50 SEO Keywords for Architects to Rank 1st and Generate Projects

Patrick Kurowski - Founder of MarketKeep

Written by Patrick Kurowski

CEO/Founder of MarketKeep

Architecture is inherently visual, but search engines are still driven by text. This creates a unique challenge for firms trying to showcase their portfolios: how do you translate your design aesthetic into terms that Google and other search engines understand? Through search engine optimization for architects which means finding the right SEO keywords for architects is the bridge between your visual work and the clients searching for it.

Unlike other local service businesses, generic terms often aren’t enough. A residential firm needs to rank for specific styles like “mid-century modern renovations,” while a commercial studio needs to capture intent for “sustainable mixed-use developments.” Whether you are designing custom homes or large-scale commercial facilities, the keywords you choose determine not just the volume of your traffic, but the quality of your future projects.

In this SEO Guide for Architects, You Will Learn:

  • The top 50 SEO keywords for architecture firms

  • How to choose the best keywords for your services and your service areas

  • Tips to boost your rankings in Google, drive local traffic, and improve the results of your marketing campaigns

Whether you design custom homes, plan commercial buildings, or offer full service architectural consulting, understanding what your clients are searching for is the first step toward building a strong online presence. And it all starts with using the right keywords in the right places.

SEO keywords for architects

The 50 Best SEO Keywords for Architects to Use in 2026 To Rank Their Websites

Keyword  Avg. Monthly Search Volume  Competition Level  Best SEO Scope 
architecture firm 33,100 Low Regional
architects near me 14,800 Medium Local
architecture firms near me 14,800 Low Local
architect near me 14,800 Medium Local
residential architects 5,400 Low Regional
house design architect 4,400 Medium Regional
commercial architect 3,600 Low Regional
residential architects near me 3,600 Medium Local
interior architects 3,600 Low Regional
architecture company 2,900 Low Regional
architecture studio 2,400 Low Regional
architectural design services 2,400 Low National
home architect 1,900 Medium Regional
architectural design firm 1,900 Low Regional
building design architect 1,600 Medium National
architectural services 1,600 Low National
custom home architect 1,300 Medium Regional
modern architecture firm 1,300 Low National
local architecture firm 1,300 Medium Local
architecture office 1,000 Low Regional
architectural planning services 1,000 Low National
sustainable architecture firm 1,000 Low National
commercial architecture firm 1,000 Low Regional
residential architecture firm 1,000 Low Regional
architectural consultants 880 Low National
building architecture services 880 Low National
architectural designers 880 Low National
urban architecture firm 720 Low National
architectural design studio 720 Low Regional
architecture services near me 720 Medium Local
small architecture firm 720 Low National
architecture design company 590 Low Regional
modern residential architect 590 Medium Regional
architecture planning firm 590 Low Regional
architectural firm services 590 Low Regional
custom residential architect 480 Medium Regional
architectural firm near me 480 Medium Local
architecture consultants 480 Low National
building design services 390 Low National
local architects 390 Medium Local
architecture and design firm 390 Low Regional
architecture design services 390 Low National
architectural drafting services 320 Low National
commercial building architect 320 Medium Regional
architectural firm services near me 320 Medium Local
residential design architect 260 Medium Regional
architecture firm services 260 Low Regional
architectural planning 260 Low National
building architecture firm 260 Low Regional

 

Using Some Of The Best SEO Keywords for Architects To Power Your Content & Blogging Strategy

Blogging is one of the most effective ways an architecture firm can build visibility and trust online because it allows the firm to consistently demonstrate expertise, experience, and authority in its field. By publishing authoritative content that answers real client questions, architecture firms send strong relevance signals to Google, which helps improve rankings on the first page of organic search results. Well-written blog content also supports Google Maps visibility by reinforcing service keywords, location relevance, and topical authority tied to the firm’s Google Business Profile.

Over time, blogs create internal linking opportunities that strengthen core service and location pages, making the entire website easier for search engines to understand and rank. In addition, AI-powered search results increasingly pull answers from in-depth, educational content, meaning architecture firms that publish clear, expert-driven blogs are more likely to be cited or summarized in AI search responses. Ultimately, blogging turns an architecture firm’s website into a trusted resource—one that both potential clients and search engines rely on when making recommendations.

Here are some of the different ways you can incorporate these SEO Keywords in your blogging strategy. 

1. What Does an Architecture Firm Actually Do? A Complete Guide for Homeowners

Primary Keywords: architecture firm, architectural services
SEO Scope: Regional / National
Why it works: Great top-of-funnel explainer that internally links to service pages.

2. How to Choose the Right Architect for Your Home Design Project

Primary Keywords: home architect, residential architects
SEO Scope: Regional
Why it works: High intent, decision-stage content that attracts qualified leads.

3. Residential Architects vs. Design-Build Firms: What’s the Difference?

Primary Keywords: residential architects, architectural design services
SEO Scope: Regional
Why it works: Comparison content converts well and builds trust.

4. What to Expect When Working With an Architecture Firm From Start to Finish

Primary Keywords: architecture firm services, architectural planning
SEO Scope: Regional
Why it works: Reduces buyer hesitation and pre-qualifies prospects.

5. Why Hiring a Local Architecture Firm Makes a Difference

Primary Keywords: local architecture firm, architects near me
SEO Scope: Local
Why it works: Strong local SEO signal and ideal for internal linking to city pages.

6. Modern Residential Architecture: Design Trends Homeowners Love

Primary Keywords: modern residential architect, architectural design studio
SEO Scope: National
Why it works: Trend-based content earns backlinks and social shares.

7. The Role of an Architect in Custom Home Design

Primary Keywords: custom home architect, residential design architect
SEO Scope: Regional
Why it works: Excellent mid-funnel educational post for custom home clients.

8. Commercial Architecture Explained: From Concept to Construction

Primary Keywords: commercial architect, commercial architecture firm
SEO Scope: Regional / National
Why it works: Establishes authority for commercial projects.

9. How Architectural Planning Saves Time, Money, and Stress

Primary Keywords: architectural planning, architectural planning services
SEO Scope: National
Why it works: Pain-point focused content that supports consultation CTAs.

10. What Questions Should You Ask Before Hiring an Architecture Firm?

Primary Keywords: architecture firm, architectural consultants
SEO Scope: Regional
Why it works: High-trust content that filters serious prospects.

11. Architecture Design Services Explained: What’s Included and What’s Not

Primary Keywords: architecture design services, architectural services
SEO Scope: National
Why it works: Clears confusion and reduces price objections.

12. How Sustainable Architecture Impacts Long-Term Building Performance

Primary Keywords: sustainable architecture firm
SEO Scope: National
Why it works: Evergreen content aligned with modern buyer values.

13. The Benefits of Working With a Full-Service Architecture Firm

Primary Keywords: architecture company, architectural firm services
SEO Scope: Regional
Why it works: Supports positioning against smaller or fragmented providers.

14. From Ideas to Blueprints: How Architecture Studios Bring Designs to Life

Primary Keywords: architecture studio, architectural designers
SEO Scope: National
Why it works: Visual storytelling + portfolio integration opportunity.

15. When Do You Need an Architect? Common Projects That Require Professional Design

Primary Keywords: architect near me, architectural consultants
SEO Scope: Local / Regional
Why it works: Captures early-stage search intent and drives inquiries.

 

comparison of google map results for residential vs commercial architect keywords showing local seo differences

Before you begin adding every architecture-related phrase to your homepage, take a step back. You must differentiate between Residential intent (homeowners) and Commercial intent (developers/business owners).

Residential vs Commercial: The Top 50 SEO Keywords for Architects

comparison of google map results for residential vs commercial architect keywords showing local seo differences

Before you begin adding every architecture-related phrase to your homepage, take a step back. You must differentiate between Residential intent (homeowners) and Commercial intent (developers/business owners).

Who Is Your Ideal Client?

  • A homeowner may search for “modern residential architect in [City]”
  • A commercial developer might search “architecture firm for office building design”

When you know who you are trying to reach, you can align your keyword strategy with the exact phrases they are using.

Start With Your Core Architectural Services

Begin by identifying the services you most want to promote. These typically include your highest value offerings and most in demand specialties. These keywords can form the foundation for your homepage, service pages, and digital advertising efforts.

Examples include:

  • residential architect in [City]

  • commercial building design services

  • architecture firm near me

  • custom home design experts

  • modern architecture services

Once you have your base keywords, tools like Google Keyword Planner, Ahrefs, or SEMrush can help you discover similar phrases with strong search volume and limited competition.

Study What Competing Architecture Firms Are Ranking For

Look at the top ranked architecture firms in your market. What keywords are they using in their service pages, blog posts, and headlines? Use SEO tools to find out which terms are bringing them traffic—and look for opportunities they may be missing. If other firms are not creating location specific pages or are not optimizing for niche services like sustainable architecture or historic renovation, these are areas where you can stand out.

Use Longer Search Phrases to Target High Intent Clients

Most people do not search with short, broad terms like architect alone. They use more specific phrases that reflect their goals or questions. These long form keywords may not attract massive traffic, but they often bring in users who are ready to hire.

Examples include:

  • how to choose an architect for a custom home

  • cost to hire an architect in [City]

  • best architecture firms for commercial buildings

  • how much does it cost to design a house from scratch

These types of searches are perfect for blog posts, service FAQs, and landing pages. They help you show up when potential clients are asking real questions—and that means more meaningful traffic with a higher chance of converting into new business.

The Best SEO Keywords for Architects by Category

Organizing your keywords into categories makes it easier to structure your website, blog content, and advertising campaigns. By targeting keywords based on user intent, location, and service type, you can improve visibility and attract the right kind of traffic to your architecture firm.

seo search demand curve showing high volume broad keywords versus high conversion long tail keywords for architects

General Architecture Keywords

These high traffic keywords are ideal for your homepage, core service pages, and paid advertising. They help capture broad search intent from clients who are beginning their search for an architect.

  • architecture firm near me

  • best architects in [City]

  • residential architect

  • commercial architecture firm

  • custom home architect

  • licensed architect

  • architecture studio near me

  • full service architecture firm

Location Based Keywords (Insert Your City or Region)

If you want to appear in local search results, use keywords that mention the specific cities, neighborhoods, or regions you serve. These are perfect for city specific landing pages, local blog content, and Google Business Profile optimization.

  • architect in [City Name]

  • residential architect in [Neighborhood]

  • modern home design [City]

  • commercial architect in [City Name]

  • architecture firms in [Region or County]

  • custom home design in [City Name]

Architecture Service Keywords

These keywords describe the specific services your firm offers. Use them on individual service pages, project galleries, and targeted campaigns.

  • custom home design

  • residential design services

  • architectural planning and drafting

  • interior architectural design

  • sustainable architecture consulting

  • modern farmhouse design

  • renovation and remodeling plans

  • commercial space planning

Project and Style Specific Keywords

Targeting keywords based on project type or design style helps attract clients with a clear vision or need. These terms are great for portfolio pages, blogs, and inspiration galleries.

  • modern home architect

  • minimalist house design

  • mid century modern architect

  • small house design ideas

  • lake house architect

  • luxury home architect

  • ranch style house plans

  • industrial office design

Commercial and Institutional Keywords

If your firm works with developers, businesses, or public institutions, these keywords help connect you with high value projects.

  • office building design

  • school building architect

  • mixed use development plans

  • urban design consultant

  • restaurant and hospitality design

  • retail space architecture

  • institutional planning and design

Long Form Search Keywords for Blog and FAQ Content

These detailed search phrases reflect high intent and are ideal for educational content, blog posts, and FAQ sections. They may have lower monthly search volume, but they bring in well qualified visitors.

  • how to choose the right architect for my home

  • what does an architect do during construction

  • cost to hire an architect in [City]

  • difference between architect and designer

  • when should I hire an architect for renovation

  • what to expect in an architectural consultation

Struggling to find the right terms for your specific niche? You don’t need to guess. Click here and we’ll build a custom keyword list for your firm specifically.

How to Use the Top 50 SEO Keywords for Architects Effectively

Once you have identified the most relevant keywords for your architecture firm, the next step is to put them to work. Thoughtful keyword placement across your website and online profiles can improve your search engine rankings, bring in more qualified traffic, and ultimately lead to more project inquiries.

1. Optimize Your Website with the Right Architectural Keywords

Start by placing your most valuable keywords in the areas that matter most to Google and your visitors. These include:

  • Page titles and meta descriptions

  • Main headings and subheadings (H1 and H2)

  • Website addresses for service and location pages

  • Image file names and alternative text

  • Internal links across blog posts and portfolio pages

If you specialize in services like custom home design, commercial space planning, or sustainable architecture, make sure those phrases are naturally woven into your website content. Focus on informative, client focused writing that aligns with what people are searching for—not just keyword repetition.

2. Create Location Specific Pages

If your architecture firm works across multiple cities or regions, do not rely on one general service page to represent your entire practice. Instead, build individual pages tailored to each location.

Examples include:

  • Custom home architect in Portland

  • Commercial building design in Scottsdale

  • Modern residential architecture in Austin

Each page should highlight your services in that specific area, mention well known neighborhoods or local landmarks, and include unique content that demonstrates your connection to the community.

3. Optimize Your Google Business Profile

Your Google Business Profile is essential for appearing in local search results and the map pack. To maximize visibility:

  • Use relevant search terms in your business description, such as residential architect in [City] or architecture firm for office spaces

  • Clearly list all of your services

  • Keep your contact information and business hours accurate

  • Upload high quality photos of your office, team, and past projects

  • Encourage satisfied clients to leave reviews and respond to each one professionally

When responding to reviews, you can also include keywords in a natural way. For example:
Thank you for choosing us to design your modern farmhouse in Denver. It was a pleasure to bring your vision to life.

4. Build a Content Strategy That Targets Long Form Keywords

Educational content is one of the best ways to rank for long form keyword searches and build trust with prospective clients. Blog posts, project insights, and frequently asked questions should each target one specific topic or search query.

Examples include:

  • How much does it cost to hire an architect in [City]

  • What to expect during the architectural design process

  • How to choose the right architect for your custom home

  • Common mistakes to avoid when planning a renovation

Publishing helpful, keyword rich content on a regular basis helps demonstrate your expertise and signals to search engines that your website is active and authoritative.

Utilizing the Top SEO Keywords for Architects

Ranking well in search results takes more than just knowing the right keywords. To make the most of the top SEO keywords for architects, you need to combine them with strong website performance, consistent local signals, and high quality content. Here are seven essential elements to help you build an effective SEO foundation for your architecture firm:

1. Ensure Your Website Is Mobile Friendly, Fast, and Secure

Prospective clients often visit your site on their phones or tablets. Make sure your website loads quickly, looks great on all devices, and uses a secure HTTPS connection to protect visitor data.

2. Use the Right Keywords for Architecture and Design

Make sure your keyword strategy reflects architecture specific search behavior. Avoid generic industry references and instead focus on terms like custom home design in [City] or commercial architecture firm near me. Use those phrases where they naturally fit within your content.

3. Optimize Your Website Content and Structure

Incorporate your most valuable keywords into:

  • Page titles and meta descriptions

  • Headings and subheadings

  • Image file names and alt text

  • URLs and internal links between pages

These areas help Google understand the focus of your pages and improve how they appear in search results.

4. Claim and Complete Your Google Business Profile

Google Business is critical for appearing in local search results and maps. Fill out every section completely:

  • Use your exact firm name, address, and phone number

  • Select categories such as Architect or Architectural Designer

  • Add high quality photos of your office, team, and completed projects

  • Write a keyword focused business description that includes your location and services

5. Keep Local Listings Consistent

Make sure your business details match across platforms such as Yelp, Bing Places, Apple Maps, the Better Business Bureau, and local directories. Consistency in your name, address, and phone number improves your trustworthiness and helps Google understand your service area.

6. Maintain a Blog with Targeted, High Quality Content

Create blog posts and FAQs based on the real questions your clients are asking. Focus on long form keywords like:

  • How much does it cost to hire an architect in [City]

  • What is the process of designing a custom home

  • Best architectural styles for urban homes

Regular content updates help your site stay fresh and show Google that you are active and reliable.

7. Use Visual Content with SEO in Mind

Images and videos are important for architecture websites. Make sure every photo has:

  • A descriptive file name

  • Alt text with a relevant keyword and location

  • A logical place in the context of your content

This improves accessibility and helps your images appear in Google Image results, which can be another source of traffic.

Local SEO for Architects

Reach the right clients in your city or region

Local SEO is one of the most effective ways to connect with people looking for an architect nearby. Whether they are planning a custom home, remodeling a business space, or exploring design options, they are often searching on their phones using location based queries.

optimized google business profile example for architecture firm showing correct categories and reviews

How to Improve Your Local Visibility

Claim and Optimize Your Google Business Profile

Make the most of your listing by:

  • Using the correct business name, address, and phone number

  • Selecting accurate categories related to architectural services

  • Adding professional photos of your firm and your work

  • Including keywords in your description such as modern architect in [City]

Stay Active with Posts and Updates

Google rewards businesses that actively engage. Share:

  • Recent project highlights

  • Blog articles or design tips

  • Awards or recognitions

  • Updates about new services or availability

This keeps your listing fresh and helps you stay top of mind.

Encourage and Respond to Client Reviews

Positive reviews improve your credibility and influence local rankings. Ask satisfied clients to leave feedback, and always respond with gratitude and professionalism.

Example response:
Thank you for trusting us with your lake house design in Madison. We enjoyed bringing your vision to life.

Get Listed in Industry and Local Directories

Include your firm in well known directories that potential clients might visit:

  • Houzz

  • Archinect

  • Yelp

  • Chamber of Commerce directories

  • State or regional architectural associations

Create City Specific Service Pages

If you serve multiple cities, build unique landing pages for each one. Include:

  • Keywords such as architecture firm in [City]

  • Local landmarks or neighborhoods

  • Testimonials and photos from projects in that area

Examples:

  • Residential Architect in Seattle

  • Commercial Building Design in Raleigh

  • Sustainable Home Design in Boulder

These pages show both clients and search engines that you have experience in their location—and that builds trust before they even call.

On Page SEO for Architects

Make your website easy for Google to understand and impossible for potential clients to ignore

On page SEO is all about improving your website so that it performs well in search results and delivers a seamless experience to every visitor. When your architecture firm’s website is fast, informative, and optimized with the right keywords, search engines are more likely to recommend it—and clients are more likely to take action.

Where to Use SEO Keywords for Maximum Impact

To get the most from your SEO efforts, place your keywords in the areas that matter most to both search engines and users:

  • Page Titles: Use clear, location focused titles such as Architecture Firm in [City] | [Your Company Name]

  • Meta Descriptions: Write concise summaries with relevant keywords, like Looking for a modern home architect in [City]? Schedule a design consultation today

  • Headings (H1, H2): Use natural keyword rich headings such as Custom Home Design in [City] or Commercial Architectural Planning Services

  • Body Content: Integrate keywords naturally within paragraphs. Avoid stuffing, but be consistent and clear in your message

  • URLs: Use simple, descriptive web addresses like /residential-architecture-[city] or /commercial-design-[city]

Create Dedicated Pages for Each Architectural Service

Instead of placing all services on a single page, develop individual pages for each main offering. This improves search engine visibility and makes it easier for clients to navigate your site.

Examples include:

  • Custom Home Design

  • Commercial Building Design

  • Interior Architectural Planning

  • Renovation and Adaptive Reuse

  • Sustainable and Green Architecture

Each service page should focus on one specific offering, include location specific keywords when relevant, and guide users with clear calls to action such as Schedule a Consultation or View Our Portfolio.

Improve Your Site Speed and Mobile Experience

People often research architects on mobile devices while searching for inspiration or comparing firms. Your site needs to be responsive, fast, and easy to navigate.

Use tools like Google PageSpeed Insights or GTmetrix to test your performance. Your website should:

  • Load quickly on mobile and desktop

  • Be easy to use on smaller screens

  • Feature clear buttons like Request a Quote or Book a Consultation

Add Schema Markup to Help Google Understand Your Firm

Schema markup is code that helps search engines better interpret your content. Adding structured data to your site allows Google to display your services, location, and contact information more clearly in search results.

Use Google’s Structured Data Markup Helper to add details such as:

  • Your firm’s name and address

  • Areas you serve

  • Business hours

  • Types of architectural services offered

This extra layer of data can increase your visibility in local and featured search results.

Optimize Your Images for Search and Accessibility

Images play a crucial role on architecture websites. They tell the story of your design process, highlight your style, and showcase your expertise. But they also affect SEO.

Make sure each image:

  • Is compressed for faster page load

  • Has a clear, descriptive file name such as custom-home-design-austin.jpg

  • Includes keyword rich alt text such as Modern residential design by architect in Austin Texas

This helps search engines understand the content of your images and makes them more likely to appear in Google Images, driving additional traffic to your site.

Off Page SEO for Architects

Build trust, expand your visibility, and strengthen your architecture firm’s online reputation

Off page SEO refers to everything you do beyond your website to boost your rankings and build authority in search engines. When respected websites link back to your firm and mention your name across the web, Google takes notice—and is more likely to recommend you to prospective clients.

How to Strengthen Off Page SEO for Your Architecture Firm

Earn High Quality Backlinks

Backlinks are like digital referrals. When a reputable site links to your firm, it signals to search engines that you are credible and trustworthy.

Here are a few ways to earn valuable links:

  • Submit your firm to well known directories like Houzz, Archinect, the American Institute of Architects, and your local Chamber of Commerce

  • Reach out to design blogs, architecture magazines, and regional real estate publications to contribute expert insights or articles

  • Get listed on niche directories for green design, commercial development, or construction professionals

The more relevant and respected the site, the more impact the backlink will have.

Promote Your Work Through Social Media

Social media can help you reach a wider audience, drive traffic to your website, and earn natural backlinks through shares.

Share content like:

  • Project photos and behind the scenes design stories

  • Blog posts about trends, planning tips, or zoning advice

  • Time lapse videos of a project from concept to completion

  • News about awards, new service offerings, or firm milestones

Use location based hashtags like #ArchitectChicago or #ModernDesignMiami to connect with potential clients in your area. Most importantly, respond to comments and messages to keep engagement active.

Build Local Relationships That Lead to Mentions

Collaborating with other professionals in your community can help generate both online mentions and real world referrals.

  • Sponsor local design events, exhibits, or speaking engagements and ask to be listed on their websites

  • Join local business associations or design councils that offer online directories

  • Partner with real estate developers, general contractors, or interior designers and request a mention on their partner pages

Being visible across multiple local websites reinforces your presence in your service area and helps search engines trust your business.

Ask for Mentions from Clients and Industry Partners

If you have worked with satisfied clients, contractors, or fellow professionals, ask if they would be willing to mention your firm on their website or share a testimonial that links back to you. These links not only improve your SEO but also enhance your credibility and can lead to referrals.

Monitor and Maintain a Healthy Backlink Profile

It is important to keep an eye on who is linking to your site. Not all backlinks are helpful—some from low quality or spammy sources can actually hurt your rankings.

  • Use tools like Ahrefs, Moz, or SEMrush to track new and lost backlinks

  • Focus on earning links from trusted sources related to design, construction, and architecture

  • If you spot suspicious or irrelevant links, use Google Search Console to disavow them

A clean and trustworthy link profile supports better rankings and protects your site’s authority in the long run.

Pro Tip: Tie It All Together With Google Analytics 

Track your performance by monitoring:

  • Which keywords are bringing traffic

  • Which pages get the most visitors

  • What search terms trigger your Google Business Profile

By tying in tools like Google Analytics, Google Search Console, and Google Business Profile Insights, you can refine your SEO strategy over time and continue climbing the ranks.

Stop Guessing When It Comes To Keywords

At MarketKeep we will review your website and send you the top 10 best keywords for your company to use in your site. 

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