Characterised by functionality and sustainability, Swedish architecture emerges from its deep connections to the Nordic Landscape. With a rich history dating back to 800AD, Sweden's architectural style has evolved to reflect shifting cultural and societal influences. From medieval castles to modernist homes to sustainable buildings that harmonise with the natural environment, the country boasts a prolific architectural landscape.
A recurring theme in Swedish architecture is the display of profound respect for heritage and nature while forging ahead with innovative design that reflects the principles of simplicity, functionality, and light. Keeping the threads of modernism intact, Swedish architects harness light, textures and natural elements to craft living spaces that are warm, inviting and in harmony with the surroundings. The following list is a selection of 25 architectural firms that continue to redefine the Swedish architectural legacy.
White Arkitekter is a leading Scandinavian-based architectural practice, specializing in sustainable architecture, urban design, landscape architecture, and interior design. It was founded in 1951 in Gothenburg by Sidney White and has since expanded its reach internationally. With a dedicated team of approximately 800 employees, the firm maintains offices spanning Sweden, Norway, the United Kingdom, Germany, Canada, and East Africa, working towards the vision of fostering sustainable living through the art of architecture.
2. Wingårdhs Arkitektkontor AB
Wingårdhs, after four decades of architectural pursuit, has evolved into a significant firm in Sweden. The firm prides itself on its diverse team, whose skills are a product of its steadfast commitment to exploring every aspect of the architectural craft. Its projects' scale and diversity reflect the firm's large and small commissions, allowing experimentation and fostering control. Originally focusing on interiors and architecture, its expertise has expanded to urban planning, exhibition design, and even furniture and lighting fixtures.
3. LINK arkitektur
LINK arkitektur, Scandinavia's largest architectural firm with 500 professionals spanning 15 cities in Denmark, Norway, and Sweden, is driven by the goal of crafting sustainable and socially impactful architecture that enhances people's lives and delivers profitability for clients. The firm’s commitment extends beyond minimal environmental impact; they prioritize substantial societal value. Through a foundation of sustainability and innovation, it aims to create spaces that enrich lives, ensuring a high quality of life for all individuals.
Bolle Tham and Martin Videgård established their architectural practice in Stockholm in 1999, embarking on an evolutionary journey marked by experimentation and global influence. The firm's portfolio spans various domains, from educational buildings and modern art museums to housing, exhibition design, and the acclaimed Tree Hotel in Harads. Its exceptional contributions have garnered prestigious accolades, including Sweden's Sveriges Arkitekter's Kasper Salin Prize for projects like the Kalmar Museum of Art and the KTH School of Architecture in Stockholm. Tham & Videgård's impactful work has been showcased at major international architecture exhibitions and museums, such as the Venice Architecture Biennale, the Victoria & Albert Museum in London, and the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art in Denmark.
5. Johan Sundberg Architectural Design
Johan Sundberg Arkitektur AB collaborates with clients across Sweden, specializing in private residences, multi-family homes, interiors, and unique projects. The firm's foundation lies in Johan Sundberg's architectural work, gaining early recognition with Villa Bergman Werntoft in 2006, a project originally conceived as a thesis, which was nominated for the 2007 Debut Prize by the Swedish architecture magazine Arkitektur. This marked the beginning of numerous successful projects, including acknowledgement as one of the world's most promising young architectural firms in the Wallpaper Architects Directory 2010. Today, Johan Sundberg Architecture, based in Lund, shares responsibilities with associate architects and has been featured in architecture publications worldwide.
Kjellander Sjöberg is a medium-sized, multinational firm, led by partners Mi Inkinen, Ola Kjellander, and Stefan Sjöberg, founded in Stockholm in 1998. This award-winning office is renowned for contemporary architecture, urban design, and architectural discourse. KS' architectural approach focuses on unlocking the full potential of space and form by honouring local identity and conditions while simultaneously discovering fresh connections, programs, and spatial organization within buildings, blocks, and cityscapes. Environmental sustainability is a core principle for KS, influencing individual behaviours, lifestyles, buildings, urban areas, and entire cities.
Förstberg Ling, established in 2015 by Björn Förstberg and Mikael Ling, operates as an architectural and design studio. The firm's work, spanning buildings, interiors, furniture, and objects, is marked by a blend of technical precision and aesthetic sensibility. It prioritizes design with long-lasting quality and ethical integrity with a focus on concepts and materiality. In 2017, Wallpaper magazine featured Förstberg Ling in its Architects' Directory.
Established in 2007, Elding Oscarson was founded on the belief that their founders' diverse architectural backgrounds could provide meaningful and innovative solutions to a wide array of architectural challenges. The firm has since become a prominent player in contemporary Scandinavian architecture, known for its distinctive and boundary-pushing designs. Elding Oscarson's diverse portfolio spans various fields, scales, and building types, allowing the firm to critically rethink established norms while delivering precise and considerate solutions. The firm has received numerous awards for its work, including the prestigious Kasper Salin Prize, and its projects, both in Sweden and abroad, have received widespread recognition through publications.
KAMINSKY ARKITEKTUR comprises 60 employees and maintains offices in both Stockholm and Gothenburg. The firm is dedicated to crafting sustainable architecture with an artistic touch. This internationally acclaimed architectural firm has received recognition and awards from esteemed competitions, including the Green Dot Award, MIPIM Awards, and the World Architecture Festival. Known for its resolute commitment to sustainability, the firm actively participates in contemporary discussions.
AART, a leading architectural firm with a dedicated team of 300 professionals, including architects, urban planners, engineers, designers, and anthropologists, spans its influence across Scandinavia. Its vision focuses on creating forward-looking cities, landscapes, and buildings that prioritize the well-being of individuals. AART believes in reshaping the way we think about architecture, not just in how we perceive and discuss it but also in strategically harnessing its potential to drive positive change worldwide. The firm has coined this transformative concept as "Redefining Architecture™."
GIPP arkitektur, founded by the talented duo Endl Bäckström and Petra Gipp, is based in Stockholm. The firm has been turning heads since 2009 with its unique architectural creations that seem to dance on the boundary between traditional architecture and captivating sculptures. GIPP's projects have received numerous awards and distinctions and have been showcased in both national and international exhibitions, including four appearances at the Venice Biennale.
12. Olsson Lyckefors Arkitektur
Olsson Lyckefors Arkitektur, formerly known as Bornstein Lyckefors Arkitekter, has its roots in Sweden. It was founded by Per Bornstein and Andreas Lyckefors in Gothenburg back in 2011, and later joined by partner Johan Olsson in 2012. In 2018, they expanded to Stockholm. The team now consists of 34 professionals, from architects to interior designers, operating in both Gothenburg and Stockholm. The firm's work is diverse, spanning research, architecture, and interior design for various clients, from individuals to corporations and public institutions. What defines the practice is a commitment to crafting inventive spaces that explore the poetic aspects of architecture.
Claesson Koivisto Rune is a Swedish architectural collaboration that originated in Stockholm back in 1995, founded by Mårten Claesson, Eero Koivisto, and Ola Rune. Starting as an architectural practice, it has blossomed into a globally renowned, multi-faceted firm equally dedicated to both architecture and design. Their innovative approach has received significant recognition, including the prestigious Prince Eugen Medal for outstanding artistic achievement in architecture awarded by King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden in 2021. Their work has left its mark on every continent, and they notably made history as the first Swedish office to showcase their designs in the international section of the Venice Architecture Biennale in 2004.
In 2001, AIX Arkitekter AB emerged from the merger of six architectural firms, marking the beginning of a collective journey. Housed in the historic Industricentralen building, originally envisioned by Ragnar Östberg, a prominent Swedish architect of the early 1900s, AIX has been rooted there since the 1970s. Currently, AIX stands as one of the largest architectural practice in Sweden, led by 12 senior partners and a dedicated team of approximately 40 employees. This diverse group comprises architects, structural engineers, urban architects, heritage conservationists, theater consultants, and interior and lighting designers. AIX's central mission is to craft spatial experiences where form and function harmonize, creating environments that evoke emotions.
Note Design Studio is a dynamic design collective that operates globally, known for its innovative and versatile approach. Founded in Stockholm in 2008, the studio's expertise spans various fields, including architecture, interiors, product design, strategy, graphic design, and art direction. The studio seamlessly merges its extensive background with an adaptable, forward-thinking mindset, consistently uncovering new creative prospects.
Founded in 1972, Joliark, welcomes an alternative perspective that blends creativity, practicality, and an extensive wealth of experience, going beyond the ordinary and embracing a broader context. Specializing in urban planning, new construction, and renovation, Joliark displays expertise in residential environments and demonstrates exceptional prowess in laboratory and medical industry design.
Marge Arkitekter works across all scales of architecture, with a central focus on human needs and experiences. The foundation of its design methodology is rooted in in-depth analysis and program development, where it thoroughly examines site and program requirements based on both physical and social aspects. Marge Arkitekter crafts buildings, urban spaces, and interiors with a conscientious commitment to all aspects of sustainability. Marge Arkitekter was established in 2002 by Pye Aurell Ehrström, Katarina Grundsell, Louise Masreliez, and Susanne Ramel and currently comprises around 40 members.
Murman Arkitekter has a rich history dating back to its founding by Hans Murman in 1985. From its early work with prestigious advertising agencies in Stockholm, the firm has since expanded its portfolio to include a wide range of projects. With a team of 35 creative professionals, Murman Arkitekter's expertise spans the entire architectural process, from initial planning to intricate interior design. Notably, it possesses unique proficiency in modern and environmentally sustainable timber construction. Presently, the firm is co-owned by a dedicated group consisting of Ulla Alberts, Helena Andersson, Erik Hovlin, Truls Håkansson, and Molly Möller, with continued active involvement from founder Hans Murman himself.
Reflex Architects is a dynamic multidisciplinary team dedicated to creating architecture that fosters connections with nature and oneself. The team's diverse backgrounds serve as a source of strength, fueling innovative perspectives and enriching their collective creative process. Reflex Architects is known for its responsiveness, embracing the element of surprise as it uncovers hidden potential in every project. Headquartered in Stockholm and Gothenburg, they undertake assignments both nationally and internationally, building on a legacy that began in 1999.
20. Anders Berensson Architects
Founded by Anders Berensson in 2015 in Stockholm, Sweden, Anders Berensson Architects draws inspiration and energy from the distinct circumstances presented by each client and project, devoid of preconceived design notions. This versatile office embraces the diversity of clients, both large and small, and celebrates the variety it encounters. Its work has garnered global recognition.
Tengbom is one of the leading architectural practice in Scandinavia with a focus in crafting beautiful and sustainable spaces. Its multidisciplinary expertise extends from architecture, urban development, and landscape and interior design to project management, sustainability, accessibility, and advanced digital methodologies. While headquartered in Scandinavia, Tengbom's global experience is evident through its fifteen offices, which extend across Sweden and reach Helsinki, Finland, reflecting its international footprint.
22. Arrhov Frick Arkitektkontor
Johan Arrhov and Henrik Frick co-founded Arrhov Frick in 2010 in Stockholm, later welcoming Carlos Nieto as a partner in 2017. The architectural practice prioritizes simplicity in construction and maintenance, emphasizing functionality, structural efficiency, and construction logic. With comprehensive expertise across all construction phases, including BIM management, the firm has been recognized with honours like 'Architect of the Year' by Residence magazine in 2018 and a nomination for the European Union Prize for Contemporary Architecture in 2019. Its work is globally celebrated through publications, exhibitions, lectures, and teaching engagements.
Appell Arkitektkontor, founded by Gustav Appell in 2007 in Stockholm, recognizes construction as a collaborative effort. It prioritizes professional expertise and precision and readily assembles and leads consultant teams for various aspects like structural engineering, architectural acoustics, and landscape design. Additionally, Appell offers project management and construction cost estimation services. Appell Arkitektkontor has earned recognition through architectural competitions, receiving awards like Gothenburg's Best Building in 2014 and nominations for prestigious honours such as the European Mies van der Rohe Award and the Kasper Salin Prize.
Spridd, an architectural firm based in Stockholm since 2005, has emerged as one of Sweden's most forward-thinking architectural offices in urban development and architecture. Its work spans various domains, including competitions, research, discussions, and executed projects. The firm's projects encompass a broad spectrum, ranging from interior design to urban development and from concept development to construction documentation. Currently, Spridd comprises a team of ten architects with an extensive network of established collaborators. Founded by Ola Broms Wessel and Klas Ruin, the firm sees architecture as a social art, integrating technology, art, and politics.
25. HelgessonGonzaga Arkitekter
HelgessonGonzaga Arkitekter, established in 2012 by Andreas Helgesson Gonzaga and Isabell Gonzaga, is dedicated to the pursuit of essential forms and captivating character in architecture. Engaging in architecture, research, education, urbanism, and landscape design, the firm maintains a balanced approach between practical design, teaching, and research. Its work seeks to transform, conceptually, materially, and sociologically, aiming to enhance daily life across various scales, from products and private residences to institutional buildings and urban designs.
The selection curated by the Archello editorial team is based on a combination of the number of featured projects and the views they generated.
