Las Vegas needs no introduction when it comes to its significance in entertainment and luxury accommodation. The city has long been a leading destination for high-end shopping and lifestyle activities. Hotels, casinos, and even boutiques in Vegas all have to maintain a high level and provide a unique style of architectural storytelling in order to be competitive in this particular world.
Our editorial team had a lot of fun listing Sin City’s best retail architects. Each firm’s work history, background, and overall capacity in retail projects were carefully considered, and this list of Vegas’s best is the colorful result.
Bergman Walls & Associates
709 Valle Verde Ct., Henderson, NV 89014
Bergman Walls & Associates is a world-renowned architectural and interior design firm run by industry veteran Leonard Bergman and other members of the Bergman family. The firm was established in 1994 in Las Vegas and has a strong presence in the Southeast Asian region through its Vietnam office. Bergman Walls has a long history of providing the best design in architecture, interior design, and master planning. The firm has also developed sustainable and fast track practices.
Swarovski, the famed jewelry brand, tapped Bergman Walls & Associates to design a pavilion in Las Vegas. The Swarovski pavilion is a unique boutique at the Grand Bazaar Shops that have a 400-square-foot combined footprint. A 14-foot diameter LED sculpture with individual crystals on various rods completes the pavilion’s luxurious atmosphere.
Carpenter Sellers Del Gatto Architects
8882 Spanish Ridge Ave., Las Vegas, NV 89148
Carpenter Sellers Del Gatto Architects is an acclaimed architectural studio in Las Vegas. With a star-studded clientele and major awards under its belt, the firm is a well-established institution in the commercial architectural design scene in Las Vegas. The firm has worked with Gordon Ramsay’s Hell Kitchen, Henriksen Butler, the city of Las Vegas, and for the Las Vegas Convention Center. The triad of Rick Sellers, Michael Del Gatto, and Michele Brigida make up the company’s leadership. All three are Las Vegas residents and seasoned architects.
The firm won the NAIOP Nevada Retail Building Award in 2017 for Boot Barn. The 18, 000-square-foot property showcases clothing, jewelry, and boots in a charming Old West theme.
DesignCell Architecture
1785 Village Center Cir., Las Vegas, NV 89134
Operating through its offices in Las Vegas and Lithuania, DesignCell Architecture is a full-service design firm known for its accuracy, speed, moderated cost, and smooth construction flow. The firm operates all over Western states with localized considerations and preferred techniques. DesignCell handles the pre-construction process including planning, permit processing, and construction administration. Scott Brown and Kastytis Čechavičius lead the firm with their thorough experience in the industry.
DesignCell has completed over 250 projects over the years, including high-end boutiques and retail stores. Michael Kors, the designer brand, enlisted the services of the firm to design its boutique at the McCarran International Airport where it provides the perfect space for high-end shopping. Through premium finishes and fixtures, the firm found the perfect way to frame Michael Kors’ famed leather goods, watches, and sunglasses.
IZ design studio
7229 W Sahara Ave., Ste. #120, Las Vegas, NV 89117
Since 1976, IZ design studio has been an architectural firm working on designing in a spectrum of sizes, scopes, and budgets, but always on the highest caliber. Robert Broyles established the firm RFBA. Second generation Zach Broyles furthers the company’s reach in the Western United States. I-Fang Broyles and Zach Broyles both studied Architecture at Washington State University. The duo of I-Fang and Zach maintains the firm’s strong attention to detail that is adored by its customers. IZ-designed works are detail-oriented and provide a cohesive retail experience for shoppers.
Sugarboo at The Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venitian is one of the firm’s most outstanding designs. The space has a quirky appeal that creates an exciting retail experience.
Klai Juba Wald Architecture + Interiors
4444 W Russell Rd., Ste. J, Las Vegas, NV 89118
John Klai II and Dan Juba established their firm in 1995 to provide a specialized take on architectural and interior design services leaning towards retail and commercial works. Klai is a proud alumnus of North Dakota State University and a registered architect in twenty-seven jurisdictions. Juba initiated major projects including the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino and the remodeling of the iconic Luxor Hotel. Shortly after, the two were joined by John Wald, the firm’s current president and managing principal. That strong leadership led to the firm’s strong reputation for quality and workmanship. The firm has worked with luxury boutique brands and retail stores all over Las Vegas.
As seen in the pages of Las Vegas Sun, Hotel Business, The Architect’s Newspaper, BD+C, and Dezeen, the firm has consistently provided top-notch work with keen attention to detail and design systems. Klai Juba Wald is experienced in a wide variety of retail projects from luxury cluster shops such as the Mandalay Place and independent retailers such as CRSVR.
KME Architects
8367 W Flamingo, Ste. #100, Las Vegas, NV 89147
KME Architects is a full-service architectural firm specializing in creating designs that fit each client’s unique needs and specifications. The firm has a footing in Las Vegas, Atlanta, and Guam. Their impressive design capability enabled the firm to be nominated in the best small firm in Las Vegas award by the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce in 2010 and was selected by the City of Las Vegas to lead the master planning and building of the oldest elementary school in the city. KME is led by Emanuele Arguelles and Melvin Green, two of Las Vegas’s most prominent architects. Arguelles is equipped with over 20 years of industry experience running a design-build firm in Michigan. Green is also a seasoned professional with over 30 years of experience.
The KME portfolio includes a number of iconic retail projects. The Art of Music boutique at the Mirage Hotel Casino is a prime example of KME’s experience in the industry. The boutique was built to provide an original experience that matches the appeal of the hotel.
Marnell Companies
222 Via Marnell Way, Las Vegas, NV 89119
Founded in 1982, Marnell Companies is a fully integrated architecture, design, and build firm operating across the state of Nevada and throughout the United States. The firm’s mission is to deliver innovative works that are on time and on budget. Tony Marnell II and Anthony Marnell III have assumed company leadership as Chairman Emeritus and CEO respectively. The duo has decades of experience working in the architectural industry managing operations of large-scale firms.
As seen in the pages of Niagara Gazette, Architecture Las Vegas Magazine, Southwest Contractor, Marnell-designed projects are premium multi-million dollar projects. The Haus of Gaga in Park MGM is an example of their opulent sensibility. The gallery-slash-retail space is inspired by Lady Gaga’s Las Vegas residence: futuristic themes and luxurious atmosphere perfectly encapsulates her career and products. The project costs an estimated $1.2 million.
Nadel Architecture + Planning
175 E Warm Springs Rd., Ste. #100, Las Vegas, NV 89119
Serving Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and Phoenix, Nadel Architecture + Planning is a trusted architectural studio armed with over four decades of operational experience: it has become one of the go-to firms of Las Vegas. Greg Lyon and Mark Mikelson both serve as owners and principals of the firm. Lyon studied at the University of California, Los Angeles with degrees in Art History and Architecture; while Mikelson studied at Golden West College and received his Associates of Art Degree in Architecture. That background provides a unique perspective and approach towards the industry. The firm’s clientele is based on enduring relationships developed over the course of time.
Nadel’s work on various retail projects shows the firm’s unique touch in art and architecture. The 144,000 square foot expansion wing of the famed Showcase Mall stands out in Nadel’s portfolio. Showcase is a retail building packed with establishments that complete the Vegas way of living. The mall has restaurants, cafes, lounges, and all sorts of shopping boutiques. Showcase also houses the three-storey Hard Rock Cafe.
NOVUS Architecture, LLC
8 E Charleston Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89104
NOVUS Architecture is an extension of founder Dwayne R. Eshenbaugh’s professional expertise. He served as the President of AIA Las Vegas in 2019 and currently serves as President of the AIA Nevada. Eshenbaugh has held high positions in the organization due to his persistent pursuit of design excellence. His dedication is exemplified by the firm’s innovative techniques and masterful project execution.
NOVUS has completed over 200 projects over the years including luxury hotels, premium boutiques, and gourmet restaurants. One of the firm’s retail works is Feature, a multi-brand store in Wynn Las Vegas. Feature sells streetwear clothing, collectibles, and limited-edition sneakers. In the same luxury hotel, NOVUS has also provided work on the Stefano Ricci boutique.
Richardson Wetzel Architects
4300 E Sunset Rd., Ste. E-3, Henderson, NV 89014
Richardson Wetzel Architects is a joint venture between Steven Richardson and Michael Wetzel. Richardson is a past director of AIA and an expert in communications and schedule management. Wetzel is responsible for over $900 million worth of projects over the years of his professional career. The firm is committed to providing exceptional design in commercial, healthcare, hospitality, and industrial projects.
The firm’s portfolio is filled with locally-relevant spaces, including Lindbergh. The firm took inspiration from boutiques in Australia and design cues related to aviation: Lindbergh resembles an airplane hangar with a sleek structure and a straightforward layout. This project won the 2016 NAIOP Tenant Improvements Retail Project Honor Award.
