Architects understand the power of design better than anyone—but too often, their websites don’t reflect that. Many designers opt for a DIY website that totally undermines their real-world design chops.
Your site is more than a portfolio. It needs to balance beauty with function. An architecture website should be a tool that attracts clients, partners, and press while also impressing aesthetically.
So, here are five essential design elements that can take your firm’s website from functional to unforgettable—all without sacrificing usability.
1. Invest in professional photos and video
This is non-negotiable. You’re in a visual industry. So, show your work with high-quality media.
- Wide shots
- Vignettes
- Human-scaled moments for storytelling
- Video walk-throughs
- Short case studies to showcase form, flow, and use
Use consistent lighting, angles, and edits to create a cohesive portfolio feel. Even better, work with a photographer/videographer who is familiar with architectural clients and knows how to capture spatial narrative and details.
2. Add subtle motion for a modern feel
We’re talking about minuscule moments of movement. Think gentle fade-ins, not flashy animations that feel dated or slow down the page load speed.
For instance, transitional effects are especially nice. Use these when sections load or buttons are hovered.
Be careful when messing with User Experience. It’s wise to work with a developer so you can avoid common UX mistakes.
Subtle motion adds elegance while also guiding the eye around your website with intention. It gives dynamism and shows off your attention to detail. Sure, online visitors may not notice anything consciously. But you know as well as we do that good design often has subconscious effects.
3. Build a filterable, custom portfolio
This is a big one. Don’t offer a static grid of project images.
Let visitors explore your work in the way they think.
What categories matter to them? How can you tag your content so that people can find exactly the material they’re looking for? Tags allow for easy sorting and confident navigation.
Architects should offer a filterable portfolio where users can browse by:
- Project type (residential, civic, commercial, etc.)
- Scale
- Location
- Services offered
The best part is that you don’t have to cut anything out. A filterable portfolio empowers potential clients to find relevant projects while also showcasing the breadth and depth of your experience—which could encourage longer site visits and deeper engagement.
This is all easier than it sounds. Once you come up with the tags and the structure, a web developer can help you publish and add content.
4. Establish trust
The trust factor is absolutely critical in the architecture world. Design alone doesn’t close deals—credibility does.
So, make sure your website’s portfolio is backed up by your iron-clad reputation. Don’t be shy about spotlighting social proof!
Show off your reviews, earned media mentions, vendor logos, awards, and case studies.
Include client testimonials with names or affiliations. Publish press clippings and awards with the official logos. If you don’t have many, then develop some case studies to show results or impact.
These are trust signals, and they need to be placed strategically throughout your site. Put them on project pages, your About page, and near any Contact Us CTAs to add extra confidence at the moment it matters most.
5. Reflect your firm’s physical aesthetic
Anyone can pay for a beautiful website, but that’s not enough. Your website should reflect your firm’s real style.
Does your site look and feel like the spaces you design?
Try using your color palette. Opt for consistent typography and a visual rhythm that resonates with the work in your portfolio. Composition matters on websites, just like it does in physical spaces. Make sure your site’s white space and grid systems are correct.
Your firm’s online presence should mirror your physical and philosophical design identity.
As a final check, imagine a client visiting your website and then walking into your office. Would those experiences feel cohesive?
Review and next steps
As an architect, your website should reflect your design values as much as your built work does.
These five elements (professional visuals, subtle motion, a curated portfolio, strong trust signals, and a consistent aesthetic) can help position your firm as thoughtful, credible, and client-ready.
Don’t let your online presence undersell your expertise. Bring us all your questions during a free consultation. We’ll design your website with the same care you bring to your own projects.