The studio
The work of Johnsen Schmaling Architects represents a unique synthesis of conceptual rigor, technical know-how, and an unsurpassed attention to detail. Specializing in high-end residential and commercial design, Johnsen Schmaling Architects offers a full range of architectural and design services, from master planning and schematic design to construction administration, furniture design and graphics. A thorough understanding of site and program for each individual project, combined with a passionate interest in materiality and building technology, lead to innovative and environmentally sustainable design solutions with uncompromising artistic integrity.
The two founding principals, Brian Johnsen and Sebastian Schmaling, have been widely recognized as distinctive emerging voices in contemporary American architecture. In 2008, Johnsen Schmaling Architects received the Emerging Voices award from the Architectural League of New York, and Architectural Record featured the office in in its prestigious Design Vanguard issue as “one of ten exceptional global architecture firms to watch.” Residential Architect, published by the American Institute of Architect, selected Johnsen Schmaling for the 2012 Top Firm Award, praising the “stoic brilliance” permeating its work.
Recognition
- —2026 Housing Design Award, National AIA — spoonbill ranch
- —2026 Honor Award, AIA Wisconsin — tennis pavilion
- —2026 Honor Award, AIA Wisconsin — apw house
- —2025 Top 200 Residential Architects, Forbes
- —2025 Honor Award, AIA Wisconsin — spoonbill ranch
- —2025 Honor Award, AIA Wisconsin — clt house
- —2025 Gold Award, Home + Design Awards — clt house
- —2025 American Architecture Award, Chicago Athenaeum — curtain house
- —2024 Honor Award, AIA Wisconsin — adventure rock
- —2024 Special Recognition, AIA Wisconsin — forest retreat
- —2024 Gold Award, Home+Design Awards — spring harbor house
- —2023 Housing Design Award, National AIA — flex house
- —2023 Design Award, RD Architecture — curtain house
- —2023 Gold Award, Home + Design Awards — curtain house
- —2023 Honor Award, AIA Wisconsin — egg harbor lodge II
- —2023 Design Award, Metal Architecture — egg harbor lodge II
- —2023 Merit Award, AIA Wisconsin — 9th and broadway
- —2022 Honor Award, AIA Wisconsin — spring harbor house
- —2022 Record House, Architectural Record Magazine — flex house
- —2026 AIA Housing Award — Spoonbill Ranch
- —2026 Residential Design Architecture Award (RDAA) Citation in Accessory/Outbuildings category — Tennis Pavilion
- —2025 American Architecture Award by the Chicago Atheneum and the European Center for Architecture Art and Design — Curtain House
- —2025 Gold Award in Milwaukee Magazine’s Home + Design Awards — CLT House
- —2025 AIA Honor Award from the American Institute of Architects in Wisconsin — Spoonbill Ranch
- —2025 AIA Honor Award from the American Institute of Architects in Wisconsin — CLT House
- —2024 Gold Award in Milwaukee Magazine’s Home + Design Awards, Architecture Category — Spring Harbor House
- —2024 Honor Award from the American Institute of Architects in Wisconsin — Adventure Rock bouldering gym
- —2024 Special Recognition Award from the American Institute of Architects in Wisconsin — Forest Retreat in Door County
- —2023 Gold Award in Milwaukee Magazine’s Home + Design Awards, Architecture Category — Curtain House
- —2023 Honor Award from the American Institute of Architects in Wisconsin — Egg Harbor Lodge II
- —2023 Merit Award from the American Institute of Architects in Wisconsin — 9th & Broadway