What Archer & Buchanan does

Archer & Buchanan Architecture is a full-service architectural design firm founded in 1996 by Richard D. Buchanan and Peter C. Archer, headquartered in West Chester, Chester County, Pennsylvania, with a satellite office in Center City Philadelphia. The firm operates with a team of "over twenty" personnel comprising principals, senior and junior project architects, and supporting staff, and serves three primary client verticals: high-end residential (custom homes, additions, renovations, and historic preservation for private homeowners), equestrian facility owners (stables, barns, indoor arenas, sporting properties), and institutional clients (educational institutions, private schools, universities, and not-for-profit organizations). Project locations span the Mid-Atlantic region, fifteen US states (CT, DE, FL, ME, MD, NJ, NY, OR, PA, SC, UT, VA, WY), and internationally to Tasmania, Australia.

The firm's service portfolio encompasses twelve core offerings: architecture for new construction, additions and renovations, interior design and interior architecture, adaptive reuse, historic preservation, feasibility studies, master planning, programming and space planning, ADA accessibility assessment, site analysis and existing conditions assessment, construction documents, and construction observation. Technology centers on advanced digital documentation tools, notably a Leica Imaging Laser Scanner used for point cloud detection and digital 3D mapping to produce base building documents. The firm's design vocabulary explicitly spans "a multitude of styles ranging from the traditional Pennsylvania farmhouse, timber framed barns and homes to clean, sleek modern residences," supported by deep expertise in heavy timber structures and historic preservation.

Revenue is generated through project-based architectural design fees for new construction, additions, renovations, historic preservation, interior design, master planning, and feasibility studies across residential, equestrian, and institutional categories. Pricing is quote-based and not publicly disclosed, consistent with bespoke professional services, and the go-to-market motion is sales-led, with direct client engagement initiated through consultations progressing through a multi-phase collaborative design process involving "intense exchange of ideas and information between architect and client." Marketing relies on a professional website portfolio, Instagram and Pinterest visual channels, and earned media coverage in Architectural Digest, Forbes, Philadelphia Inquirer, Main Line Today, The Hunt Magazine, and County Lines, alongside an extensive awards history spanning 1996-2025 including Forbes America's Top 200 Residential Architects 2025 (selected from ~18,000 US firms) and the 2015 PA Society of American Registered Architects Outstanding Firm Award. The firm operates as an independent partnership with no disclosed external investment, parent company, or institutional investors.

Name

Archer & Buchanan

Legal name

Archer & Buchanan Architecture

Website

https://archerbuchanan.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1996

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Archer & Buchanan Architecture is a full-service architectural design firm founded in 1996 and based in West Chester, Pennsylvania, with a Philadelphia satellite office. The firm serves affluent residential, equestrian, and institutional clients across the Mid-Atlantic, multiple US states, and Tasmania, specializing in custom design, historic preservation, and adaptive reuse.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Architectural Design Services

NAICS

Architectural Services (541310), Architectural Services (54131), Interior Design Services (54141)

SIC

Services-Engineering, Accounting, Research, Management (8700), Services-Engineering Services (8711)

akta.pro primary industry

Historic Preservation & Conservation Planning (BPAHAKAH)

akta.pro secondary industry

Residential Design-Build & Renovation-Integrated Builders (IMAFABAE)

Keywords

• Custom residential architecture
• Historic preservation design
• Equestrian facility architecture
• Adaptive reuse architecture
• Architectural design services

Headquarters

HQ city

West Chester

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Architectural Design Services: Project-based fees for architectural design services including new construction, additions, renovations, historic preservation, interior design, master planning, and feasibility studies for residential, equestrian, and institutional clients.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Archer & Buchanan Architecture is a full-service architectural design firm that provides new construction, additions, renovations, interior design, adaptive reuse, historic preservation, master planning, feasibility studies, site analysis, and construction administration services for residential, equestrian, and institutional clients. Engagements follow a multi-phase collaborative design process from concept through construction observation, supported by advanced digital documentation including Leica laser scanning for precise existing-conditions assessment.

Product overview

Archer & Buchanan Architecture is a full-service architectural design firm offering a unified suite of services for residential, equestrian, and institutional clients. The core service portfolio encompasses Architecture for New Construction, Additions and Renovations, Interior Design/Interior Architecture, Adaptive Reuse, Historic Preservation, Feasibility Studies, Master Planning, Programming and Space Planning, ADA Accessibility Assessment, Site Analysis and Existing Conditions Assessment, Construction Documents, and Construction Observation. The firm emphasizes a collaborative design process and specializes in creating architecture of character, beauty and style that gains value over time. Located in Chester County, Pennsylvania, the firm serves clients across the Mid-Atlantic region, numerous U.S. states, and internationally.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Custom Residential Architecture (New Construction, Additions, and Renovations) Full-service architectural design for new residential construction, additions to existing homes, and renovations tailored to client specifications and site characteristics. Serves affluent private homeowners seeking custom design, attention to detail, and quality craftsmanship.
• Interior Design and Interior Architecture Interior design and interior architecture services addressing spatial planning, finishes, fixtures, millwork, and aesthetic coordination of interior environments for residential, equestrian, and institutional clients.
• Adaptive Reuse Design Design services for adapting existing buildings for new uses while preserving their historic character, including conversion of barns, stables, and agricultural structures into residential and commercial spaces.
• Historic Preservation Specialized architectural services for the preservation, restoration, and sensitive updating of historic structures and landmark properties, delivered for institutional and private clients.
• Equestrian Facility and Country Property Architecture Architectural design for equestrian facilities including stables, barns, indoor arenas, and country property master planning, serving horse farm owners and equestrian operations in the Mid-Atlantic and beyond.
• Institutional and Commercial Architecture Planning and design of creatively conceived commercial and institutional projects for major universities, private schools, not-for-profit organizations, restaurants, corporate headquarters, and country clubs.
• Master Planning and Feasibility Studies Comprehensive site planning services that lay out total project scope across one or more sites with phased development time frames, and feasibility studies that evaluate practical viability of proposed projects including zoning analysis and regulatory review.
• Site Analysis and Building Survey of Existing Conditions Detailed site analysis and assessment of existing conditions for renovations, additions, and alterations, including building surveys using traditional measurement and advanced point cloud detection systems such as the Leica Imaging Laser Scanner.

Named customers4 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature1 record

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record.

• Griffiths ConstructionOthersBuilder/contractor for multiple projects including Big Bend renovation in Chadds Ford and Anderson Place restoration in Phoenixville
• E.C. TretheweyOthersBuilder for All Around Farm project converting carriage barn to residence in Gwynedd Valley
• Cassella BuildersOthersBuilder for Asian-Inspired Residence project in Villanova
• Michael R Rhile Carpentry, Inc.OthersBuilder for Berwyn Stable conversion project
• Dewson ConstructionOthersBuilder for Bohemia Manor Farm restoration project in Chesapeake City
• Windurra USAStrategic or Co-development PartnerMain training facility of international eventing athlete Boyd Martin and international dressage athlete Silva Martin; Archer & Buchanan designed the indoor riding arena at this Chester County facility
• Leica GeosystemsTechnology or IntegrationProvider of Leica Imaging Laser Scanner used by the firm for point cloud detection and digital 3D mapping of existing conditions

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Steven Gambrel: New York- and London-based interior and architectural designer for high-end residential projects. Comparable HNW client profile and emphasis on detail-driven, traditional-leaning design.
• Locati Architects: Bozeman, Montana-based custom residential and country estate practice focused on traditional, mountain, and ranch properties. Comparable high-end residential/equestrian clientele and project scale.
• Peter Pennoyer Architects: New York City-based classical and traditional architecture firm with deep historic preservation expertise. Comparable in classical design language and high-end residential client base.
• Ken Fulk: San Francisco- and New York-based luxury residential, hospitality, and commercial design studio. Comparable in serving ultra-high-net-worth residential clients with a strong brand-driven, craft-led approach.
• Historical Concepts: Atlanta-based architecture firm specializing in traditional residential, equestrian, and country estate design. Closest direct peer to Archer & Buchanan's signature combination of custom residential, horse country, and historic-style work.
• Ike Kligerman Barkley: New York and San Francisco-based practice known for traditional and historically inspired residential design. Comparable style range and high-net-worth client profile.
• BKSK Architects: New York-based firm with a strong residential, institutional, and historic preservation practice. Comparable blend of preservation, adaptive reuse, and custom residential/institutional projects.
• Donald Lococo Architects: Washington, DC-area classical and traditional architecture practice with strong residential and historic preservation work. Comparable Mid-Atlantic client base and stylistic orientation to Archer & Buchanan.
• Bobby McAlpine Design: Montgomery, Alabama-based luxury residential and country house design firm. Comparable in custom estate work, regional brand strength, and traditional aesthetic.

Broad incumbents

• Robert A.M. Stern Architects: Large New York-based firm with a portfolio spanning classical residential, institutional, and commercial work. Broader scope and scale than Archer & Buchanan but overlapping in classical residential style and high-end clients.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Instagraminstagram.com/archerbuchanan
• Pinterestpinterest.com/archerbuchanan
• Xx.com/archerbuchanan

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles13 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Archer & Buchanan