131 Top Architecture Firms in the World (Updated 2025)
While chatting with a young architecture student yesterday, I casually asked him which top architecture firms he admired most and followed for inspiration. His hesitation and lack of familiarity with prominent firms caught me off guard. It reminded me of how, as a student, discovering trailblazing architects and their work profoundly shaped my own perspective.
Inspired by this interaction, I felt compelled to create a resource—a guide highlighting some of the world’s top architecture firms. This article aims to ignite curiosity, offering a glimpse into the creative minds and iconic works that define contemporary and historical architecture. For students and enthusiasts alike, it’s a starting point to explore and draw inspiration from the architects shaping our built environment.
Top Architecture Firms in the World
Here, we listed top architecture firms in the world. From Perkins Eastman, Gensler, HKS Inc. , AECOM, HDR, Sweco, to Foster + Partners, and Perkins + Will. Let’s discover more about 131 top architecture firms in the world.
USA
1. Perkins Eastman
Location: USA
Employee: 832
Fee Income: 270 – 279m
Perkins Eastman, headquartered in New York, is one of the top architecture firms with 1,000 employees across 17 offices. Founded in 1981, it remains under the leadership of its founders, Bradford Perkins and Mary-Jean Eastman. The firm embraces a “philosophy of convergence,” integrating diverse practices, disciplines, and perspectives to deliver holistic and practical solutions.
In both 2018 and 2019, Perkins Eastman was recognized with 17 major architectural awards, honoring projects such as the mixed-use District Wharf in Washington, D.C., the School of Nursing and Science at Rutgers University in New Jersey, and renovation work at New York’s Tenement Museum.
With eight offices across the United States, the firm also maintains a global presence in Canada, Ecuador, the UAE, China, and India.
2. Gensler
Location: USA
Employee: 3,069
Fee Income: 1bn-1.5bn
Gensler is a globally recognized architecture and design firm, operating in 48 cities across the world with a workforce of over 6,000 employees. In 2018, the firm reported a turnover of $1.2 billion.
Founded in 1965, Gensler is headquartered in San Francisco, though some of its most iconic projects, such as the Shanghai Tower in China and Incheon National Airport in South Korea, are located outside the United States.
This is one of the top architecture firms is dedicated to shaping the urban environment, emphasizing that “cities are the sum of their parts.” Gensler claims expertise in a wide range of sectors, including airports, hotels, schools, offices, health and wellness centers, sports venues, and entertainment destinations. Additionally, it runs several civic engagement programs aimed at addressing homelessness, enhancing community well-being, and mentoring the next generation of architects.
3. HKS, Inc.
Location: USA
Employee: 707
Fee Income: 170m-179m
HKS is one of the top architecture firms that prioritizes research as a core element of its practice, supported by a dedicated “lab” within its Dallas headquarters. Established in 1939, the firm has completed landmark projects such as 311 South Wacker Drive in Chicago, the Atlantic Paradise Island resort in the Bahamas, and numerous stadiums across the United States. Over its history, HKS has contributed to projects with a combined value of nearly $70 billion.
The firm employs 1,400 professionals across 24 offices, predominantly in the United States, with additional locations in Mexico City, London, Dubai, Tokyo, Shanghai, Singapore, and New Delhi. Beyond architecture, HKS provides a broad range of services, including interior design, structural engineering, and branded experiences, among others.
4. AECOM
Location: USA
Employee: 1,236
Fee Income: 380m-389m
Aecom is a global leader in architecture, design, and a wide range of other disciplines, including engineering, archaeology, and risk management. Recognized as one of Fortune magazine’s Most Admired Companies for six consecutive years, Aecom reported an impressive revenue of $20.2 billion in the 2019 fiscal year.
Although established in 1990, the company builds on the legacies of predecessor firms with histories spanning over a century. Aecom’s portfolio features high-profile projects such as major international airports (JFK, LAX, Sydney, Abu Dhabi, and Hong Kong), Singapore’s Marina Bay, and the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.
Headquartered in Los Angeles, Aecom operates globally with a workforce of 87,000 spread across offices in cities like London, Abu Dhabi, Singapore, Hong Kong, Brisbane, and Gurugram in northern India.
5. HDR
Location: USA
Employee: 1,404
Fee Income: 500m-599m
HDR, founded in 1917, is a long-established, employee-owned firm with a global workforce of over 10,000 people. Headquartered in Omaha, it operates more than 225 offices across the United States, Europe, Asia, and Australia, generating an annual revenue of $2.2 billion.
A pioneer in sustainability, HDR became the first architectural and engineering firm to join the U.S. Green Building Council in 1994. This commitment has earned the firm numerous accolades, including awards for sustainability and the prestigious Grand Conceptor Award for engineering excellence.
HDR’s diverse portfolio often emphasizes environmental intervention. Notable projects include the Hoover Dam Bypass on the Arizona-Nevada border and the Life, Earth, and Environmental Sciences Building at the University of Sydney.
6. Perkins + Will
Location: USA
Employee: 2500
Fee Income: 595m-615m
Perkins and Will, founded in 1935 by Lawrence B. Perkins and Philip Will, Jr., is a global interdisciplinary design practice with architecture at its core. Recognized as a North American leader in the field, the firm is celebrated for its exceptional design and extensive expertise. Its philosophy emphasizes design excellence that serves broader societal goals, with a strong focus on prioritizing people in every aspect of its work.
Headquartered in Chicago, Perkins and Will is renowned for its innovative, people-centric approach to projects. The firm also offers a distinctive digital museum experience, allowing visitors to explore its rich design legacy through archived sketches, plans, and photographs.
7. ZGF Architects
Location: USA
Employee: 750–800
Fee Income: 230m–250m
ZGF Architects is a leading American design practice known for its seamless integration of architecture, interior design, and urban planning. Established in 1942 in Portland, Oregon, the firm is acclaimed for its human-centered and environmentally responsible approach. ZGF’s work demonstrates a deep commitment to sustainability, wellness, and innovation, with projects ranging from cutting-edge healthcare facilities to dynamic urban developments. Its collaborative philosophy unites creativity and technical excellence, earning the firm numerous design and sustainability awards across the globe.
8. SOM (Skidmore, Owings & Merrill)
Location: USA
Employee: 1,200–1,300
Fee Income: 400m–420m
Founded in 1936, Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) stands as one of the most influential architecture, interior design, and engineering firms in the world. With offices spanning major global cities, SOM is celebrated for shaping skylines with iconic works such as the Burj Khalifa and One World Trade Center. The firm blends bold architectural vision with advanced technology and environmental innovation, continually redefining modern design. SOM’s multidisciplinary practice and pioneering research culture position it as a global leader in creating structures that embody timelessness, efficiency, and beauty.
9. NBBJ
Location: USA
Employee: 800–900
Fee Income: 250m–270m
Founded in 1943, NBBJ is a global architecture and design firm headquartered in Seattle, renowned for crafting spaces that enhance human experience and performance. With a diverse portfolio spanning healthcare, corporate, civic, and education sectors, NBBJ has collaborated with leading organizations such as Google, Amazon, and Microsoft. The firm integrates data, design, and research to create environments that inspire well-being and innovation. NBBJ’s forward-thinking approach continues to shape cities and communities around the world with a distinct blend of creativity and functionality.
10. Corgan
Location: USA
Employee: 900–1,000
Fee Income: 310m–330m
Corgan, founded in 1938 and based in Dallas, Texas, is a leading architecture and design firm recognized for its expertise in aviation, education, healthcare, and corporate projects. The firm’s design philosophy is rooted in performance-driven solutions that align with human needs and environmental responsibility. Known for its research-based practice, Corgan creates adaptable and future-ready spaces that support well-being and productivity. With a strong focus on innovation and client collaboration, Corgan continues to redefine the boundaries of contemporary architectural practice.
11. HOK
Location: USA
Employee: 1,500–1,600
Fee Income: 470m–490m
HOK, established in 1955 in St. Louis, Missouri, is one of the world’s largest and most respected design firms, offering expertise in architecture, engineering, interior design, and planning. Guided by a mission to enrich lives through design, HOK has built a reputation for projects that balance aesthetic vision with technical and sustainable innovation. The firm’s portfolio spans across continents and industries—from aviation to sports architecture—reflecting a consistent pursuit of design excellence and environmental stewardship.
12. KPF (Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates)
Location: USA
Employee: 700–750
Fee Income: 320m–340m
Founded in 1976, Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates (KPF) is a global architecture firm based in New York, renowned for its iconic high-rise buildings and large-scale urban projects. KPF’s work exemplifies a balance between creativity, functionality, and sustainability, with landmark projects including the Shanghai World Financial Center and Hudson Yards. The firm’s international portfolio reflects a deep understanding of context, culture, and innovation, positioning KPF as a driving force in shaping the future of urban architecture worldwide.
13. Morphosis Architects
Location: USA
Employee: 100–150
Fee Income: 80m–100m
Founded in 1972 by Thom Mayne, Morphosis Architects is a Los Angeles–based interdisciplinary firm known for its experimental and avant-garde approach to architecture. The practice pushes the boundaries of form, technology, and material innovation, creating buildings that are both sculptural and functional. Morphosis’s portfolio spans cultural, educational, and institutional projects, such as the Emerson College Los Angeles and the Cooper Union Academic Building in New York. Its design philosophy merges art and science to shape progressive environments for a rapidly evolving world.
14. Safdie Architects
Location: USA / Canada
Employee: 150–200
Fee Income: 70m–90m
Led by visionary architect Moshe Safdie, Safdie Architects is an internationally acclaimed design practice headquartered in Boston with offices in Jerusalem, Singapore, and Shanghai. Established in 1964, the firm gained early recognition with the groundbreaking Habitat 67 in Montreal, setting the foundation for a career defined by humanistic and socially responsive architecture. Safdie Architects’ designs—such as Marina Bay Sands and the Jewel Changi Airport—reflect a deep respect for nature, community, and cultural context.
15. Snøhetta
Location: Norway / USA
Employee: 300–400
Fee Income: 150m–180m
Founded in 1989 in Oslo, Snøhetta is an internationally acclaimed multidisciplinary firm operating at the intersection of architecture, landscape, and design. The firm’s democratic and collaborative ethos has produced some of the world’s most celebrated works, including the Oslo Opera House and the National September 11 Memorial Museum Pavilion in New York. Snøhetta’s projects embody a balance between nature, technology, and culture, consistently redefining the role of design in fostering inclusive and sustainable environments.
UK
16. Foster + Partners
Location: UK
Employee: 483
Fee Income: 310m-319m
Founded by Norman Foster in 1967, Foster + Partners is a globally acclaimed studio known for its commitment to sustainable architecture, urbanism, engineering, and design. The firm operates through a network of international offices and places significant emphasis on individual involvement across all aspects of its work.
Foster + Partners is structured around six architectural studios, with partners who are shareholders taking full responsibility for their projects. To maintain the highest design standards, the practice relies on its Design Board, which rigorously reviews each project at every stage of its development, ensuring alignment with the firm’s core design principles.
17. Zaha Hadid Architects
Location: United Kingdom
Employee: 400–450
Fee Income: 250m–270m
Zaha Hadid Architects, established by the visionary architect Zaha Hadid, has gained global recognition for its avant-garde contributions to contemporary architecture. Awarded the Pritzker Prize in 2004, Hadid’s legacy embodies a seamless fusion of urbanism, design, and advanced research. The firm explores the dynamic relationships between architecture, landscape, and geology, harmonizing natural topography with cutting-edge technologies. Its bold, fluid structures have redefined architectural form and expression, captivating audiences worldwide. Collaborating with leading artists, engineers, and innovators, the practice continues to pioneer complex geometries and digital design techniques that push the limits of architectural possibility.
18. Heatherwick Studio
Location: United Kingdom
Employee: 180–200
Fee Income: 150m–170m
Heatherwick Studio is a London-based collective of designers, architects, and makers committed to enriching the built environment through creativity and invention. Operating as a workshop and design studio, the practice produces an extraordinary range of work spanning buildings, masterplans, objects, and infrastructure. With a focus on human experience, Heatherwick Studio’s philosophy transcends fixed design styles, creating soulful and engaging places that celebrate complexity and connection. Its projects, recognized globally for their innovation and social impact, demonstrate a consistent pursuit of meaning, craftsmanship, and imagination.
19. Adjaye Associates
Location: United Kingdom / USA / Ghana
Employee: 150–200
Fee Income: 100m–120m
Founded in 2000 by Sir David Adjaye OBE, Adjaye Associates is a global practice inspired by cultural diversity and rooted in contextual design. With studios in London, New York, and Accra, the firm’s work bridges architecture, art, and social impact. Its celebrated portfolio includes the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, DC—hailed as a defining cultural achievement. Through a holistic approach that spans architecture, furniture, and masterplanning, Adjaye Associates consistently explores the power of form, material, and narrative to foster identity and belonging.
20. David Chipperfield Architects
Location: United Kingdom / Germany / Italy / China / Spain
Employee: 300–350
Fee Income: 180m–200m
Founded in 1985, David Chipperfield Architects is a distinguished international practice known for its refined design ethos and timeless architectural language. With offices in London, Berlin, Milan, Shanghai, and Santiago de Compostela, the firm delivers projects that reflect sensitivity to context and material precision. Beyond architecture, it engages in product design and territorial planning through initiatives like Fundación RIA, promoting sustainable regional development. Consistently recognized for design excellence, the practice upholds a commitment to clarity, permanence, and civic value in the built environment.
21. Squire and Partners
Location: United Kingdom
Employee: 250–300
Fee Income: 120m–140m
With over four decades of experience, Squire & Partners is a London-based practice celebrated for creating architecture deeply rooted in cultural and historical context. The firm’s portfolio spans masterplans, residential and commercial developments, educational institutions, and public buildings. Its multidisciplinary team includes specialists in model-making, visualization, and interior design, ensuring a holistic creative process. Each project reflects a thoughtful response to its environment, integrating proportion, heritage, and material richness to craft enduring, contextually sensitive architecture.
22. Alison Brooks Architects
Location: United Kingdom
Employee: 60–80
Fee Income: 60m–80m
Founded in 1996, Alison Brooks Architects (ABA) is a London-based practice internationally recognized for its innovative and socially responsive designs. With a portfolio encompassing urban regeneration, cultural buildings, education, and housing, ABA’s work is grounded in research and a deep understanding of context. Each project reflects a strong conceptual narrative, blending clarity, identity, and human experience. The firm’s design integrity and attention to detail have earned widespread acclaim, establishing it as one of the UK’s most respected contemporary studios.
23. Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners (RSHP)
Location: United Kingdom
Employee: 180–200
Fee Income: 170m–190m
Established in 1977 as the Richard Rogers Partnership and renamed Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners in 2007, the firm is recognized globally for its socially driven and technically refined architecture. With offices across London, Paris, Melbourne, and Shanghai, RSHP’s portfolio spans civic, cultural, and commercial projects. Its design philosophy emphasizes functionality, transparency, and human connection, transforming complex sites into spaces of purpose and beauty. Guided by decades of innovation, RSHP continues to shape architecture that uplifts communities and advances sustainability.
24. 6a Architects
Location: United Kingdom
Employee: 50–70
Fee Income: 50m–60m
Founded in 2001 by Tom Emerson and Stephanie Macdonald, 6a Architects has established a reputation for its nuanced approach to art spaces, education buildings, and residential projects. The firm is known for its sensitivity to heritage and context, often revitalizing historic structures through contemporary interventions. Its award-winning projects—such as the South London Gallery and Juergen Teller Studio—exemplify a commitment to craftsmanship, material honesty, and refined spatial experience. Through thoughtful design, 6a Architects continues to redefine the dialogue between old and new.
25. Hopkins Architects
Location: United Kingdom / United Arab Emirates
Employee: 150–200
Fee Income: 120m–140m
Hopkins Architects is an award-winning international practice based in London and Dubai, renowned for its rational design methodology and mastery of materials and structure. Founded on the principles of clarity, functionality, and craftsmanship, the firm has shaped some of the most significant buildings in modern British architecture, including Portcullis House and the London 2012 Olympic Velodrome. Its designs blend technological sophistication with contextual sensitivity, producing spaces that are efficient, elegant, and enduring.
Canada
Location: Canada
Employee: 20–30
Fee Income: 15m–20m
Omar Gandhi Architects is a Canadian architectural practice with intimate studios in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and Toronto, Ontario. Renowned for its bespoke modern design, the firm emphasizes authenticity, craftsmanship, and human connection. Each project reflects a deep respect for context and the people who inhabit its spaces. With a hands-on, collaborative approach, the studio balances technical precision with emotional depth, producing architecture that feels both personal and timeless.
Location: Canada
Employee: 90–100
Fee Income: 50m–60m
ACDF Architecture, led by Maxime-Alexis Frappier, Joan Renaud, and Étienne Laplante Courchesne, is a Montreal-based firm that blends responsibility with innovation and vision with generosity. Driven by the belief that beauty should be accessible to all, the studio delivers design-forward projects across diverse scales and typologies. ACDF’s work reflects a unique fusion of North American pragmatism and European artistry, transforming constraints into opportunities for poetic expression. With a vibrant team spirit and passion for creativity, the firm consistently crafts architecture that touches both heart and mind.
28. MGA | Michael Green Architecture
Location: Canada
Employee: 40–60
Fee Income: 40m–50m
MGA | Michael Green Architecture is one of Canada’s most internationally celebrated practices, acclaimed for its pioneering role in sustainable and carbon-neutral design. Headquartered in Vancouver, the firm is renowned for advancing the use of wood in large-scale construction and promoting environmental stewardship. Its collaborative and multidisciplinary team integrates architecture, interior design, and landscape to deliver projects that balance innovation with warmth and integrity. Through research and craftsmanship, MGA continues to redefine what sustainable architecture can achieve.
29. KPMB Architects
Location: Canada
Employee: 150–180
Fee Income: 100m–120m
KPMB Architects is a Toronto-based, award-winning firm recognized globally for its innovative and human-centered approach to architecture. The practice embraces complexity through a hybrid methodology that integrates design, sustainability, and cultural context. Its diverse portfolio spans education, healthcare, and cultural projects that aim to improve both civic life and environmental conditions. Rooted in collaboration and driven by purpose, KPMB continues to shape meaningful architecture that balances visionary thinking with pragmatic design solutions.
Top Projects: Boston University Center for Computing & Data Sciences (Boston, USA), Beaverbrook Art Gallery (New Brunswick, Canada), Science Commons – University of Lethbridge (Lethbridge, Canada)
30. Lemay
Location: Canada
Employee: 400–420
Fee Income: 200m–220m
Founded in 1957, Lemay is a leading Canadian design firm shaping spaces that inspire growth and connection. With over 400 architects, designers, and innovators, the practice combines creativity with environmental responsibility through its NET POSITIVE™ approach, emphasizing sustainable design that benefits both people and planet. Lemay’s transdisciplinary culture fosters collaboration across architecture, urban design, and branding, resulting in forward-thinking spaces that engage communities and drive positive change.
31. MJMA Architecture & Design
Location: Canada
Employee: 60–70
Fee Income: 60m–70m
MJMA Architecture & Design is a Toronto-based multidisciplinary firm with a 30-year legacy of creating spaces that strengthen community and connection. Known for its civic and recreational architecture, the practice combines innovation with empathy, designing environments that enrich social life and well-being. With more than 75 national awards, MJMA’s work exemplifies design excellence grounded in collaboration and purpose. The firm’s projects reflect its enduring commitment to making architecture a catalyst for positive change.
32. Atelier RZLBD
Location: Canada
Employee: 5–10
Fee Income: 5m–8m
Atelier RZLBD is a Toronto-based art and architecture studio founded by Reza Aliabadi (OAA, MRAIC). Operating at the intersection of architecture, design, and culture, the practice creates projects that are conceptually rich and deeply personal. Beyond traditional practice, the studio curates exhibitions, publishes zines, and engages in critical dialogues about space and form. Each project is an exploration of spatial poetry—minimal yet meaningful—embodying a bold, creative spirit that challenges convention and celebrates individuality.
33. Henriquez Partners Architects
Location: Canada
Employee: 80–100
Fee Income: 60m–80m
Henriquez Partners Architects, based in Vancouver, is a firm devoted to harmonizing ethics and aesthetics through architecture. Every project reflects a dedication to cultural, environmental, and economic sustainability. With a collaborative and technically skilled team, the practice delivers thoughtful, enduring buildings that enrich their communities. Its portfolio demonstrates a consistent pursuit of integrity, combining artistry with craftsmanship to achieve architecture that is both socially meaningful and architecturally timeless.
34. Hariri Pontarini Architects
Location: Canada
Employee: 100–120
Fee Income: 80m–100m
Founded in 1994 by Siamak Hariri and David Pontarini, Hariri Pontarini Architects is a Toronto-based firm celebrated for its modern landmarks and conceptual depth. The studio’s award-winning portfolio spans institutional, commercial, and residential architecture, with each project rooted in clarity, proportion, and light. Recognized for exceptional craftsmanship and refined design thinking, the practice has received global acclaim for its human-centered and spiritually resonant architecture.
35. Akb Architects
Location: Canada
Employee: 10–15
Fee Income: 10m–15m
Established in 2004, Akb Architects is a Toronto-based studio led by Robert Kastelic and Kelly Buffey, known for its poetic approach to contemporary architecture. The practice seeks to reveal the intangible essence of space through disciplined design, meticulous detailing, and an unwavering dedication to conceptual purity. With expertise spanning architecture and interior design, Akb crafts spaces that harmonize light, proportion, and materiality. Each project embodies elegance, precision, and a deep sensitivity to site and atmosphere.
United Arabia
36. Dewan Architects + Engineers (DAE)
Location: Abu Dhabi, UAE
Employee: 500–600
Fee Income: 150m–170m
Founded in 1984 by Mohamed Al Assam after relocating from Iraq to the UAE, Dewan Architects + Engineers has grown into one of the Gulf region’s top three architectural and engineering firms. Ranked among the world’s top 50 design practices, DAE is known for seamlessly blending local heritage with environmental sustainability. With offices in Dubai, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Iraq, India, and the Philippines, the firm continues to expand its global footprint while maintaining a deep connection to regional culture and context.
37. Godwin Austen Johnson (GAJ)
Location: Dubai, UAE
Eployee: 110+
Fee Income: 80m–90m
Godwin Austen Johnson (GAJ) is a multidisciplinary practice offering architecture, interior design, and MEP engineering across the Middle East and North Africa. With over 110 professionals representing more than 20 nationalities, GAJ delivers design excellence in hospitality, education, commercial, and master planning sectors. The firm’s legacy in the UAE is marked by its innovative approach, commitment to cultural identity, and ability to craft environments that inspire and endure.
38. X Architects
Location: Dubai, UAE
Employee: 60–80
Fee Income: 50m–70m
Established in 2003 by Ahmed Al-Ali and Farid Esmaeil, X Architects is a Dubai-based design firm that fuses Arab-Islamic traditions with contemporary and sustainable design principles. Recognized globally for projects like the Wasit Wetland Centre—winner of the Aga Khan Award for Architecture—X Architects embodies a contextual and environmentally conscious design philosophy. Their work celebrates cultural identity while redefining modern urbanism in the Gulf region.
39. NAGA Architects
Location: Dubai, UAE
Employee: 200–250
Fee Income: 100m–120m
Founded in 2000, NAGA Architects is an award-winning multidisciplinary firm offering expertise in urban master planning, architecture, interior design, landscape, and construction management. With offices across the Middle East and the United States, the firm provides comprehensive design and consultancy services. NAGA’s success lies in its ability to integrate creative design solutions with market intelligence, delivering projects that balance innovation, functionality, and beauty.
40. Archidentity
Location: Dubai, UAE
Employee: 50–70
Fee Income: 40m–60m
Founded in 2009 by Ahmed Abdulrahman Bukhash, Archidentity is renowned for its postmodern reinterpretation of Gulf vernacular architecture. The firm integrates regional symbolism and cultural heritage within a contemporary design language, creating a unique architectural identity. Honored in Architectural Digest Middle East’s AD100 2025, Archidentity continues to shape the UAE’s architectural landscape through sustainable, culturally resonant, and contextually grounded projects.
41. EDGE Architects
Location: Dubai & Abu Dhabi, UAE
Employee: 150–200
Fee Income: 90m–110m
Established in 2009, EDGE is a leading architectural and consultancy firm known for its holistic approach to architecture, interior design, and master planning. The firm’s commitment to design excellence and environmental responsibility has earned multiple awards, including the Cityscape Global Award for Best Residential Medium–High Rise. EDGE’s portfolio spans residential, hospitality, and commercial sectors, consistently merging innovation with practicality.
42. Killa Design
Location: Dubai, UAE
Employee: 100–150
Fee Income: 90m–110m
Founded in 2015 by architect Shaun Killa, Killa Design is celebrated for its visionary, sustainable, and context-driven architecture. The studio’s designs—such as the Museum of the Future—exemplify its forward-thinking philosophy and commitment to innovation. Specializing in high-rise, mixed-use, and hospitality developments, Killa Design has earned numerous accolades, including Architecture Firm of the Year (2021), for redefining the architectural landscape of Dubai.
43. Diar Consult
Location: Dubai & Abu Dhabi, UAE
Employee: 120–150
Fee Income: 70m–90m
Founded in London in 1986 by Samir Daoud and established in the UAE a year later, Diar Consult is a multidisciplinary design firm specializing in architecture, landscape, and urban design. The firm’s philosophy emphasizes regionalism and environmental sensitivity, producing culturally and climatically responsive architecture. Acclaimed for projects like Al Bahar Towers, Diar Consult has received international recognition for design excellence and innovation.
44. RMJM FZ-LLC
Location: Dubai, UAE
Employee: 300–400
Fee Income: 120m–140m
RMJM FZ-LLC represents the Middle Eastern arm of RMJM, one of the world’s most established architectural networks founded in 1956. Based in Dubai Design District, the firm integrates global expertise with regional insights, delivering projects across architecture, interior design, and urban planning. RMJM FZ-LLC’s design philosophy emphasizes innovation, sustainability, and cultural relevance, resulting in landmark projects across the Middle East and beyond.
45. JT + Partners
Location: Dubai, Abu Dhabi & Beirut
Employee: 100–120
Fee Income: 70m–90m
JT + Partners is an award-winning international practice specializing in architecture, master planning, and integrated design. Guided by principles of sustainability, climate responsiveness, and contextual sensitivity, the firm creates distinctive environments that reflect both global vision and local culture. With a diverse portfolio spanning the Middle East, Africa, and Asia, JT + Partners continues to deliver projects that balance innovation, luxury, and environmental awareness.
Netherlands
46. Mecanoo
Location: Delft, Netherlands
Employee: 200–250
Fee Income: 80m–100m
Founded in 1984, Mecanoo is an internationally acclaimed architecture firm led by Francine Houben and a team of partners. With a diverse team representing 25 nationalities, the firm integrates architecture, interior, urban, and landscape design. Mecanoo’s philosophy—People, Place, Purpose, and Poetry—guides projects that are sustainable, culturally resonant, and socially meaningful. Their work emphasizes consultation, context, and human-centric design, creating spaces that inspire and endure.
47. KAAN Architecten
Location: Rotterdam, Netherlands
Employee: 100–120
Fee Income: 50m–70m
KAAN Architecten, led by Kees Kaan, Vincent Panhuysen, and Dikkie Scipio, is known for its interdisciplinary approach and commitment to critical dialogue within architecture, urbanism, and research. With satellite offices in São Paulo and Paris, the firm blends practical and academic expertise to tackle complex design challenges. KAAN Architecten creates projects that are thoughtful, adaptive, and responsive to contemporary societal needs.
48. Powerhouse Company
Location: Rotterdam, Netherlands
Employee: 100
Fee Income: 30m–50m
Founded in 2005, Powerhouse Company has grown from humble beginnings to a multidisciplinary practice with studios in Rotterdam, Oslo, and Munich. Led by Nanne de Ru and partners, the firm focuses on creating meaningful, functional, and socially relevant architecture. Powerhouse Company integrates form, function, and context to deliver projects that enhance communities and urban life.
49. MVRDV
Location: Rotterdam, Netherlands
Employee: 200–250
Fee Income: 90m–110m
Founded in 1993 by Winy Maas, Jacob van Rijs, and Nathalie de Vries, MVRDV is a research-driven, globally active architectural firm. With offices in Rotterdam, Shanghai, Paris, Berlin, and New York, the firm emphasizes collaboration, stakeholder engagement, and innovative design solutions. MVRDV’s projects—spanning mixed-use buildings, housing, adaptive reuse, and urban planning—demonstrate a bold approach that blends creativity with functionality.
50. OMA
Location: Rotterdam, Netherlands
Employee: 300–350
Fee Income: 120m–150m
OMA, co-led by Rem Koolhaas and eight partners, is a globally renowned firm specializing in architecture and urbanism. With offices in Rotterdam, New York, Hong Kong, Doha, and Australia, OMA delivers landmark projects while advancing research through AMO, its interdisciplinary design studio. The firm applies architectural insight across industries and cultural projects, blending innovation with social impact.
51. Atelier Kempe Thill
Location: Antwerp, Belgium
Employee: 50–70
Fee Income: 20m–40m
Atelier Kempe Thill embraces the balance between functional flexibility and architectural identity. Founded in the 1990s, the firm creates contemporary buildings that adapt to changing needs while retaining distinctive spatial qualities. Their work is recognized for addressing both practical and aesthetic challenges in a socially responsive manner.
52. MVSA Architects
Location: Rotterdam, Netherlands
Employee: 80–100
Fee Income: 30m–50m
MVSA Architects delivers innovative, sustainable, and functional architectural solutions with a multidisciplinary team covering architecture, interior, structural engineering, sustainability, and project management. By integrating modern contractual models and collaborative design approaches, MVSA ensures client objectives are met while creating environments that promote wellbeing and connectivity.
53. Paul de Ruiter Architects
Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands
Employee: 50–60
Fee Income: 25m–35m
Founded in 1994, Paul de Ruiter Architects focuses on innovation, sustainability, identity, and interaction. The Amsterdam-based firm emphasizes stakeholder engagement and proactive design processes to create architecture that is forward-thinking, contextually responsive, and inspiring. Their office operates in a converted steel workshop, fostering a collaborative and dynamic creative environment.
54. NEXT Architects
Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands
Employee: 70–90
Fee Income: 30m–50m
NEXT Architects, founded in 1999, specializes in architecture, urban planning, and landscape design. Known for connecting people through innovative spatial concepts, the firm addresses social challenges while advancing urban innovation. NEXT Architects’ collaborative and research-driven approach ensures projects are impactful, practical, and imaginative.
55. Architecten Bureau Cepezed
Location: Delft, Netherlands
Employee: 100–120
Fee Income: 40m–60m
Founded in 1973, Cepezed emphasizes user-friendly, sustainable, and flexible architecture that maximizes natural light and spatial quality. Expanding into development, construction, and interior design through dedicated divisions, Cepezed delivers holistic solutions across residential, commercial, healthcare, and infrastructure projects. Their work balances aesthetics, efficiency, and functionality.
56. BIG – Bjarke Ingels Group
Location: Copenhagen, Denmark
Employee: 500+
Fee Income: 200m+
Founded in 2005 by Bjarke Ingels, BIG is an internationally acclaimed firm recognized for bold, innovative architecture. With offices in Copenhagen, New York, London, Barcelona, and Shenzhen, the multidisciplinary team spans a variety of typologies, including cultural, residential, commercial, and urban masterplans. BIG’s “yes is more” philosophy embraces collaboration, experimentation, and adaptability, integrating advanced technologies and sustainable solutions to reimagine contemporary architecture.
57. C.F. Møller Architects
Location: Aarhus, Denmark
Employee: 350
Fee Income: 120m+
Founded in 1924, C.F. Møller Architects is a leading Nordic practice blending simplicity, functionality, and human-centric design. With offices in Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and Germany, the firm emphasizes sustainable, energy-efficient architecture and holistic urban planning. Its diverse portfolio spans residential, commercial, healthcare, education, and cultural sectors, reflecting a commitment to innovation and long-term societal impact.
58. Henning Larsen Architects
Location: Copenhagen, Denmark
Employee: 200–250
Fee Income: 80m–100m
Founded in 1959 by Henning Larsen, the firm creates architecture rooted in Scandinavian design values. Known for vibrant, sustainable, and human-centered projects, Henning Larsen Architects integrates artistic audacity with rigorous research. Their work delivers meaningful engagement and lasting value for users while harmonizing with local contexts.
59. JDS ARCHITECTS
Location: Copenhagen, Denmark
Employee: 60–80
Fee Income: 30m–50m
JDS ARCHITECTS is a multidisciplinary studio that spans architecture, urban planning, and furniture design. The firm thrives on collaborative processes and socially driven design, transforming research and analysis into visionary architectural solutions. Their projects foster engagement, creativity, and community enrichment across diverse scales.
60. Cobe
Location: Copenhagen, Denmark
Employee: 100–120
Fee Income: 50m–70m
Cobe designs sustainable, human-centric architecture and urban spaces that enrich everyday life. Founded in Copenhagen, the firm emphasizes environmental responsibility, resource efficiency, and long-lasting solutions. Its work encompasses neighborhoods, buildings, and landscapes designed to endure and inspire.
61. ADEPT
Location: Copenhagen, Denmark
Employee: 80–100
Fee Income: 40m–60m
ADEPT prioritizes human-scale design and a “Place over Building” philosophy, viewing cities as dynamic ecosystems. The Copenhagen-based studio works across urban planning, architecture, and public spaces, creating adaptable and socially responsive environments that integrate ecological and cultural values.
62. CEBRA
Location: Aarhus, Denmark
Employee: 65+
Fee Income: 25m–40m
Founded in 2001, CEBRA combines creativity, functionality, and innovation across architecture, urban planning, and landscape design. With offices in Aarhus, Copenhagen, and Abu Dhabi, the firm delivers projects that are socially, environmentally, and culturally responsive, ensuring meaningful and enduring impact.
63. Dorte Mandrup Arkitekter
Location: Copenhagen, Denmark
Employee: 50–60
Fee Income: 25m–35m
Established in 1999, Dorte Mandrup Arkitekter is internationally recognized for innovative, contextually responsive architecture. The studio focuses on cultural, educational, recreational, and housing projects, blending creativity with social, environmental, and historical awareness.
64. EFFEKT
Location: Copenhagen, Denmark
Employee: 30
Fee Income: 15m–25m
Founded in 2007, EFFEKT specializes in architecture, urbanism, and research. Driven by the principle of positive societal impact, the firm creates projects that generate lasting social, economic, and environmental benefits. EFFEKT’s work emphasizes sustainability, innovation, and community engagement.
65. Pluskontoret Arkitekter
Location: Aarhus, Denmark
Employee: 25–35
Fee Income: 10m–20m
Founded in 1993, Pluskontoret Arkitekter focuses on collaborative and context-driven design. The firm emphasizes meaningful architecture tailored to clients’ values and vision, integrating light, sound, and form to craft inspiring and enduring spaces.
India
66. Sanjay Puri Architects
Location: Mumbai, India
Employee: 100+
Fee Income: 15m–25m
Founded in 1992, Sanjay Puri Architects is internationally acclaimed for its innovative and sustainable designs. The firm emphasizes contextual, experiential architecture across residential, hospitality, commercial, and educational sectors. Sanjay Puri has served on the World Architecture Festival jury and the firm has won 360+ awards, solidifying its global reputation.
67. Architecture BRIO
Location: Mumbai, India; Rotterdam, Netherlands
Employee: 30–50
Fee Income: 5m–10m
Founded in 2006, Architecture BRIO focuses on sustainable, contextually responsive design. Led by Robert Verrijt and Shefali Balwani, the firm integrates architecture and interior design with environmental sensitivity. Their portfolio includes residential, institutional, and cultural projects that harmonize with the natural environment.
68. Gaurav Roy Choudhury Architects (GRCA)
Location: Bangalore, India
Employee: 20–30
Fee Income: 2m–5m
Founded in 2007, GRCA focuses on deep engagement with each project, emphasizing innovative, contextually appropriate design. Their work spans residential, commercial, and industrial architecture, balancing traditional elements with contemporary strategies.
69. The Purple Ink Studio
Location: Bengaluru, India
Employee: 10–20
Fee Income: 1–3m
Established in 2011, The Purple Ink Studio is recognized for its experimental and layered design approach. The firm emphasizes contextual, unconventional architecture that balances freedom with rootedness. Its projects span residential, commercial, and educational sectors.
70. Studio Lotus
Location: New Delhi, India
Employee: 60–80
Fee Income: 8–12m
Founded in 2002, Studio Lotus integrates sustainability, local crafts, and contextual sensitivity into architecture, interiors, and adaptive reuse projects. The multidisciplinary firm works across hospitality, institutional, corporate, cultural, and residential sectors, creating immersive, human-centric spaces.
71. Morphogenesis
Location: New Delhi, India
Employee: 150–200
Fee Income: 25–40m
Established in 1996 by Manit and Sonali Rastogi, Morphogenesis is a leading sustainable architecture and urban design firm. The practice combines traditional Indian elements with modern technology, delivering environmentally responsive designs for educational, corporate, and urban projects.
72. Studio Ardete Pvt Ltd
Location: Chandigarh, India
Employee: 15–25
Fee Income: 1–3m
Founded in 2010, Studio Ardete is known for unconventional, immersive architectural and interior designs. Their work spans residential, commercial, institutional, and hospitality sectors, focusing on innovative, experiential architecture.
73. Abin Design Studio
Location: Kolkata, India
Employee: 20–30
Fee Income: 2–4m
Established in 2005, Abin Design Studio blends contemporary design with traditional Indian aesthetics. The firm’s portfolio includes residential, commercial, and institutional projects, emphasizing functionality and cultural resonance.
74. C P Kukreja Architects (CPKA)
Location: New Delhi, India; New York, USA
Employee: 200+
Fee Income: 20–30m
Founded in 1969, CPKA is a multidisciplinary design firm specializing in architecture, urban planning, engineering, and sustainability consulting. The firm is recognized for master planning, smart city projects, and sustainable solutions, with a strong presence in India and globally.
75. Hafeez Contractor
Location: Mumbai, India
Employee: 100–150
Fee Income: 15–25m
Established in 1982, Hafeez Contractor is one of India’s largest architectural practices. The firm has designed some of India’s tallest and most iconic buildings, spanning residential, commercial, educational, and infrastructural projects. Contractor was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 2016 for his contributions to architecture.
Germany
76. Sauerbruch Hutton
Location: Berlin, Germany
Employee: 50–80
Fee Income: 5–10m
Founded in 1989, Sauerbruch Hutton is an international architecture, urbanism, and design agency. Led by Matthias Sauerbruch, Louisa Hutton, Juan Lucas Young, and a team of associates, the firm emphasizes sustainable, contextually responsive solutions. Their work focuses on materiality, sensory space, and technological innovation across a variety of program types.
77. HENN
Location: Munich, Berlin, Beijing
Employee: 350+
Fee Income: 40–60m
HENN has over 70 years of expertise in workplace, culture, health, education, research, production, and master planning. Led by Gunter Henn and twenty-two partners, the firm combines progressive design, interdisciplinary research, and global experience. HENN integrates project-specific processes, demands, and cultural contexts into all stages of planning and implementation.
78. Barkow Leibinger Architekten
Location: Berlin, Germany; New York, USA
Employee: 50–70
Fee Income: 8–12m
Founded in 1993 by Frank Barkow and Regine Leibinger, Barkow Leibinger Architekten adopts a research-based, discursive approach. The firm works across scales from offices and industrial buildings to cultural, housing, and public installations, combining innovation with technological advancement.
79. Behnisch Architekten
Location: Stuttgart, Munich, Boston
Employee: 100–150
Fee Income: 15–25m
Founded in 1989, Behnisch Architekten delivers high-quality architecture integrating environmental responsibility, creativity, and public purpose. Led by Stefan Behnisch and partners, the firm offers comprehensive services from architecture to landscape design, project management, and general planning.
80. GRAFT
Location: Berlin, Germany; Los Angeles, USA; Beijing, China
Employee: 60–90
Fee Income: 10–15m
Established in 1998, GRAFT operates at the intersection of architecture, urban planning, design, and culture. The firm emphasizes interdisciplinary creativity, crossing boundaries between architecture, exhibition design, product design, art installations, and academic projects across global locations.
81. J. Mayer H. und Partner Architekten
Location: Berlin, Germany
Employee: 40–60
Fee Income: 5–10m
Mayer H. und Partner Architekten specializes in projects that merge architecture, communication, and new technology. The firm explores spatial relationships between humans, technology, and nature, delivering innovative solutions recognized with awards such as the Mies van der Rohe Award and Holcim Award.
82. Kadawittfeld Architektur
Location: Aachen, Germany
Employee: 160+
Fee Income: 20–30m
Founded in 1999, Kadawittfeld Architektur takes an interdisciplinary approach linking architecture, interior, and product design with urban planning. The firm emphasizes sustainable, user-oriented architecture that integrates volumes, materials, and functions into their surroundings.
83. Tchoban Voss Architekten
Location: Hamburg, Dresden, Berlin
Employee: 50–80
Fee Income: 8–12m
Established in 1970, Tchoban Voss Architekten delivers architecturally and functionally sustainable solutions for public and private clients. The firm focuses on residential, commercial, hospitality, industrial, educational, and cultural projects, including the conversion of historic structures.
84. Max Dudler
Location: Berlin, Zürich, Frankfurt, Munich
Employee: 30–50
Fee Income: 5–8m
Founded in 1992, Max Dudler’s practice spans architecture, urban planning, transportation, historic preservation, exhibition, and furniture design. The firm applies a conceptual approach to diverse contexts, balancing traditional architectural tasks with broader spatial strategies.
85. Staab Architekten
Location: Nuremberg, Germany
Employee: 50–80
Fee Income: 8–12m
Founded in 1991, Staab Architekten focuses on the essential, translating complex architectural conditions into simple, plausible forms. The firm emphasizes the careful conceptual use of form, material, and color in public, cultural, educational, and office buildings.
Iran
86. Hooba Design Group
Location: Tehran, Iran
Founded: 2007
Founder: Hooman Balazadeh
Employees: 16–40
Hooba Design Group is a Tehran-based firm recognized for harmonizing contemporary design with cultural and geographical contexts. Their work spans interiors, commercial, residential, and urban projects, emphasizing light, color, and local materials. The firm has received international recognition, including the Popular Choice Winner at the 11th Annual A+Awards.
87. Next Office
Location: Tehran, Iran
Founded: 2009
Founder: Alireza Taghaboni
Employees: 20–50
Next Office blends architecture, art, and contextual sensitivity. Known for projects like the Sharifi-ha House and Guyim Vault House, the firm embraces modularity and innovation rooted in Iranian architectural traditions. Alireza Taghaboni won the inaugural Royal Academy Dorfman Award in 2018 for forward-looking architecture.
88. Ayeneh Office
Location: Tehran, Iran
Founded: 2001
Founders: Ali Soltani, Atefeh Karbasi
Employees: 15–35
Ayeneh Office focuses on contextual responsiveness, integrating environmental and cultural elements into architecture. Their diverse portfolio includes residential, commercial, cultural, and public projects. Recognized among Iran’s top 30 firms by Architizer in 2023, they emphasize innovation and sensitivity to surroundings.
89. Ashari Architects
Location: Shiraz, Iran
Founded: 2005
Employees: 40–60
Ashari Architects and Associates delivers architecture, interiors, and landscaping with an experiential focus. The firm has completed nearly 200 projects, winning national and international awards, including the Medal of Excellence by the Iranian Contemporary Architects Office in 2019. Their work prioritizes dynamic interaction between interior and exterior spaces.
Location: Tehran, Iran
Founded: 2005
Founder: Mehran Khoshroo
Employees: 15–30
Olgoo Architecture Office frames projects around central “questions,” enabling deep research and contextual integration. Their projects include residential, commercial, and cultural works, with international recognition such as the World Architecture Festival finalist for the System Warehouse project.
91. Modaam Architects
Location: Tehran, Iran
Founded: 2009
Founders: Sanaz Ghaemmaghami, Mojtaba M. Zaheri
Employees: 25–50
Modaam Architects emphasizes context, integrating environmental, social, economic, and anthropological factors. Their 100+ projects include offices, sports complexes, residential, leisure centers, and pharmaceutical facilities. Notable projects reflect cultural and environmental integration.
92. ReNa Design
Location: Tehran, Iran
Founded: 2012
Founder: Reza Najafian
Employees: 10–25
ReNa Design combines architecture, interiors, and research with an emphasis on functionality and contextual relevance. The firm won an Architizer A+Award in 2016 for the Afsharian’s House, showcasing a sculptural, wood-fronted facade that integrates environmental and social considerations.
93. ZAV Architects
Location: Iran
Employees: 10–30
ZAV Architects transforms overlooked local resources into adaptable spaces, embracing cultural craftsmanship. Their work, like the Typeless Building on Hormuz Island, emphasizes multifunctionality, local materials, and a deep connection to cultural heritage.
94. New Wave Architecture
Location: Tehran, Iran
Founded: 2006
Employees: 150
New Wave Architecture has over 120 projects, spanning education, healthcare, retail, residential, and recreational facilities. Recognized nationally and internationally, they explore innovative architectural expressions while addressing human needs and global communication.
95. CAAT Studio
Location: Tehran, Iran
Founded: 2015
Founder: Mahdi Kamboozia
Employees: 10–25
CAAT Studio bridges design concepts with construction execution, emphasizing narratives unique to each project. Notable works include the Kahrizak Residential Building and Chitgar Commercial Bridge, integrating traditional Iranian patterns with contemporary urban solutions.
Sweden
96. Wingårdh Arkitektkontor
Location: Stockholm, Sweden
Employees: ~100
Founded in 1977 by Gert Wingårdh, Wingårdh Arkitektkontor is renowned for blending Scandinavian minimalism with bold, expressive design. The firm creates functional, sustainable, and contextually relevant architecture, ranging from cultural buildings to commercial and residential projects. They emphasize narrative, light, materiality, and urban context to craft memorable spaces.
97. White Arkitekter
Location: Gothenburg, Sweden (offices across Sweden, Norway, Denmark, UK)
Employees: ~900
White Arkitekter is one of Scandinavia’s largest firms, specializing in sustainable, human-centered architecture across urban planning, healthcare, education, residential, and public projects. The firm emphasizes research, collaboration, and societal impact, embedding sustainability and social responsibility in every design.
98. Tham & Videgård Arkitekter
Location: Malmö, Sweden
Employees: ~50
Founded in 1992, Tham & Videgård Arkitekter is known for contextually sensitive architecture emphasizing materiality and spatial experience. They work across housing, cultural, and educational sectors, blending craftsmanship with modern Scandinavian design principles.
99. Elding Oscarson
Location: Stockholm & Gothenburg, Sweden
Employees: ~25
Elding Oscarson, established in 1998, focuses on urban development, public spaces, and cultural projects. Their philosophy emphasizes functionality, aesthetic clarity, and creating spaces that encourage social interaction and community engagement.
100. White Arkitekter Göteborg
Location: Gothenburg, Sweden
Employees: ~150
The Gothenburg branch of White Arkitekter specializes in urban planning, healthcare, and cultural projects, combining Scandinavian design values with international best practices to develop sustainable and human-centered architecture.
101. CF Møller Sweden
Location: Stockholm, Sweden
Employees: ~120
CF Møller Sweden, part of the Danish CF Møller Group, focuses on sustainable architecture and urban development. Their projects include housing, commercial, and public buildings, emphasizing environmental responsibility, quality craftsmanship, and human-centric design.
102. Urban Design Group
Location: Stockholm, Sweden
Employees: ~60
Founded in 2001, Urban Design Group specializes in urban planning, landscape architecture, and public infrastructure. They focus on creating adaptive, sustainable, and socially inclusive environments that respond to community and ecological needs.
103. Tham & Videgård Malmö
Location: Malmö, Sweden
Employees: ~40
The Malmö branch specializes in housing, urban infill, and public architecture. Their philosophy emphasizes material honesty, contextual sensitivity, and functional design to create visually striking and socially meaningful projects.
104. White Arkitekter Stockholm
Location: Stockholm, Sweden
Employees: ~200
White Arkitekter’s Stockholm office focuses on high-impact urban, healthcare, and educational projects. Their philosophy combines sustainability, human-centered solutions, and long-term societal benefits, producing functional, aesthetically refined, and environmentally responsible architecture.
105. Sweco
Location: Stockholm, Gothenburg, Malmö, Sweden
Employee: ~250 (within Sweco group)
Founded in 1958, Sweco is a European firm that adheres to its distinctive Sweco model, built on four key principles: client focus, attracting and retaining the best employees, internal efficiency, and a decentralized organizational structure.
The firm operates across eight business areas, covering 13 countries in Northern Europe. Its recent high-profile projects include work on the UK’s largest Antarctic science research hub, a net-zero office building redevelopment near London Bridge, and the new Aarhus Stadium in Denmark.
Japan
106. Kengo Kuma & Associates
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Employees: ~150
Founded in 1990 by Kengo Kuma, the firm is renowned for integrating traditional Japanese craftsmanship with contemporary design. Their philosophy emphasizes natural materials, light, and harmony with the environment, creating buildings that blend with their context while innovating in form and texture.
107. SANAA (Sejima and Nishizawa and Associates)
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Employees: ~60
Founded by Kazuyo Sejima and Ryue Nishizawa in 1995, SANAA is known for minimalist, elegant, and light-infused architecture. The firm emphasizes transparency, simplicity, and spatial fluidity, creating structures that redefine the perception of interior and exterior spaces.
108. Toyo Ito & Associates
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Employees: ~120
Founded by Toyo Ito in 1971, the firm merges conceptual innovation with practical design. Ito focuses on architecture that responds to contemporary urban life while exploring technology, light, and form. The firm’s work is known for poetic minimalism and fluid structures.
109. Nikken Sekkei
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Employees: ~2,000
Nikken Sekkei, founded in 1900, is one of Japan’s largest architectural firms. They provide integrated design solutions spanning architecture, urban planning, and infrastructure. Their philosophy emphasizes technical excellence, sustainability, and human-centered environments.
110. Shigeru Ban Architects
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Employees: ~40
Founded by Shigeru Ban in 1985, the firm is internationally recognized for innovative use of materials, especially paper and recyclable resources. Ban emphasizes humanitarian design, sustainability, and socially responsible architecture.
111. Atelier Bow-Wow
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Employees: ~20
Founded in 1992 by Yoshiharu Tsukamoto and Momoyo Kaijima, Atelier Bow-Wow specializes in urban infill projects and small-scale housing. They focus on micro-architecture, ecological design, and research-driven approaches that respond to dense urban environments.
112. Kisho Kurokawa Architect & Associates
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Employees: ~80
Founded by Kisho Kurokawa in 1970, the firm embraces Metabolism and sustainable urbanism. They integrate futuristic design with human-centered urban spaces and prioritize modular, adaptable architecture.
113. Architectural Design Studio Nikken Sekkei Ltd.
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Employees: ~1,500 (part of Nikken Sekkei group)
Specializing in urban planning, mixed-use developments, and commercial architecture, this branch emphasizes sustainable, integrated design strategies with innovative engineering and construction methods.
114. Suppose Design Office
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Employees: ~25
Founded in 1998, the office focuses on residential, retail, and small-scale urban projects. Their philosophy blends modern minimalism with contextual sensitivity, emphasizing material experimentation and spatial innovation.
115. Nendo
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Employees: ~50
Founded by Oki Sato in 2002, Nendo combines architecture, interior, and product design. Their design philosophy focuses on simplicity, playful concepts, and transforming ordinary objects or spaces into innovative experiences.
116. Nihon Sekkei
Location: Japan
Employee: 575
Fee Income: 150m-159m
Nihon Sekkei, founded in 1967 in Sapporo and Nagoya, has grown into a prominent architectural firm with additional offices in Shanghai and Hanoi. Employing nearly 1,000 professionals, the firm generates an estimated annual turnover of $180 million.
Guided by its philosophy of “Think ++,” Nihon Sekkei emphasizes the co-creation of future values with clients and the public, integrating these ideas into the built environment.
The firm’s impact is evident across urban Japan, particularly in its skyscrapers. Notable projects include Itoman City Hall in Okinawa, Mitsui Memorial Hospital in Tokyo, and international works such as the Shanghai Pudong Library.
HongKong
117. Rocco Design Architects Limited
Location: Hong Kong
Employees: ~200
Founded in 1979 by Rocco Yim, the firm is renowned for combining modern design with contextual sensitivity. Their philosophy emphasizes cultural relevance, sustainability, and human-centric spaces that enhance urban life.
118. Atelier Alter Architects
Location: Hong Kong
Employees: ~40
Founded in 2007, the firm focuses on contemporary architecture with a strong emphasis on craftsmanship, materiality, and spatial clarity. They integrate urban context and environmental responsiveness into every project.
119. Norman Foster + Partners (Hong Kong Office)
Location: Hong Kong
Employees: ~150 (Hong Kong office)
The global firm’s Hong Kong office focuses on high-rise commercial and urban projects, emphasizing sustainability, advanced technology, and elegant, functional design.
120. Ronald Lu & Partners
Location: Hong Kong
Employees: ~350
Established in 1976, the firm offers comprehensive architectural, urban planning, and interior services. They prioritize sustainable design and contextual integration while delivering high-quality, innovative solutions.
121. WOHA Architects (Hong Kong Studio)
Location: Hong Kong
Employees: ~50 in Hong Kong (part of Singapore-based firm)
WOHA emphasizes sustainable urban design, vertical greenery, and energy-efficient architecture. Their work seeks to address high-density urban challenges while enhancing livability.
122. Dennis Lau & Ng Chun Man Architects & Engineers (DLN)
Location: Hong Kong
Employees: ~400
Founded in 1968, the firm is known for large-scale infrastructure, commercial, and residential developments. Their design philosophy integrates structural innovation with contextual relevance and user-centric functionality.
123. Edward Suzuki Associates
Location: Hong Kong
Employees: ~30
The boutique firm specializes in residential, retail, and interior projects. Their design approach emphasizes minimalism, high-quality materials, and a seamless dialogue between interior and exterior spaces.
124. Tony Fretton Architects (Hong Kong Projects)
Location: Hong Kong
Employees: ~25 in Asia
Tony Fretton Architects emphasizes sensitive, context-driven architecture with a focus on materials, light, and human experience. Their Hong Kong projects often blend international design sensibilities with local culture.
125. LWK + Partners
Location: Hong Kong
Employees: ~700
Founded in 1983, LWK + Partners is a full-service design practice offering architecture, interior, and master planning. The firm prioritizes sustainable design, urban integration, and culturally responsive solutions.
126. Aedas
Location: Hong Kong
Employee: 684
Fee Income: 220m-229m
Aedas, founded in 2002 through the merger of firms from Hong Kong, Australia, and the UK, has rapidly grown into a global architectural practice. The company employs 1,400 staff across 12 offices, with eight in Asia, two in the Middle East, and one each in Europe and the United States.
Reflecting its ethos that “a diverse world is a more interesting world,” Aedas’s directors come from a variety of cultural backgrounds. The firm offers services beyond architecture, including interior and urban design.
Despite its relatively young history, Aedas has completed over 100 projects and received significant recognition. At the 2020 International Design Awards, it earned nine honors, including accolades for the Mongolia National History Museum and the Zhengzhou Cultural District in China.
Indonesia
127. Andra Matin Architect
Location: Jakarta, Indonesia
Employees: ~50
Founded by Andra Matin, the firm is known for contemporary, minimalistic designs that integrate local culture and environmental considerations. Their projects span residential, commercial, and cultural sectors, blending tradition with modernity.
128. Budi Pradono Architects
Location: Jakarta, Indonesia
Employees: ~35
Established by Budi Pradono, this firm emphasizes experiential and context-driven architecture. Their work often incorporates natural light, landscape integration, and sustainable materials to create unique spaces.
129. TWS & Partners
Location: Jakarta, Indonesia
Employees: ~60
TWS & Partners focuses on high-end residential, hospitality, and commercial architecture. They integrate local cultural references with modern design principles, emphasizing materiality and spatial experience.
130. SHAU (Studio Haryanto & Associates)
Location: Jakarta, Indonesia
Employees: ~40
SHAU emphasizes architecture that resonates with Indonesian context while exploring contemporary forms. Their projects prioritize sustainability, natural ventilation, and harmony with surroundings.
131. Han Awal Architects
Location: Jakarta, Indonesia
Employees: ~30
Founded by Han Awal, the firm is recognized for modernist residential architecture that balances aesthetics, functionality, and cultural references. They focus on adaptive design solutions suitable for tropical climates.
Resources: aaup | archdaily | archisoup | architizer