The East Asian Island nation of Taiwan has been heavily influenced by its dynamic history as a colony of Japan, China, and the Netherlands, as well as its aboriginal tribes. Traditional Taiwanese architecture reflected the use of locally available materials like wood, bamboo, and clay, suited to the island’s subtropical climate. The Chinese and Japanese colonial periods introduced novel elements; from ornate rooflines, intricate woodwork, and courtyards to reinforced concrete structures with Western and Asian influences. Further, the widespread use of concrete, steel, and glass in the mid-twentieth century, led to Taiwan’s transformation into a multifaceted urban landscape, where diverse styles coexist.
Today, local architecture firms in Taiwan draw inspiration from the island’s complex past and natural surroundings to create contextually responsive structures. The 25 architecture firms selected below define Taiwan’s current architectural discourse by exploring adaptive reuse, ecological and cultural integration, and sustainable practices.
Founded by Joshua Jih Pan in Taipei in 1981, JJP Architects & Planners offers services in design and construction administration. Its portfolio spans various sectors including culture, landscape, life sciences, manufacturing, transport, master planning, commercial, research, residential, recreation, education, healthcare, and religion. It excels in the design, research, and coordination of complex high-tech projects by combining strong design and execution capabilities with visionary pragmatism. JJP maintains design consultation offices in Taipei, Shanghai, Xiamen, and Beijing, supported by partners in interior design, structural engineering, and research and planning.
MAYU architects, originally founded in 1999 as Malone Chang Architects and later known as Malone Chang and Yu-lin Chen Architects, is an interdisciplinary firm based in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. Its work ranges from large-scale civic projects to small-scale interventions. The continuous dialogue between site, context, programs, time, materials, users, and clients shapes its architectural outcomes. The studio prioritizes the organizational logic of physical structures, the holistic experience of spaces, and the evolving characteristics of materials.
Established in 2008, Waterphase Design revolves around the philosophy that design should emulate 'water'— pure, organic, and adaptable to change, maintaining essential simplicity while exploring limitless possibilities. Its focus lies in crafting narratives within spaces, capturing the essence of time's light, and fostering environments rich with emotional depth and imagination. Waterphase Design has received recognition in recent years such as the "FRAME Award," "APIDA Asia Pacific Interior Design Gold Award," "DFA Asia Most Influential Design Award Silver Award," "TID Taiwan Interior Design Gold Award," "Real Estate Design Award Gold Award," "German iF Design Award," and "National Golden Pin Award Best Design of the Year."
Kris Yao | Artech is an architectural firm based in Taipei and Shanghai. Founded in 1985 by Kris Yao, the firm has a significant influence in Asia and a strong international presence, with projects in Greater China, the United States, Europe, and South Asia. The firm is renowned for its creative and critical design process, combined with extensive professional experience, aiming to deliver high-quality projects across various domains including cultural, corporate, commercial, hospitality, performing arts, transportation, education, residential, spiritual spaces, and urban design.
JC. Architecture & Design is a versatile design firm based in Taiwan, specializing in architecture, interior, industrial, visual design, transportation, and furniture design. Operating as a studio think tank, JC. Architecture & Design focuses on developing, researching, and experimenting with innovative methodologies. Collaborating with clients across various sectors, including hospitality and government, the firm has received international recognition, such as the iF DESIGN AWARD Gold, IIDA Interior Design Competition, World Architecture Festival/INSIDE World Interior of the Year, IFI GAP Gold Award, Japan’s GOOD DESIGN AWARD, and Taiwan’s Golden Pin Design Award.
Founded in 2013, HAO Design provides comprehensive design and project management services for residential, commercial, and office spaces. The firm's philosophy, "Beautiful living, in space and heart," emphasizes that the essence of any space, whether luxurious or simple, is the daily life it hosts. Its design approach fosters a dialogue between the user and the space, developing a unique personality and enhancing interaction. Integrating beautiful life experiences into its designs creates warm, inviting interiors that tell a complete story, often retaining old objects and meaningful elements to imbue spaces with warmth and character.
Founded in 2003, Zhong Yi Design Co., Ltd. undertakes various projects, like public, commercial, residential, and exhibition spaces. By analyzing human needs and environmental conditions, Zhong Yi Design explores how people interact with their surroundings. Its approach extends from interior spaces to architecture and urban environments, seeking deeper, more integrated solutions. The firm believes that design should go beyond mere functionality and aesthetics, striving to enhance the impact of spaces on society through continuous experimentation and innovation.
8. Chain10 Architecture & Interior Design Institute
Chain10 Architecture & Interior Design Institute believes that space is a vital connection between people and their environment. It emphasizes creating harmonious environments through consistent design that integrates architecture and interior spaces, resulting in a seamless living experience. Its mission is to bring life closer to nature, allowing users to appreciate the beauty that natural elements provide.
2BOOKS Design focuses on creating simple, comfortable, and warm spaces. By minimizing decoration, it strives to find a balance between proportion, materials, and space. It believes that, like life, design has no formula. Each home is thoughtfully planned and reorganized to shape it into a true living space.
10. BIAS Architects & Associates
BIAS Architects & Associates, founded in 2013 by Hanju Chen, Chen-Jung Liu, and Alessandro Martinelli, is a Taiwanese firm integrating architectural planning, urban space design, and cultural branding. BIAS employs an experimental and research-driven approach to engage in public and corporate planning and design. Notable projects include the 2020 Taiwan Design Expo, the 2019 Creative Expo Taiwan, and the "Greenhouse as a Home" project, which explores sustainable living. The team includes architects, landscape architects, curators, and external consultants from various fields, such as sociology, visual arts, engineering, and construction.
Yuan Architects is an international design firm led by Wenyuan Peng providing services in strategic architecture, interior, and exhibition design. The team, composed of architects, interior designers, decorators, graphic designers, and digital experts, views architecture as a vessel of life and an interface of space, emphasizing the relationship between humans and nature.
Peny Hsieh Interiors believes that the essence of space revolves around people. Its design philosophy focuses on simplicity and purity, balancing addition and subtraction. Its work embodies a blend of everyday aesthetics and refined living, capturing a timeless and evocative visual presentation through natural, simple, and pure design.
CJ Studio views architecture and design as social events rather than mere artistic creations. Each project, regardless of size, represents an entrance to the world and an ongoing journey of discovery. By analyzing, integrating, and rediscovering various conditions—such as environment, function, foundation, and historical background—CJ Studio aims to uncover the underlying order and geometrical relationships of the real world, linking the past with the future.
Atelier Boter is an architecture firm based in Pinctung County, Taiwan. The firm’s portfolio spans from residential, and commercial to cultural design. Projects like the F.Forest Office and Fang Gen Fa Coffee Bar reflect the firm's experimental nature regarding materiality and spatial planning.
15. Bio Architecture Formosana
Bio Architecture Formosana, founded in 1999 by Chang Ching-Hwa and Kuo Ying-Chao in Taipei, Taiwan, emphasizes sustainable design from planning to operation, aiming to create environments that harmonize with nature and promote a sustainable lifestyle. Its services include architecture, interior and landscape design, construction, adaptive reuse, solar energy development, and eco-material application. BaF's principles focus on coexistence with nature, locality, flexibility, lightness, durability, and sustainability.
T.M. Design Studio strives to create residential interior design with a focus on innovation and functionality. Its team of designers and architects maximizes space aesthetics and practical functions. The firm's services include residential interior design, commercial space planning, old house renovation, new construction, office space design, and landscape and garden design. It also offers professional design consultation and floor plan planning, striving to deliver the best living spaces with a dedicated design and construction team.
TA Architect is an architecture firm based in Taiwan. The firm emphasizes integrating urban spaces with functional versatility and aesthetics. Its projects often incorporate elements that enhance interaction with the environment, such as flexible spaces, large openings, and natural light. It seeks to create dynamic urban stories and unique cityscapes, as seen in its projects like Street Canvas II.
WZWX Architecture Group is an architectural design firm specializing in commercial development and industrial architecture. Founded by brothers Dr. Richard Wang and Dr. Stephen Wang, the firm operates offices in Taipei, Shenzhen, and Huai’an, with projects spanning China and Taiwan. WZWX provides services, including site planning, feasibility analysis, architectural and interior design, and architectural photography. It excels in mixed-use development, integrating commercial, residential, and cultural functions to create vibrant, user-centric spaces.
19. Cheng Tsung FENG Design Studio
Cheng Tsung FENG is an artist dedicated to the study of traditional craft culture. His works revive forgotten stories, ensuring these valuable cultural memories are preserved in contemporary times. He frequently integrates modern technology into his creations, continually exploring new methods while maintaining a strong focus on quality and aesthetics. FENG is recognized for his rich value in handmade craftsmanship, and his work is characterized by immense potential, imagination, and a spirit of exploration.
Founded in 2003 in Taipei by architect Grace Cheung and industrial designer Royce YC Hong, XRANGE tackles projects of various scales, including master plans, architecture, landscapes, installations, and products. Its work is known for strategic thinking, bold forms, and a unique material approach influenced by local contexts. XRANGE employs an adaptive design approach, balancing minimal means with human and environmental considerations, spatial experience, and design innovation. Its work has been featured internationally, and Cheung has received two AIA International Design Awards for architecture and urban design in 2021.
Studio/ Wu Interior is a design firm engaging in architectural design, commercial space design, and residential and office space planning. Its work transcends design limitations, ranging from small-scale interiors to expansive architectural projects, creating environments that feel like home. It seeks to inspire clients to imagine and transform their lives through innovative design, making it a part of their everyday practice.
Founded in 2013, Marty Chou Architecture is an architectural practice in Taipei, that seeks to achieve clarity and simplicity in architectural design. Its work has been featured in various international media and has received recognition through the 2018 WIN Award, 2020 A’ Design Award, 2021 Golden Pin Design Award, and multiple TID Awards, including the Gold Award in 2017, 2020, and 2021.
Founded in 2011, Awork Design provides services in interior design, planning, and construction, with a focus on quality and attention to detail. Awork creates human-centered designs that integrate sensibility and focus on reflecting users' attitudes toward life through effective communication and a thorough understanding of their needs. Each project aims to create a "home" with user-friendly functionality, practicality, and unique aesthetics.
Ganna Design, established in 2010, emphasizes the infinite possibilities of space transformation. The firm, whose name combines the concepts of pleasure ("甘") and inclusion ("納"), approaches the relationship between space and people with humility, designing environments that are comfortable, aesthetically pleasing, and practical. It challenges conventional notions of interior design, embracing the idea that "design can accommodate various lifestyles," and aim to construct spaces that reflect this diversity.
A Little Design is a Taipei based interior design studio specializing in tiny homes. A lot of its projects are related to renovating and refurbishing old apartments into functional living spaces. The firm creates functional designs that optimize space to make tiny apartments look spacious and visually brighter.
The '25 best firms' series is curated by the Archello editorial team. The selection is based on a number of factors including the number of shortlisted and winning entries in the Archello Awards, the number of projects a firm has uploaded to its Archello profile, the number of projects that have been featured by Archello, as well as the size and quality of the projects included in each firm's Archello portfolio.
