25 best architecture firms

Spain's built landscape is a cultural mosaic, rooted in history and informed by a plethora of cultures and architectural styles. From Roman colonization to Islamic rule during the medieval period, each era has contributed to the architectural palimpsest that defines Spain today. The Moorish architecture, characterized by intricate geometric patterns and stunning arches, can still be witnessed in iconic landmarks such as the Alhambra in Granada. Similarly, the Gothic cathedrals and Romanesque churches across the country reflect Spain's European influences during the Middle Ages. Even in contemporary context, modernism or “modernismo” in Spain, embraced its rich, ornamental past, drawing inspiration from global influences like Ar... More

The German architectural landscape boasts a captivating history that spans centuries, characterized by architectural masterpieces steeped in history, innovation, and artistry. From awe-inspiring feats of Romanesque-Gothic architecture to transformative influences brought by Bauhaus pioneers, Germany brims with a sheer genius when it comes to experimentation with novel structural terrains. The country embraces an elaborate legacy showcasing diverse architectural bouts such as Renaissance inspiration or Baroque wonders – beautifully etched into the German culture-rich landscape. The onset of industrialization brought sweeping technological advances opening doors for functionalism while simultaneously assimilating technology through mod... More

Canadian architecture is a multifaceted reflection of its vast landscape, culture and history. From the sweeping prairies of Alberta to the rugged mountains of British Columbia, the breathtaking vistas of the Great White North are home to equally splendid designs that seamlessly blend with the landscape. As opposed to its natural beauty, the metropolises of Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal boast soaring skyscrapers and innovative contemporary structures that have made a mark on the country’s-built environment. From the Gothic Revival of Parliament Hill in Ottawa to the iconic modernist designs of Toronto's CN Tower, each structure is a concoction of diverse stories and landscapes. The following list is a selection of 25 architecture fi... More

The architectural tapestry of the United Kingdom paints a vibrant picture, where history and culture interweave seamlessly across its constituent nations: England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. It serves as a testament to the country's diverse heritage, where medieval castles and cathedrals harmoniously coexist with contemporary structures that define its ever-evolving skyline. From the grandeur of Georgian townhouses to the utilitarianism of post-war Brutalism, the UK’s architecture reflects the shifting values of its society. Today, as sustainability and inclusivity take centre stage, architects in the UK are responding to the pressing challenges of climate change and universal design by embracing innovative materials, tech... More

Set against a backdrop of rolling hills and glittering waters of the San Francisco Bay, the city has witnessed an array of influences over the years, from the iconic Victorian-era homes lining the street with bay windows, ornate mouldings and colourful facades to the modern towers that dot the city’s skyline. Landmark structures like the Transamerica Pyramid, the San Francisco War Memorial and the world-famous Golden Gate Bridge contributed to the city's reputation as a centre of contemporary architecture. In recent years, San Francisco has faced several challenges including wildfires and rising sea levels, shifting the focus of architects to designing resilient buildings and infrastructure. From historical restorations to green archi... More

Dutch architecture has long been at the vanguard of experimentation and innovation, pushing the boundaries of design metaphorically and literally. With an extensive chunk of the country situated below sea level, the Dutch have always relied on bold engineering and architectural solutions to adapt to the changing water levels to build habitats. This culture of experimentation and engineering expertise has translated into the country's architectural realm, where aesthetics is linked closely to technological solutions. With a new wave of architecture firms emerging and challenging the limits of design and innovation, Dutch architecture continues to be characterized by cognizance of the urban environment and the social and political forces that... More

Chicago is renowned for its stunning skyline, innovative designs, and its contribution towards modern architecture. The rich built landscape of the city encompasses the evolution of several styles and movements, from the grand Beaux-Arts buildings of the late 19th century to the sleek, contemporary designs of today.A turning point in the city’s history, the Great Fire of 1871 which destroyed much of the city, pushed towards using fire-resistant materials and techniques. This marked the emergence of the Chicago School of Architecture which pioneered steel frames and new construction techniques that allowed tall, functional buildings to accommodate the expanding population and businesses. This time period witnessed the rise of skyscrape... More

France has long been renowned for its rich history, heritage, and culture, spanning centuries of art and architecture movements which has influenced architects and designers from around the world. From notable gothic churches and baroque palaces to Le Corbusier’s modernist icons to post-modern classic Centre Pompidou, the country has showcased exemplary architecture. It is still a centre for architectural innovation today, with firms pushing the limits of building and design. With the new generation of firms emerging, redefining architecture of the 21st century, the architectural landscape of France is more dynamic than ever. The following list is a selection of 25 such firms that are distinguished for their creativity, ingenuity, and... More

Seattle, situated on a strip of land between Puget Sound and Lake Washington, is a port city borne of its rich topography and connections with the sea, rivers, lakes and forests. Historically a lumbering town, Seattle is today a wealthy center of manufacturing, software development and leading technology industries. The pioneering architecture that has sprung forth from Seattle in recent years is particularly residential in focus, with firms producing outstanding work for single and multi-family homes on sites enveloped by forests, mountains and waterways. As a generational body of work, Seattle’s recent architecture is notable for its integration with the landscape, for the expression of natural materials in harmony with the surround... More

Swedish architecture has become in the 21st century a global reference for the use of light, simple, and functional design elements and the expression of materials. There is no comprehensive definition for Scandinavian design, but the Swedish architects as well as furniture makers and textile fabricators that have come to represent it, certainly have a common tendency to draw from the natural surroundings in which their cities and towns are so well integrated. Stockholm is at the forefront of Scandinavian design, home to architects of multiple generations producing outstanding bold work here and abroad. Selected below are 25 of the most successful architecture practices operating out of Stockholm today:   Image Courtesy Bornstein... More

The origins of European architecture and urbanism are always traced to Rome. Roman building continues to be a primary source and reference point for design, whether it be for material use, for construction methods, for spatial organization, or for advising the hierarchy and proportions of a building relative to its individual components. It is doubtless that contemporary Roman architects draw from this built history in which they are immersed and, for many, in which they have lived and were educated. While many Rome-based practices work on projects sited in cities around the globe, the focus for a great number is on the renovation and rehabilitation of heritage buildings and urban sites within Italy. Whether local or international in their... More

China's capital city of Beijing is a sprawling metropolis housing over 20 million people. It is a place with a fascinating built history and consequential constructions such as the imperial Forbidden City and well-preserved sections of China's Great Wall. Beijing is also home to a number of ambitious recent projects: structurally pioneering high-rise towers that include the OMA-designed CCTV Headquarters, a series of landmarks developed for the 2008 Olympics like the Bird's Nest Stadium and the 'Water Cube' housing the National Aquatics Centre, and quieter, but equally significant works such as the OPEN Architecture-designed Chapel of Sound. In addition to notable built projects, Beijing boasts many of the world's most innovative architec... More

Sculpted volumes that play with natural light; simple white forms that respond to warm climates and varied topographies; buildings both iconic and contextual defined by the use of clean, natural materials: Portuguese architecture firms continue to yield among the most restrained yet experimental projects in the world. Stemming from the schools of Alvaro Siza and Eduardo Souto de Moura, a large repertoire of firms has branched out to define an exciting new era of Portuguese design and thinking. The 25 firms from the Lisbon metropolitan area selected here are among those setting the directions of Portuguese architecture today:     Francisco Caseiro 1. Aires Mateus Architects Manuel Aires Mateus and Francisco Aires Mateu... More