National Recognition: Chiang | O’Brien Among Top 100 Higher Education Architecture Firms

For the second consecutive year, Chiang | O’Brien Architects has been recognized among the Top 100 architecture firms in the United States for higher education in Building Design+Construction’s Giants 400 Report.

Earning a place alongside some of the nation’s largest design practices is a meaningful distinction. It reflects both the depth of our experience in higher education and the relationships we’ve built with colleges and universities over the years.

Big Ideas Don’t Require a Big Firm

Higher education institutions face increasingly complex challenges. Aging infrastructure, evolving student expectations, accessibility needs, sustainability goals, and financial pressures are reshaping how campuses plan for the future.

We see these challenges as opportunities to think creatively about the spaces institutions already have and the investments that will make the greatest difference.

Much of our work begins not with a new building, but with a question: How can an existing space better support the people who use it?

Whether reimagining a historic academic building, modernizing a science laboratory, or creating a more welcoming student wellness center, our goal is to help institutions make thoughtful, lasting improvements to their campuses.

Building on Relationships

One of the most rewarding aspects of our work is the opportunity to grow alongside our clients. Many of our institutional relationships span multiple projects and years, giving us a deeper understanding of their campuses, priorities, and long-term aspirations.

These relationships allow us to look beyond individual projects and consider how each investment contributes to the larger campus experience.

Looking Forward

Being recognized nationally is an exciting milestone, but the work itself remains our greatest source of pride.

We’re grateful to the colleges and universities that invite us to help shape their campuses, to the consultants who collaborate with us, and to our talented team whose creativity and dedication make this recognition possible.

We’re proud of our place among the giants—and even prouder of the work we do together.