North Carolina’s largest city is witnessing the strongest urban growth of any city in the South, according to a May 25, 2017 article in the Charlotte Business Journal. Much of that growth began in the 1970s, when two international banks made the Queen City their home. Since then, Charlotte’s population has exploded and its urban center has transformed into a financial stronghold. Charlotte is now the second largest banking center in the country. Its economic development is reflected in the city’s imposing skyline, and many of the architectural firms listed below have contributed to this growth. Some of the firms have main offices out of town — or state. But they all share one thing in common: a mission to design commercial structures that reflect sustainable living and civic responsibility.