Oppenheim

The studio

We believe that buildings and their environment should be deeply symbiotic, where projects “belong” to their site and form follows feeling. Guided by three philosophical pillars—spirit of place, silent monumentality, and the essential—we have spent decades creating landmark architecture that is highly sensitive and responsive to its context and climate.

Oppenheim Architecture is a global design practice engaging with diverse clients, cultures, and environments across six continents.

Established in 1999 by Chad Oppenheim, the practice has studios in Miami, Basel and Tirana with an inquisitive team of over seventy architects, interior designers, planners, dreamers, and technicians. Our Basel and Tirana offices are led by Swiss architect Beat Huesler, Chad’s long-time friend and associate from Co ell University. The studios operate as one, guided by poetically contextual design, hyperfunctionality, and building craft.

As architectural archeologists, our work is highly attuned to its site. We go beyond the bounds of conventional architectural production—studying people and cultures, technologies and materials, psychologies and experiences—to create buildings and spaces that connect people with the spirit of place.

As value creators and problem-solvers, we aim to challenge and inspire so that each site and project fulfills and exceeds its potential. Every brief holds hidden value, and our focus is to realize these greater cultural, experiential, and economic possibilities—to make one plus one equal eleven. By seeing architecture as part of a wider ecosystem, we amplify benefits not only for our clients and users, but also for the surrounding community and environment.

Oppenheim Architecture has received over 130 industry distinctions, with more than 65 from the AIA, including the AIA’s highest honor, the Silver Medal, as well as the National Design Award from Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum, the American Prize for Architecture from the Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design, and the Architizer A+ Award for Best Global Firm.