andiamocreative.com
   • I'd put them high on the list if your "wins" include awards, press, major commissions and thought leadership that need to feel like part of the firm's brand story.

2. Clique Studios — best for a sophisticated, custom digital experience
   • Downtown at 20 N Wacker.
   • Combines strategy, content architecture, UX, design and engineering. That's useful if you have a large project archive and want sophisticated filtering, search, case studies and an easy-to-maintain CMS.
   • More of a digital-experience partner than a conventional web-design shop.

3. Portico — strongest architecture-specific specialist
   • This is probably the most directly relevant specialist I'd interview. Portico focuses specifically on architecture and design firms and has built portfolio systems around project storytelling, filtering, team profiles, awards and project metadata. porticoweb.com
   • Particularly compelling if you want dozens/hundreds of projects to remain beautiful without making the CMS painful.

4. Brand Vision Marketing - Web Design & Branding — good downtown option for a more pragmatic build
   • At 30 N Michigan.
   • Stronger choice if you want the site to balance portfolio presentation with lead generation, SEO and ongoing marketing, rather than treating it primarily as a digital portfolio.

5. Orbit Media Studios — best if winning new business/SEO matters as much as aesthetics
   • Orbit explicitly specializes in architecture/engineering/construction websites and talks about custom portfolio systems, case studies, SEO, conversion strategy and CMS architecture. www.orbitmedia.com
   • I'd consider them if your site needs to turn the firm's work into a serious business-development engine, not merely look beautiful.

My pick

For your particular description—"architecture firm downtown," "showcases projects and wins"—I'd interview Portico, ArtVersion, and Clique.

I'd frame the RFP around one key question:

Can you make a 50–100-project portfolio feel like an architecture publication while making awards, press, people and project data easy for our team to maintain?

That's more revealing than asking agencies simply to "design a beautiful website." Portico is especially interesting because its architecture-specific CMS approach is designed around exactly that problem. porticoweb.com

If you tell me roughly how many people are in the firm, your project count, and whether you're looking for a $20k, $50k, or $100k+ site, I can narrow this to 3 firms and compare likely fit, strengths, weaknesses, and what I'd ask each in the pitch.

If the goal is a sophisticated architecture portfolio that sells the firm—not just a generic corporate website—I’d shortlist these Chicago teams:

1. Orbit Media Studios — best overall fit
   • They specifically have an architecture/engineering/construction web practice, including custom portfolio and case-study systems. www.orbitmedia.com
   • Strong choice if you want beautiful project presentation plus SEO, lead generation, and a CMS your staff can maintain.
   • They're in Ravenswood rather than downtown, but are probably my first call based on the architecture-specific experience.

2. Span — best if design pedigree is the priority
   • Span has actually designed websites for Chicago architecture firms, including Studio GC and Ross Barney Architects. Their Ross Barney work was particularly focused on telling richer stories around projects and the firm's process. span.studio
   • I'd seriously consider them if your firm wants the site itself to feel like a piece of design work rather than a marketing website.

3. ArtVersion® Creative Agency — best for architecture + branding
   • They did the branding and website for Legat Architects, including a portfolio-focused redesign that won multiple web/design awards. artversion.com
   • Particularly attractive if your current identity also needs refinement.

4. Portico — best architecture-specific boutique option
   • Their entire proposition is web design for architecture, with bespoke project storytelling, filtering, team profiles, awards/data, and a system for adding projects without rebuilding pages. porticoweb.com
   • I'd put them high on the list if the portfolio itself is the centerpiece.

5. Clique Studios — best for a larger, sophisticated digital build
   • Downtown at 20 N. Wacker, with strategy, UX, content, design, accessibility and development capabilities.
   • More of a digital agency than an architecture specialist, but potentially excellent if you're envisioning something ambitious.

My recommendation

I'd get three proposals: Span, Orbit, and Portico.

They're differentiated enough that you'll quickly discover what direction fits your firm:

For an architecture firm with award-winning work, I'd make the RFP explicitly ask for: immersive project case studies, award/win presentation, sophisticated filtering, large-format photography/renderings, architects/team profiles, press/news, mobile performance, CMS usability, and SEO. The site should make a prospective client understand why your firm is exceptional within about 30 seconds—not merely browse a gallery.

If you tell me your firm's size, approximate budget (e.g. $25k / $50k / $100k+), and whether you want a minimalist Swiss-style site or something more cinematic/editorial, I can narrow this to the 2–3 firms I'd actually interview.

If the goal is a high-end architecture portfolio—not a generic corporate website—I’d shortlist agencies that already understand design-led firms and can make the projects the hero.

My Chicago shortlist

1. Clique Studios — best overall
   • Downtown at 20 N Wacker.
   • Strong combination of strategy, UX, content architecture, design and development.
   • Particularly compelling if you have a substantial project archive and need sophisticated filtering, case studies, awards, and a CMS your team can actually maintain. clutch.cowww.orbitmedia.com
   • I'd interview them first for a serious, polished firm site.

2. ArtVersion® Creative Agency — best for a design-forward presentation
   • Downtown on Wacker.
   • Their work spans brand strategy, UI/UX, web design and full web development, and they have experience with design-oriented organizations. www.studio-krista.comwww.orbitmedia.com
   • Good choice if the site needs to feel almost like an online architecture publication rather than a marketing template.

3. Design In Chicago — best integrated creative partner
   • West Loop.
   • Handles branding, web design/development, graphic design and even photo/video under one roof. designinchicago.com
   • I'd consider them if your existing identity needs a refresh along with the website.

4. Orbit Media Studios — strongest architecture-specific web expertise
   • This one is especially worth putting on the RFP list. Orbit explicitly has an architecture web-design practice, with experience building portfolio/case-study systems for architecture, engineering and construction firms. designinchicago.comwww.orbitmedia.com
   • Their emphasis on filterable portfolios, custom CMS architecture, SEO and ongoing optimization makes them a particularly good fit if the website also needs to generate new business—not just win design awards.

5. Zoyes Creative — best if real estate/development is part of your positioning
   • Zoyes specifically works with architects, developers and placemakers, combining brand strategy, brand design and digital. zoyeswebsites.com
   • I'd look closely at them if your firm wants the website to sell the places and ideas behind projects, rather than simply catalog completed buildings.

What I'd ask each of them to propose

Don't just ask for "a website redesign." Give them a brief built around:

• Project-first homepage with exceptional photography and restrained motion
• Rich project case studies: concept → process → completion → awards
• Search/filter by sector, location, scale, status and award
• Dedicated Awards & Recognition section
• Strong People / Studio presentation
• Easy-to-update CMS for new projects and wins
• Excellent mobile presentation of drawings, photography and video
• Fast performance despite large architectural imagery
• SEO for searches around your firm's sectors and geography
• A system that lets you add a new project without calling the agency

I'd also ask each candidate to show you 2–3 architecture/design clients they've actually launched, not merely their prettiest general-purpose work.

If I were narrowing it to three: Orbit for architecture expertise, Clique for sophisticated digital strategy/build, and ArtVersion for a highly visual design-led experience. That gives you three genuinely different approaches to compare. www.orbitmedia.com

If you tell me roughly your firm's size, budget (e.g. $25k / $50k / $100k+), and whether you want to refresh the brand too, I can narrow this to 2–3 and compare their portfolios, likely fit, and pricing.

If the goal is a genuinely strong architecture portfolio site—not a generic corporate website—I’d shortlist these Chicago teams:

1. ArtVersion® Creative Agency — strongest fit if awards/brand positioning matter.

They’ve actually redesigned an architecture firm: their Legat Architects project combined branding and web design, and the resulting site won multiple web/design awards. artversion.com

2. Clique Studios — best for a sophisticated, larger-scale digital experience.

They combine strategy, UX, design, development and content work, so they're a good choice if you want the site to become a serious business-development tool rather than simply an online portfolio.

3. Solid Digital — good all-around option for design + development.

Particularly worth considering if you need a polished site with a robust CMS, SEO, and a team capable of handling the technical side without sacrificing design.

4. Brand Vision Marketing — worth a conversation if you're actually downtown.

They're in the Loop and combine web design, branding and digital marketing, which could make sense if the firm's visual identity needs updating alongside the site.

5. Orbit Media Studios — probably the most directly relevant specialist.

Orbit explicitly specializes in websites for architecture/AEC firms and has experience with architecture portfolios, project case studies, filtering, CMS strategy and SEO. They're at 4043 N Ravenswood. www.orbitmedia.com

One I'd put on the RFP list

Span is particularly interesting if your firm is design-led and wants something more editorial/experimental. They designed and developed the Chicago architecture firm Studio GC's site, using large imagery, animation and even project audio to express the firm's personality. span.studio

I'd also look closely at Portico: its entire offering is built around architecture websites, with bespoke project pages, project filtering, team profiles, awards/data and a system for adding projects without redesigning pages each time. porticoweb.com

My three calls would be: ArtVersion + Orbit + Span/Portico. That gives you three substantially different approaches: brand/awards, AEC-focused strategy/performance, and design-forward portfolio storytelling.

For your RFP, I'd specifically ask each one to show 3–5 architecture sites they personally designed and built, demonstrate how your staff will add a new project, and explain how they'll make awards/wins, press, project photography, team bios and credentials feel like part of the firm's story rather than separate database pages.

If the goal is a high-end architecture portfolio that makes the work—and the awards—feel editorial rather than like a generic agency website, I’d shortlist these:

1. Portico — my first call.

They specialize specifically in architecture and design firms. Their approach is unusually well matched to your brief: bespoke visual design, sophisticated project storytelling, project filtering, team profiles, awards/data, and a CMS for continually adding work. porticoweb.com

2. Orbit Media Studios — best if winning work and generating business matter.

They're Chicago-based and explicitly specialize in architecture/engineering/construction websites. They combine custom design with content strategy, SEO, conversion optimization, and development, including filterable portfolios and case studies. Their Chicago office is at 4043 N Ravenswood. www.orbitmedia.com

3. After Focus — best architecture-only digital partner.

They focus exclusively on architecture studios and position their sites around communicating philosophy, process, and built work while generating qualified inquiries. Good option if you want someone who really understands how architecture firms sell themselves. www.after-focus.com

4. Radish Lab — worth considering for a more ambitious digital experience.

They have a particularly relevant architecture case study: redesigning HLW's global site around information architecture, search/filtering, sector pages, and a CMS that made a very large portfolio easier to navigate. www.radishlab.com

5. ArtVersion — downtown Chicago option if brand + website are both priorities.

They're a Chicago creative agency doing brand strategy, UI/UX, web design, and development, with an office at 205 N Michigan Ave. I'd put them behind the architecture specialists above, but they're worth an RFP if you want to rethink the firm's identity along with the site.

How I'd choose

For an architecture firm with strong projects + awards, I'd prioritize:

Portico → After Focus → Orbit

I'd specifically ask each for a proposal around:

• 8–15 flagship projects presented as immersive case studies
• A searchable/filterable project archive
• A prominent but elegant awards + press system
• Team/principal profiles connected to projects
• Easy internal CMS so your staff can add projects without a developer
• Excellent image/video performance without compromising visual quality
• A distinct mobile experience—not just a shrunken desktop site
• SEO for project/sector/location searches
• Analytics and inquiry tracking
• A design system that can eventually extend into proposals, award submissions and social

One important distinction: don't hire a general Chicago web shop just because they make attractive sites. Architecture portfolios have unusual information-architecture problems—projects, typologies, locations, collaborators, awards, publications, status, dates, photography, drawings, etc. Portico's architecture-specific CMS/project structure is particularly compelling for that reason. porticoweb.com

If you tell me roughly how many people are in the firm, your project types (commercial/residential/civic/etc.), and whether you want a $15–30k, $30–60k, or $60k+ site, I can narrow this to the best 2–3 firms and compare likely scope, aesthetic fit, and pricing level.

For an architecture firm, I’d prioritize a studio that understands portfolio storytelling and architecture-specific UX, rather than a generic Chicago web shop. Based on what I found, these are the strongest calls:

1. ArtVersion® Creative Agency — best downtown all-around choice
   • Based at 211 W Wacker.
   • Does strategy, branding, UX, web design and in-house development, so you can keep the whole project under one roof.
   • Particularly attractive if the site needs to feel like an extension of your firm's identity, not just a project database. www.soliddigital.com
   • ArtVersion website

2. Clique Studios — best for a sophisticated, scalable site
   • Downtown at 20 N Wacker.
   • Their offering covers content strategy, information architecture, UX/UI, accessibility, design and engineering. That's a strong combination for a large project portfolio with lots of case-study content.
   • I'd especially consider them if you want the site to generate business rather than simply win design awards. www.soliddigital.com
   • Clique Studios website

3. Orbit Media Studios — best architecture-specific expertise
   • Chicago-based and explicitly specializes in websites for architects and AEC firms.
   • Their architecture offering includes custom portfolio/case-study systems, content strategy, SEO/CRO and CMS development. They specifically emphasize filterable project portfolios and visually engaging case studies. www.orbitmedia.com
   • This would be my first call if your primary goal is "make our work look exceptional while bringing us better clients."

4. Portico Web Design — best specialist for design-led practices
   • They're unusually focused on architecture websites, with 15+ years specializing in organizing architecture portfolios and thinking through information architecture.
   • Their philosophy—how projects are grouped, how stories unfold, and how visitors move from first impression into deeper project understanding—is exactly what I'd want for an architecture firm's site. porticoweb.com
   • Worth talking to even though I'd verify their current Chicago project team/location before making the shortlist.

5. After Focus — best niche alternative
   • Focuses exclusively on architecture studios, including web design, marketing and digital systems.
   • Their positioning is particularly relevant if you want to turn your awards, process, philosophy and built work into a coherent business-development story. www.after-focus.com

Who I'd interview

I'd send the same brief to Orbit, ArtVersion, and Portico/After Focus and make them compete on the actual thinking—not just screenshots.

For your firm, I'd ask each to propose:

• A project-first portfolio with excellent photography, drawings and video
• Individual case studies that tell the design problem → process → result story
• An Awards & Press section that's easy to keep current
• Filters by sector, location, project type, etc.
• A CMS your marketing team can actually maintain
• A strong mobile experience
• Fast image/video performance
• Search/SEO architecture so individual projects can bring in prospective clients
• A clear "Why us / capabilities / contact" path without making the site feel salesy
• Analytics showing which projects and sectors are generating interest

My pick: Orbit if business development matters most; ArtVersion if you want a broader brand + digital transformation; Portico/After Focus if the priority is making the firm's architecture itself the star.

If you tell me roughly how many projects you have, your firm size, and whether you want a $25k, $50k, or $100k+ site, I can narrow this to 3 and give you a realistic Chicago budget/timeline for each.

For an architecture firm, I’d prioritize architecture/portfolio experience over generic “web design.” You want someone who understands how to make projects, awards, photography, collaborators, sectors, and firm philosophy feel like one editorial experience.

My Chicago shortlist

1. Portico Web Design — best specialist fit
   • They specialize specifically in websites for architecture firms and design-led practices.
   • Their approach emphasizes portfolio organization, information architecture, project storytelling, and making the site feel composed rather than like a generic corporate template. porticoweb.comwww.orbitmedia.com
   • I'd call them first if the primary goal is a beautiful, architecture-native portfolio.

2. Orbit Media Studios — best for portfolio + business development
   • Chicago-based and explicitly experienced with architecture, engineering, and construction firms.
   • They handle strategy, custom design/development, SEO, and conversion optimization, so they're stronger if the new site also needs to generate inquiries rather than simply look impressive. www.orbitmedia.com
   • Good choice if your partners care about awards + projects + winning more work.

3. ArtVersion® Creative Agency — best established downtown agency option
   • Located in the Loop and offers branding, UX, web design and development under one roof.
   • Clutch specifically cites an architecture-company website redesign/development project for ArtVersion, including WordPress and video implementation. clutch.co
   • I'd consider them if the website is part of a broader brand refresh.

4. One Design Company — best boutique brand/digital option
   • River North studio combining brand strategy, information architecture, web design, copywriting and development.
   • Particularly interesting if your current problem isn't just the website but how the firm presents its point of view and differentiates itself.

5. Solid Digital — best for a larger, structured engagement
   • Downtown Chicago team covering UX, visual design, design systems, branding and development.
   • More of an integrated digital agency than an architecture specialist, but potentially a good fit for a larger firm with sophisticated internal stakeholders and a substantial CMS.

Who I'd interview

I'd narrow it to Portico, Orbit, and ArtVersion.

One particularly useful benchmark: don't just ask agencies to show you screenshots. Ask them to show you 3 live architecture sites they've built, then have your team spend 10 minutes navigating each on a phone. Look at how quickly you can get from firm → project → project story → award/recognition → contact. That will tell you much more than a polished agency presentation.

For your specific brief—projects + wins for an architecture firm—I'd lean Portico if aesthetics and reputation are paramount, Orbit if business development is equally important. porticoweb.comwww.orbitmedia.com

If the goal is a high-end architecture portfolio site that makes your projects and awards feel exceptional, I’d shortlist these Chicago options:

1. Wheeler Kearns Architects — interesting if you want an architecture-native perspective. They’re in the Loop and have a substantial award-winning portfolio themselves, so they understand how architecture firms want work presented. www.pbcchicago.com

2. ArtVersion® Creative Agency — probably the strongest downtown option if you want a brand + digital experience, rather than just a conventional architecture website. They do UX, branding, web design and development from their Wacker Drive office.

3. Brand Vision Marketing — another downtown/Loop choice, particularly if you want the site to combine portfolio presentation with lead generation and a broader brand refresh.

4. Orbit Media Studios — my strongest recommendation if performance and business development matter alongside visual polish. They're Chicago-based, explicitly specialize in architecture/AE firms, and offer strategy, custom design/development, SEO and conversion optimization. www.orbitmedia.com

5. Portico — worth talking to if the portfolio itself is the centerpiece. Their architecture-specific system is designed around flexible project storytelling, filtering, project metadata, team profiles and award/data presentation. porticoweb.com

6. TERAMOK — particularly compelling if your wins need more than a website: they work specifically with architecture/design firms and can combine the site with project photography, film, portfolio and award-submission materials. Their Chicago studio is in-house and their engagements start at $15K. www.teramok.us

Who I'd interview

I'd send the brief to Orbit, Portico, and ArtVersion first. They represent three different approaches:

• Orbit: sophisticated site + measurable lead generation
• Portico: architecture-first portfolio storytelling
• ArtVersion: premium branding + digital experience

If your firm is award-driven and design-led, I'd lean Portico or ArtVersion. If the site needs to win actual commissions and generate inquiries, I'd lean Orbit.

One thing I'd insist on in the RFP: don't let them build a generic "architecture firm" grid of project thumbnails. The site should make awards, project narratives, photography, collaborators, press, and your firm's point of view feel like one coherent editorial experience.

If you tell me roughly your firm size, project types, and budget (e.g. $15–30K vs. $30–75K+), I can narrow this to 3 and compare their portfolios, pricing signals, and fit.

Yes. For an architecture-firm portfolio site, I’d prioritize a studio that understands how to structure project narratives, awards, team credentials, and large image libraries—not just a generic corporate web designer.

My Chicago shortlist

1. Portico — strongest architecture-specific fit

Portico specializes in websites for architecture and design practices. Its approach is particularly relevant to you: project pages can range from simple visual overviews to detailed narratives, with reusable project metadata, filtering, team profiles, awards, diagrams, and other architectural content. porticoweb.com
I'd interview them first if the site needs to feel like an extension of your firm's design sensibility rather than a marketing template.
Portico

2. Orbit Media Studios — strongest for portfolio + business development

Chicago-based Orbit has an explicit architecture/AECO web-design practice and handles strategy, UX, design, development, accessibility, SEO, and ongoing optimization in-house. www.orbitmedia.com
This is my pick if the site needs not only to win design credibility but also generate inquiries and recruit talent.
Orbit Media Studios

3. After Focus — architecture-only digital partner

After Focus says it works exclusively with architecture studios, with an emphasis on presenting process and built work while generating qualified inquiries. It also offers brand/marketing support beyond the website. www.after-focus.com
Worth a serious conversation if you want the website and your broader digital positioning to be developed together.
After Focus

4. TOKY — look closely if you want a sophisticated editorial presentation

TOKY has a relevant Chicago architecture case study with Wight & Company. The resulting site uses separate portfolio pathways, project storytelling, people profiles, sketches/blueprints/renderings and video to communicate the firm's design-and-delivery proposition. toky.com
TOKY

5. ArtVersion — good downtown option for design + brand + web

ArtVersion® Creative Agency is at 211 W Wacker and combines branding, web design/development and UX. It's worth considering if the project involves a broader identity refresh rather than just a new website.

6. Design In Chicago — West Loop full-service alternative

Design In Chicago combines branding, web design/development, photography/video and digital marketing, so it could make sense if you need help producing the visual content as well as building the site.

Who I'd put in the first three calls

Portico → Orbit → After Focus.

I'd give all three the same brief and ask them to show 3–5 architecture-firm sites they've actually designed and built, then evaluate:

• How compelling are the project detail pages?
• Can you filter projects by market, typology, location, year, and awards?
• Can staff add a project themselves without calling the developer?
• How are AIA/industry awards and press surfaced?
• Does the CMS handle hundreds of high-resolution images gracefully?
• How much animation is genuinely useful versus decorative?
• Who owns the design files, code, CMS, hosting and analytics?
• What happens when you need to redesign the site in 3–5 years?

For an architecture firm, I'd specifically avoid a site where the homepage is basically “big hero image + Projects grid + About + Contact.” Your competitive advantage is the thinking behind the projects, the firm's point of view, and the recognition you've earned. The site should make those things discoverable without sacrificing the visual impact of the work.

If you tell me roughly firm size, project types, and budget (e.g. $15–30k, $30–60k, $60k+), I can narrow this to the 2–3 firms I'd actually hire and compare their relevant work/pricing signals.

For a downtown Chicago architecture firm, I’d prioritize a team that understands design storytelling, not just “business websites.” Your site should feel closer to an architectural monograph: strong project photography, award recognition, clear practice narrative, and an easy way for prospective clients to evaluate your work.

A few Chicago-area firms worth interviewing:

Best fits for an architecture portfolio site

Span — strong choice if you want a highly designed, editorial experience. They’ve done architecture-firm work, including a portfolio site for Studio GC that emphasized project storytelling and the firm’s personality. span.studio
Good for: award-winning design feel, custom interactions, a “design firm for designers” approach.

Orbit Media Studios — a more strategic option if you want the site to generate leads as well as showcase work. They specifically market architecture and AEC website experience, including portfolio structure, content strategy, and SEO. www.orbitmedia.com
Good for: firms that want more RFPs, inquiries, and measurable growth.

TERAMOK — worth considering if your “portfolio site” also needs better project photography, films, award submissions, and brand positioning. They focus specifically on architecture/design firms. www.teramok.us
Good for: luxury, institutional, or design-led firms where visuals are the sales tool.

Portico — specializes in architecture websites with project-first portfolio systems, team pages, awards, and reusable project templates. porticoweb.com
Good for: firms with many projects that need a clean CMS and long-term maintainability.

ArtVersion — has architecture-industry examples, including a website/brand refresh for Legat Architects focused on communicating their portfolio and identity. artversion.com
Good for: firms needing both brand refinement and a website overhaul.

More practical/full-service options

• CyberOptik — architecture-focused web design with emphasis on portfolio presentation and responsive builds. www.cyberoptik.net
• Design In Chicago — combines web design, branding, and visual production capabilities.
• Andiamo Creative — has architecture-firm branding and website case work. andiamocreative.com

For an established downtown architecture practice, I’d probably shortlist:

1. Span — if the goal is a prestige portfolio piece
2. Orbit Media — if the goal is winning more clients
3. TERAMOK — if your projects need stronger visual storytelling
4. Portico — if you need a sophisticated portfolio system your staff can update

When interviewing them, ask to see:

• 3–5 architecture websites they personally designed (not just built)
• examples of project pages with 20–50 images
• how they handle awards, publications, press, and AIA recognition
• who owns the CMS and design files after launch
• their plan for migrating your existing project archive

A typical custom architecture-firm site in Chicago can range widely, but a serious portfolio-driven build is often a five-figure project rather than a simple marketing-site budget.

If the goal is a sophisticated architecture portfolio that makes the firm’s projects and awards feel like the product, I’d shortlist these Chicago teams:

1. One Design Company — my first call
   • River North, close to downtown.
   • Strong combination of strategy, brand, UX, web design and custom development.
   • Particularly good if you want the site to feel bespoke rather than like an architecture-industry template.
   • One Design Company

2. ArtVersion® Creative Agency — best for a polished, established-firm presentation
   • Downtown on Wacker.
   • Branding, UX/UI, web design and development under one roof, with a long Chicago track record. artversion.com
   • ArtVersion

3. Orbit Media Studios — best if the site also needs to generate business
   • Chicago-based and explicitly specializes in architecture websites.
   • Their approach combines portfolio presentation with content strategy, SEO, conversion optimization and a CMS your team can maintain. www.orbitmedia.com
   • Orbit Media's architecture practice

4. TERAMOK — best if photography/film is part of the ambition
   • Chicago-based and focused specifically on the built environment.
   • They combine architecture websites with studio identity, architectural films and award-submission video, so they could create the visual assets as well as the site. Their published website + identity work starts at $18K. www.teramok.us
   • TERAMOK

5. Clique Studios — best for a larger, more complex site
   • Downtown at 20 N Wacker.
   • More enterprise-oriented, with UX research, content strategy, information architecture, accessibility and substantial development capabilities.
   • Clique Studios

What I'd do

For an architecture firm with award-winning projects, I'd interview One Design, Orbit, and TERAMOK. They represent three different approaches:

• One Design: design-led, bespoke digital experience
• Orbit: portfolio + lead generation + SEO
• TERAMOK: portfolio + brand + exceptional visual storytelling

A particularly strong brief would ask for project-first navigation, large editorial imagery, award/win filtering, rich individual project pages, an easily managed CMS, and a visual system that makes 8–12 flagship projects feel almost like an exhibition.

If you tell me roughly your firm size and budget ($10–25K, $25–50K, $50K+), I can narrow this to the 2–3 firms I'd actually put on the RFP.

For an architecture firm, I’d prioritize a studio that understands visual storytelling, case-study structure, award credibility, and the difference between a marketing site and a digital portfolio. In Chicago, these are the firms I’d put on a shortlist:

Best fits for a design-led architecture portfolio

1. Span Studio — best if you want a premium architecture-industry feel
Span has direct experience designing sites for architecture firms, including Studio GC and Ross Barney Architects. Their work emphasizes project storytelling, rich imagery, and expressing the personality of a practice rather than just listing projects. span.studio
Good for: award-winning firms, custom design, “we want the website to feel like our architecture.”

2. Orbit Media Studios — best if you also want business development results
Orbit specifically markets architecture and AEC website expertise, including portfolio systems, case studies, SEO, and lead generation. www.orbitmedia.com
Good for: firms that want the site to win projects, not just display work.

3. ArtVersion — best for a brand refresh + website together
ArtVersion has worked with architecture clients such as Legat Architects on brand and website work, including portfolio presentation and positioning. artversion.com
Good for: firms whose identity, messaging, and website all need modernization.

4. Portico — best if project management of a large portfolio matters
Portico focuses specifically on architecture websites, with portfolio systems, project templates, team profiles, and repeatable content structures. porticoweb.com
Good for: firms with dozens or hundreds of projects that need an easy-to-maintain CMS.

5. CyberOptik — practical architecture-focused option
CyberOptik highlights architecture websites, portfolio pages, responsive design, and visual presentation as a specialty. www.cyberoptik.net
Good for: a polished redesign without going fully boutique/custom.

My shortlist depending on your firm’s goals

• High-end design reputation / awards: Span Studio
• Winning more RFPs and inquiries: Orbit Media Studios
• Complete repositioning of the firm: ArtVersion
• Large portfolio + easy internal updates: Portico
• More straightforward redesign: CyberOptik

When interviewing them, I’d ask for:

1. 3 architecture or engineering websites they personally designed (not just built)
2. How they structure project pages for awards, press, and SEO
3. Who writes/edit the project narratives
4. How your team will add new projects after launch
5. Whether they can optimize photography, drawings, video, and renderings without slowing the site

If you tell me your firm size (e.g., 5 people vs. 100+), project types (commercial, residential, institutional, interiors), and whether this is a new site or redesign, I can narrow this to 2–3 likely best fits.