--- title: "Galbraith Carnahan Architects — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/galbraith-carnahan-architects-pfvwus-pf~689140411 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~689140411.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Galbraith Carnahan Architects" category: ["Architects"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/4b73fd6f04876f97_2072-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "Wauwatosa, Wisconsin 53213, United States" phone: "(414) 291-0772" website: http://galbraithcarnahan.com/ rating: 5 review_count: 4 best_of_houzz_awards: 6 followers: 39 last_updated: 2026-08-28 --- # Galbraith Carnahan Architects Original Houzz profile: [Galbraith Carnahan Architects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/galbraith-carnahan-architects-pfvwus-pf~689140411) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Architects - **Location:** Wauwatosa, WI - **Serves:** Milwaukee, Madison, Kenosha, Racine, Oshkosh, West Allis, Sheboygan, Wauwatosa, Brookfield, New Berlin, Menomonee Falls, Greenfield, Muskego, South Milwaukee, Cudahy, Oconomowoc, Whitefish Bay, Greendale, Shorewood, Glendale, Brown Deer, Saint Francis, Waukesha, Lake Geneva, Hales Corners, Delafield, Fox Point, Elm Grove, Bayside, West Milwaukee, Butler, River Hills, Lannon, Cedar Rapids, Chicago, Des Moines, Dubuque, Evanston, Highland Park, Illinois, Iowa, Lake Forest, Michigan, Minneapolis, Minnesota, Rockford, Wisconsin - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (4 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 6 awards (2015–2024), for Design, Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - 1,000 Ideabook Saves Galbraith Carnahan Architects (GCA) is a team of creative minds who guide clients to the most authentic manifestation of their vision. We design buildings and spaces that have a deep connection to human nature and the environment in which they are built. Function and feeling are seamlessly integrated. We immerse ourselves in your story, goals, and desires to make your vision a reality. The result isn’t simply a building — it’s an experience that feels meant to be. ### Services Provided - Architectural Design - Architectural Drawings - Custom Homes - New Home Construction - Sustainable Design - 3D Rendering - Green Building - Historic Building Conservation - Passive Solar Heating & Cooling ### Areas Served - Milwaukee - Madison - Kenosha - Racine - Oshkosh - West Allis - Sheboygan - Wauwatosa - Brookfield - New Berlin - Menomonee Falls - Greenfield - Muskego - South Milwaukee - Cudahy - Oconomowoc - Whitefish Bay - Greendale - Shorewood - Glendale - Brown Deer - Saint Francis - Waukesha - Lake Geneva - Hales Corners - Delafield - Fox Point - Elm Grove - Bayside - West Milwaukee - Butler - River Hills - Lannon - Cedar Rapids - Chicago - Des Moines - Dubuque - Evanston - Highland Park - Illinois - Iowa - Lake Forest - Michigan - Minneapolis - Minnesota - Rockford - Wisconsin ### Typical Job Cost $500,000 - 20 million ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Galbraith Carnahan Architects | | Address | Wauwatosa, Wisconsin 53213, United States | | Phone | (414) 291-0772 | | Website | http://galbraithcarnahan.com/ | | License Number | 9858-005 | | Followers on Houzz | 39 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/galbraithcarnahan - LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/company/j-galbraith-architects-llc?trk=tyah&trkInfo=tas%3Agalbraith+car%2Ci - Blog — www.galbraithcarnahan.com ## Offers (DEMO) OFFERS _(DEMO) DISCLAIMER_ ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Galbraith Carnahan Architects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/galbraith-carnahan-architects-pfvwus-pf~689140411) - **Website:** http://galbraithcarnahan.com/ - **Phone:** (414) 291-0772 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - Licensed Architects - LEED Accredited Professionals - **Best of Houzz:** 6 awards (2015–2024), for Design, Service. ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 4 reviews** ### All 4 reviews **★★★★★ — J T, May 2016** > I hired GCA to design a remodel of the "master" bathroom in the upstairs of my 1920's bungalow. The bathroom was in an awkward location and windowless, and I wanted to expand it while simultaneously preserving existing spaces. Joe Galbraith came up with creative ways to add space and modernize & expand the bathroom while only tearing down one wall. > I am very pleased with my new bathroom and highly recommend Galbraith Carnahan. **★★★★★ — Carrie King, Aug. 2015** > Joe created a design that transformed a small breezeway into a gorgeous space that blends beautifully with our home. With multiple options to address tricky roof lines, Joe presented designs for our budget, as well as a design of my dreams. With a small addition, cathedral ceiling, gas fireplace and an archway into the kitchen, this new room is the focal point of our house. **★★★★★ — hvacr123, Dec. 2014** > I hired Galbraith Carnahan because I had a seldom used rear porch that I wanted to turn into an all seasons room. I had this vision in my mind of what I wanted it to look like. They came up with a design which was just incredible. It was far better than what my vision was. They took a back porch and made it into a beautiful all seasons window room that looks like it has always been part of the house. I would and have recommend them to others. Very professional, friendly, and most of all on time and on budget. **★★★★★ — zylkazoo2009, Dec. 2014** > Joe and Nick are the best architects, easy to work with, listen to what you are saying and will approach your specific needs simply and logical. They asked the right questions and compiled that information into a house we absolutely love. > > They will put your needs first, on multiple occasions I asked them for their time and within a matter of 24 hours, I had it. Their team is very client/team orientated and will help you achieve your architectural goals. ## Selected projects - [Gallery Shed](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/gallery-shed-pj-vj~6710962) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 16 - Description: Gallery Shed was conceived following a client’s vision to live in a home that had no resemblance to the standard three bedroom, two bath construction that fill subdivisions across the Midwest. They requested simplicity, a budget conscious modern aesthetic, and lastly, a place to house their rotating art collection. Empowered by the client’s enthusiasm for something unequivocal of the norm, ‘Gallery Shed’ was born. The home’s layout orients itself around a central spine composed of five skylights… - [Cottage Commons](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/cottage-commons-pj-vj~6710955) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 8 - Description: GCA was approached by developerwho was aiming to revamp the typical suburban condo housing model. He had assembled a 5 acre parcel near an historic village area in a very desirable suburb of Milwaukee. Instead of following the norm and plotting out large footprint, duplex and quad condominiums with no formal sense of arrangement, we looked to a model that was pioneered by Ross Chapin in the Pacific Northwest called a Pocket Neighborhood. “Pocket neighborhoods make up small clusters of houses in… - [Pool Shelter](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/pool-shelter-pj-vj~820661) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 6 - Description: This structure was designed to provide an intimate gathering space within a tranquil backyard garden. Adjacent to the pool, this area had to provide shelter for the owners with enough flexibility to host varying sizes of parties. The paramount concern in the design was not to overwhelm the already stunning backyard setting. Any decisions made in the shape and size of the structure was weighed against their impacts on the overall whole. The precisely detailed shelter pulled many of its cues from… - [Passive House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/passive-house-pj-vj~1683877) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 4 - Description: Passive House design that incorporated existing ruins helping to enhance the meaning of this retreat in the woods and provided a reference to its place in history. - [Musician's Studio](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/musician-s-studio-pj-vj~1683873) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 5 - Description: Originally constructed in 1918 as servants’ quarters, the starting point for this addition & remodel was a maze-like series of small rooms, hallways, and closets. With a seven-foot ceiling throughout, the space was claustrophobic and formed a barrier between the main portion of the house and the lush backyard garden. The initial steps in the project were to take the tabula rasa approach and wipe out all of the interior walls. We then worked closely with the contractor to reinforce the floors and… - [Urban Farmhouse](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/urban-farmhouse-pj-vj~5540431) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 5 - Description: Dubbed the “Urban Farmhouse”, this restoration and addition to an 1890’s Dubuque home was intent on creating a place of rural inspired solace within the dense urban context. A number of interior walls (and ceilings) were removed to create a light filled interior and combat the fact that the house was located several feet from neighboring houses on either side. The age of the existing house presented challenges from a structural standpoint, but it also offered unique features and materials that h… - [Urban Loft Apartments](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/urban-loft-apartments-pj-vj~5540437) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 2 - Description: Turn-of-the-century building conversion into hip, downtown urban lofts. - [Garden Room Addition](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/garden-room-addition-pj-vj~2517615) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 5 - Description: Modern Garden Room Addition to an existing Cape Cod home. The addition expanded useable living space activating the relationship between the homes interior and the incredible backyard garden space. - [Clear Lake House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/clear-lake-house-pj-vj~5541978) - Location: Three Rivers, MI - Photos: 11 - Description: Nestled on an intermediate landing of a steep acclivity, this family retreat takes advantage of prospective views over a lake named after its crystal clear waters. The interior and exterior form a strong union with one focused goal in mind; create shelter that accentuates the home’s scenic surroundings. The subdued exterior palette allows the landscape to take the visual lead while the clean, minimal interior aids in showcasing Nature’s intricacies from framed-view vantage points. This home cele… - [Water's Edge Townhomes](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/water-s-edge-townhomes-pj-vj~5541991) - Location: Sheboygan, WI - Photos: 7 - Description: The Water’s Edge project in Sheboygan involved the construction of 10 townhome condominiums on the site of a former lumber yard. The area had been undeveloped for many years due to the poor underlying soils. This development was finally made possible through the engineering of a geofoam and shallow concrete mat footing system. While relatively simple apearing on it’s exterior, there was extensive detailing involved to keep the project within Wisconsin’s more cost effective residential building c… - [Craftsmen Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/craftsmen-residence-pj-vj~820776) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 4 - Description: Project designed in 2014, construction to start in spring of 2016. - [Coastal Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/coastal-residence-pj-vj~821118) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 2 [See all 12 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/galbraith-carnahan-architects-pfvwus-pf~689140411) ## Community Q&A **Q: Lake Michigan retreat** *(in Photo Questions)* Planning a ski chalet. What was used for the kitchen countertop A: Hi Patricia, It is a quartz countertop with light gray veining --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-08-28.*