Top Architecture Firms of the Globe 2024

In an ever-evolving architectural landscape, the 21st century has brought forth a new era of groundbreaking designs, pushing the boundaries of what was once thought impossible. As the world evolves, so does the realm of architecture, and over the past decade or two, we have witnessed an exceptional rise in the number of companies that have redefined the very essence of the built environment. From skyscrapers that touch the sky to sustainable homes that coexist harmoniously with nature, their visionary concepts and innovative approaches have not only reshaped city skylines but also redefined how we interact with the environment. And today, we have countless architectural firms worthy of topping the lists of the best.

As an experienced architectural 3D visualization company, we constantly collaborate with architects, designers, and planners to help them bring their unrivaled ideas to life. So, we decided to look into this topic by digging deep and conducting a comprehensive study. Having researched the market, we gathered certain statistics and data that allowed us to select the top 10 leading architecture firms in 2024. So, let’s finally find out the answer to the question “What are the best architecture firms in the world?”.

Top architecture firms of the world 2024

Best architecture firms in the world in 2024

Gensler, Perkins & Will, and HDR – you’ve seen these names in the news feeds of the past year’s best architecture firms. And it’s not surprising, because their performance is simply impressive. But what are the other 2024 best architecture companies in the world? Applet3D has explored the industry and investigated whether the companies still hold leading positions this year and who their biggest competitors are. Let’s take a closer look.

AECOM

AECOM is a leading global infrastructure consulting firm that is ranked #260 on the Fortune 500 list as one of the largest companies in America. AECOM provides professional services in the areas of cities, buildings, transportation, water, new energy, and environmental protection. The company has more than 51,000 employees working in offices around the world, including headquarters in Dallas, Los Angeles, London, Abu Dhabi, Hong Kong, Singapore, Gurugram (northern India) and Brisbane. Outstanding and professional designers, planners, engineers, consultants, and program and construction managers work diligently on each project throughout its life cycle to deliver unique results. Among the company’s list of outstanding works, you will easily find some simply impressive ones, such as the world’s longest cable-stayed bridge, the tallest tower in the Western Hemisphere, the largest mega port development project from scratch, and disaster recovery programs.

AECOM began when a handful of design and engineering professionals shared a dream of creating a leading firm dedicated to building a better world. The biggest feature of AECOM is that it has become an independent company, formed by the merger of five companies. The company’s experience and expertise are unique, as many of its predecessor firms had a distinguished history that spans more than 120 years. AECOM itself was founded in 1990. Are you interested in stocks and stock exchanges? Well, then you should definitely pay attention to this world’s biggest architecture company because since 2007 its shares have been listed on the New York Stock Exchange.

As one of the top US architecture firms, AECOM is known for its constant commitment to sustainable development. They prioritize environmentally friendly methods, including energy-efficient solutions in their projects. Using the latest advances and adhering to the principles of sustainable design, AECOM ensures that its projects have a minimal impact on the environment. In addition, intending to leave a positive, lasting impact on people and the planet, the top architecture company implements the Sustainable Legacy program, has developed an ESG strategy, and offers services in this area.

In recent years, AECOM has received many awards, including First Place in Transportation, Facilities Design, Green Design, and Environmental Engineering by Engineering News-Record in 2022. In addition, the firm has been named one of the “World’s Most Admired Companies” by Fortune magazine for eight consecutive years. It was also named one of the world’s most ethical companies in 2024 for its commitment to integrity and positive impact by Ethisphere

As a pioneer in its field, AECOM has completed numerous projects of varying scale and complexity around the world. Some of the most impressive projects include One World Trade Center in New York, Port of Los Angeles Waterfront in California, Mercedes Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Golden 1 Center in California, Warner Bros. World™ Abu Dhabi, Thames Tideway Tunnel in London, and Pearl Harbor Memorial Bridge (Q Bridge). 

These projects embody the company’s ability to seamlessly integrate modern design principles with the cultural and environmental context of each location. AECOM’s team of dedicated professionals utilizes state-of-the-art technology and a collaborative approach, working closely with clients to understand their unique requirements. AECOM is rightfully ranked first among the top architecture companies in the world.

Services:

• Architecture and Design
• Construction Management
• Engineering
• Environmental Services
• IT and Cybersecurity
• Planning and Consulting
• Program Management
• Interior Architecture
• Digital
• Urban Design
• Urbanism + Planning
• And more

HDR

With an average revenue of a staggering $2.3 billion, HDR is the world’s leading architecture firm at the forefront of innovative design and sustainable solutions. With a talented team of architects and designers, they specialize in creating exciting and functional spaces that leave a lasting impression. Thanks to its commitment to excellence, HDR has become a trusted name in the industry.

Operating in 15 countries and with more than 200+ offices worldwide, HDR specializes in architectural, engineering, environmental, and construction services. Calling itself a “100% employee-owned company”, it currently employs more than 12,000 people, making HDR one of the largest architecture firms in the world.

HDR not only focuses on creating exceptional designs but also prioritizes sustainable development. The company is known for incorporating green building practices into its projects, reducing the environmental impact while improving energy efficiency and occupant comfort. By creating multidisciplinary teams that include scientists, builders, economists, artists, and analysts, HDR focuses its efforts on creating high-performance buildings and smart infrastructure. In addition, the company’s policies include reducing carbon emissions, health and safety, employee diversity, inclusion, and equality.

To achieve the best results, HDR has even created its own fund, the HDR Foundation, which provides grants to qualified organizations that align with HDR’s areas of focus on education, a healthy society, and environmental protection. Since its inception, the HDR Foundation has awarded more than $6 million in grants to more than 250 organizations. In 2020 and 2021, the company’s employees in Canada and Australia established two more funds – the HDR Canada Fund and the HDR Australia Fund, respectively. Similar to the HDR Foundation, these foundations enable employees in Canada and Australia to participate in fundraising, grant sponsorship, and community grant-making decisions.

Having been in business since 1917, HDR is constantly expanding its reach and has a track record of many successful projects, including New St. Paul’s Hospital in Vancouver, BC, College Campus Energy and Emissions Consulting in Kalamazoo, MI, National Grape Improvement Center in Geneva, NY, Institute of the Culinary Arts in Omaha, NE, Bob Glanzer Generating Station in Huron, SD.

Services:

• Architecture
• Asset Management
• Coastal Engineering & Restoration
• Commissioning & Operations
• Economics Finance People
• Engineering
• Environmental Sciences
• Planning & Consulting
• Program Management
• Project Delivery
• Research
• Right of Way
• Sustainability & Resiliency

Sweco

Sweden is known for its unique architecture and high level of environmental care. It is therefore not surprising that one of the biggest architecture firms in the world is based in Sweden. Founded in 1958, Sweco is a leading European architecture and engineering consultancy that has established itself as a reliable partner. Client focus, the best people, internal efficiency, and a decentralized organization are what make Sweco stand out from the crowd.

Sweco’s team of talented professionals is well-versed in a wide range of industries. They have successfully implemented projects in the fields of architecture, transport infrastructure, buildings, and urban areas, as well as water, energy, and industry. Sweco’s services are primarily based on a combination of global expertise and local knowledge. In addition to its headquarters in Stockholm, Sweco also has offices in Denmark, Norway, Finland, the Netherlands, Belgium, the United Kingdom, Germany and Central Europe. The company currently employs more than 21,000 architects, engineers, and other experts.

Searching for the top sustainable architecture firms in 2024? Start with Sweco! Taking into account the current trends of urbanization, digitalization, and climate change, the organization strives to transform space towards a sustainable future and reduce environmental impact. To promote sustainable development, the company provides sustainable buildings, efficient infrastructure, and access to electricity and clean water. They implement more than 120,000 projects every year, and sustainability is at the heart of each one. Sweco aims to become climate-neutral by 2040 at the latest. 

As a market leader in Europe, Sweco is committed to using its size and extensive knowledge to contribute to the sustainable development of cities. Guided by the goal of reducing the climate impact not only within customer projects but also in its activities, Sweco has developed its own global initiative Urban Insight. It is a platform where the company invites experts from around the world to come together to develop and share ideas, data, facts, and solutions on how to plan and design sustainable societies, cities, and towns of the future. These are experts from different disciplines and fields who generate ideas and publish reports, trend analyses, articles, and podcasts.

Sweco develops solutions that care about people, the environment, and society. So it should come as no surprise that such large-scale projects as the Kuwait Towers, the UK’s largest Antarctic research center, Bloomberg’s European headquarters in London, and the Öresund Bridge connecting Sweden and Denmark are all under the name of this architectural company. By the way, the reconstruction of a zero-energy office building near London Bridge and a new stadium in Aarhus, Denmark, are also worthy of attention.

Services:

• Buildings & Urban Areas
• Water, Energy & Industry
• Transportation Infrastructure
• Architecture

Gensler

If you’re interested in architecture or looking for a reliable partner to work on your project, you’ve definitely heard this name. Gensler has been at the top of the architectural pedestal for many years. And for good reason. According to Statista, in 2023, Gensler was recognized as the largest architecture firm in the world, employing more than 3,000 architects during the year and generating annual revenues of between one billion and 1.5 billion USD. In 2020-2023, Gensler consistently hired the most architects and earned the most income. 

Gensler is a global architectural, design, and planning company that pioneers in shaping remarkable spaces where people live, work, and thrive. With a legacy spanning over five decades, Gensler has earned a reputation as a design powerhouse, responsible for crafting iconic structures that redefine skylines and communities worldwide. With a commitment to creating sustainable designs, Gensler has become a trusted name in the industry.

From small to large-scale projects, such as a new urban district, the company’s projects number around 3,000 annually. The company is constantly expanding its expertise and now serves more than 4,000 active clients in more than 29 practices covering the areas of work, lifestyle, public life, and healthcare. It employs more than 7,000 professionals.

Founded in 1965 by Arthur Gensler, this leading architecture company now boasts an expansive network of 50+ offices spread across 6 continents, allowing them to deliver unparalleled architectural services across diverse cultures and markets. With a team of visionary architects, designers, and strategists, Gensler takes a client-focused approach, collaborating closely with their partners to create tailored solutions that transcend expectations and drive innovation. It claims that people are the main source of the company’s strength and are at the center of everything it does. 

However, another outstanding feature of this #2 best architecture company in the world is its constant commitment to sustainability, which its work reflects. Gensler is engaged in full-fledged climate change research and is making significant efforts, introducing new design solutions and updating priorities to achieve its main goal of creating a zero-carbon product portfolio by 2030. As part of the Green Materials Initiative, the Gensler team is also working to reform the entire building materials supply chain to significantly reduce the carbon footprint of construction. “We create a better world through design” – that is how the company introduces itself.

The company’s expertise includes an incredible number of architectural and design projects in such areas as education, media, culture and museums, energy, science, sports, and much more. In their portfolio, you can find such impressive architectural objects as shopping centers, entertainment complexes, commercial office buildings, educational institutions, airports, critical facilities, consulting, planning and urban design, brand design, and other areas. 

In addition to being consistently recognized in leading rankings, their team receives numerous industry awards for their outstanding design work every year. For example, in 2023, Gensler was recognized as the No. 1 architecture firm in the world by Interior Design magazine and the No. 1 architecture firm in the United States by Architectural Record and Building Design+Construction. The same year, Gensler was also recognized as the No. 1 firm in the list of the 100 Best Sustainable Design Firms by Interior Design.

Gensler’s most famous projects are Incheon International Airport in South Korea, Central Park House in Vancouver, Abu Dhabi Financial Centre in the UAE, BMO Field in Toronto, Facebook Headquarters, Shangai Tower in Shanghai, China,  GE Innovation Center in Calgary, and also San Francisco International Airport Terminals 2 and 3.

Services:

• Architecture
• Brand Design
• Cities & Urban Design
• Digital Experience Design
• Interior Design
• Space Management
• Strategy
• Sustainability

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Perkins & Will

It’s impossible to talk about the world’s top architectural companies without mentioning Perkins & Wil. The name is a household in architecture and design for its innovative and sustainable projects and is recognized by numerous awards (more than 60) received in 2021. Founded on the belief that design has the power to change lives and improve communities, Perkins & Wil company is committed to designing places that make a difference in the world.

As one of the oldest (founded in 1935) and most famous architecture firms in the United States, Perkins & Wil collaborates with clients around the world to create spaces that inspire and stand the test of time. Today, the company employs about 2600 people and has the largest number of LEED-accredited members.

Like many others on this list of top architectural companies of the globe, Perkins & Will stands out for its commitment to sustainability. The company believes in designing buildings that minimize environmental impact and positively impact the communities they serve. From implementing energy-efficient systems to using renewable materials, their sustainable approach is embedded in every project they undertake. In 2023, Perkins and Will was named “Best Sustainable Firm” by Architizer in its 2023 A+ Awards. In addition, the company has developed the concept of “Living Design”, which combines sustainability with other vital elements of a holistic, high-performance environment.

Additionally, Perkins & Will has a rich history of successfully completing projects in a variety of sectors, including healthcare, education, transportation, corporate, and urban design. Their core services include architecture, landscape architecture, interior design, urban design, and branded environments. A team of talented architects, designers, and engineers work closely together, utilizing their diverse perspectives to create healthy, sustainable, and environmentally friendly facilities. 

Visiting their website, you can be struck by the diversity and beauty of their projects from the very first seconds. Some of the firm’s most impressive work includes Crow Island School in Illinois; the Center for Advanced Therapeutics in California; the Rush University Campus Transformation Project; The Clare in Chicago, Illinois; the Bridgestone Tower in Nashville, Tennessee; the Schmidt Biomedical Research Center at Florida Atlantic University; and Concordia International School in Shanghai, China.

Services:

• Architecture
• Interior Design
• Branded Environment
• Urban Design
• Landscape Architecture, etc.

IBI Group

Another giant on our list of the top 10 architecture firms in 2024. IBI Group is a technology-based design firm with global expertise in architecture, planning, engineering, urban design, and technology. The company has completed numerous successful projects in the design of hospitals, schools, industrial buildings, highways, airports, transit stations, and more.

IBI Group is considered one of the world’s biggest architecture firms, and for good reason: the company has 60 offices in major urban centers around the world and employs more than 3,500 people. According to the company, all of its offices are closely connected to facilitate international cooperation and intelligence sharing. In addition, by hiring the best professionals, IBI Group has formed an international community of experts in architecture, design, civil engineering, real estate, transportation, landscape, urban geography, communications, software development, and more. They all work together to define the cities of the future with intelligent systems, efficient infrastructure, and sustainable buildings.

What sets this top architecture firm apart is its commitment to technology. It believes that technology is changing the way we interact with the urban world while unlocking the potential of IBI’s core systems to design flexible, data-driven environments and manage the built environment in the age of networks. Committed to providing clients with innovative, future-oriented technology solutions and excellence in human-centered design, the company is relentlessly pursuing digital experiences that are transforming its industries.

Operating since 1974, the firm has gone through many changes, including strategic growth in 2000 and the transformation in 2010 from IBI Income Fund (established in 2004) to a corporation – IBI Group Inc. However, the most important of these changes is undoubtedly the merger of IBI Group with Arcadis on September 27, 2022. Together with passionate designers, engineers, and thinkers from 70 countries, IBI Group is committed to improving the quality of life for its employees, clients, partners, and communities.

This leading architecture firm has a rich history of creating innovative and sustainable design solutions. On their website, you can explore a variety of projects, which are divided according to industry – education, residential, healthcare, transportation, and so on. Some of the most famous include Queen Elizabeth University & Royal Hospital For Children, Saudi Arabia Integrated Transportation Urban Plan, and First United Church Community Space in Vancouver. From iconic buildings to large-scale urban plans, IBI Group has demonstrated its expertise in creating functional and aesthetically pleasing environments.

Services:

• Architecture
• Engineering
• Interiors
• Landscape Architecture
• Planning & Urban Design
• Systems

Nikken Sekkei

One of the largest and oldest architectural firms in the world is located in Japan. As a renowned architectural company, Nikken Sekkei has been shaping skylines and transforming cities for over a century. With a rich history dating back to 1900, this Japanese architecture firm has consistently delivered innovative and iconic designs that have consistently impressed and won distinguished awards. One of them is the design of the tallest free-standing TV tower in the world – the Tokyo Skytree.

Urban design, research, planning, and consulting are the main areas of work of the company, which applies integrated approaches to its projects. Combining experience, creativity, and passion, it strives to achieve results that exceed expectations. The company’s track record of successfully completed projects has now reached over 20,000. It has 18 offices around the world, mainly in Asia.

Creating high-quality and comfortable environments for users and society is the company’s main position. By valuing harmony with nature and putting customer satisfaction above all else, Nikken Sekkei develops solutions and environments that create truly meaningful experiences for everyone. It is committed to listening to the voices of its customers, sharing their vision, and together shaping space, environments, cities, and society.

Among the latest projects of the company, that definitely worth your attention are Kurita Innovation Hub Technology Innovation Center (TIC) & Technical Education Center (TEC) in Tokyo, Japan; Hirakata Performing & Visual Arts Center in Osaka, Japan; Kumamoto Prefectural Kagayakinomori School for Special Needs Education in Kumamoto City, Japan.

Services:

• Architectural Design
• Interior Design
• Urban Design and Planning
• Landscape Design
• Structural Engineering
• MEP Engineering
• Civil Engineering
• Computational Design & BIM
• Sustainability/Resilience

Perkins Eastman

Being one of the world’s most famous architecture companies, Perkins Eastman is a prominent name in the industry with a century of history and experience, and a love of architecture and design that has been passed down through generations. Brad Perkins, the co-founder of the company, is directly related to another giant in the industry that we mentioned earlier – Perkins and Weill. It was his father, Lawrence Bradford Perkins, who had a hand in creating one of the best architectural firms in the world. 

Perkins Eastman was founded in 1981. Since then, it has become a world-renowned company offering services in architecture, interior design, planning, and strategic consulting. Being one of the biggest architecture companies in the world, Perkins Eastman has operations in numerous cities around the globe, from Vancouver to Shanghai (more than 60 countries on five continents).

With over 40 years of experience, Perkins Eastman has received more than 800 awards and continues to improve continuously. The company has its own in-house Data Unit group, which is dedicated to accelerating the adoption of computer-aided design in the company. This allows them to stay one step ahead as construction and design technologies change.

Perkins Eastman is known as a company that believes design should have a positive impact on people’s lives and the environment. It strives to create a better future by improving the health and well-being of people, communities, and the planet. One of its main priorities is the development of sustainable design. They aspire to make their sustainable design thinking an integral part of the design process of every project, regardless of project type, location, scale, or stage of the process.

Perkins Eastman’s projects that demonstrate their dedication include the Rutgers University School of Nursing and Science, the Albert A. Michelson Center for Physics at the University of Chicago, the Women’s College Hospital in Toronto, the Trillium Medical Center in Mississauga, and the District Wharf mixed-use development. Visit their website and find out more about these outstanding projects.

Services:

• Branded Environments + Experiential Design
• Campus Planning
• Interior Design
• PE Strategies
• Sustainable + Resilient Design

HKS

Among the best architecture firms to work for, HKS is well-known for its innovative and captivating designs. With a rich history spanning over 80 years, HKS has solidified its reputation as a global powerhouse in the industry. The firm is driven by a passion for creating spaces that not only inspire but also positively impact lives. HKS believes that design can change lives for the better, and its services span a wide range of areas, from airports to sustainable critical facilities.

With a team of highly skilled professionals, HKS has successfully completed numerous projects across the globe. From innovative healthcare facilities that bring people in need of care together to iconic sports stadiums that provide unforgettable experiences, HKS continues to push the boundaries of design and create spaces that inspire and elevate the human experience. They conduct design research that enables them to experiment, improve, and develop smarter solutions.

What really makes HKS stand out is that over its many years of experience, it has become an interdisciplinary global design firm, expanding its team beyond architects and interior designers. The company’s large staff also includes graphic designers, urbanists, researchers, anthropologists, nurses, and more. They all come together to create a more sustainable future. 

Noteworthy projects by HKS include the SoFi Stadium in California, AT&T Stadium in Texas, and Royal Liverpool University Hospital in Liverpool. Projects such as North Torrey Pines Living & Learning Neighborhood, Hotel Indigo Nanjing Gardon Expo, and Touchstone Center for Health Design have been recognized with prestigious awards.

Services:

• Advisory Services
• Alternative Project Delivery
• Architecture
• Citizen HKS
• Diversity & Inclusion
• Experiential Branding
• Interior Design
• LINE
• Mixed-Use
• Planning & Urban Design
• Research
• Structural Engineering
• Sustainable Design

Aedas

Last but not least, Aedas is a famous name among the best architecture offices in the world. It has been recognized by numerous awards that cannot be overstated. Among the most recent are the International Architecture Awards 2023, CRED Award 2023, Asia Pacific Property Awards 2023, Architizer A+ Awards 2023, and GSBS Award 2023. Cultural diversity, creativity, and innovation are at the heart of the company’s activities and success.

Established in 2002, Aedas is a global and local architecture firm dedicated to creating world-class design solutions that meet the needs of cities and communities around the globe. Its areas of expertise are very broad, including graphic design, urban design and master planning, landscape, and more.

One of the main priorities of Aedas is to contribute to the development of new urbanization by providing new sustainable and innovative design solutions. For this purpose, a separate Collegial Global Platform for research, exchange of ideas, and creative excellence was created. More than 1,100 “creative minds” and experts in 11 offices worldwide work hard to research and address the needs of communities. The company is constantly pushing its boundaries, bringing the latest innovations and technical expertise to every new project, everywhere in the world.

Shaw Tower Redevelopment, International Sports and Culture Exchange Center, World Capital Tower, and SLS Dubai Hotel & Residences are just a few of the company’s numerous projects, many of which have gained worldwide recognition and admiration.

Services:

• Architecture
• Arts Team
• Graphics Design
• Urban Design & Masterplanning
• Interiors
• Retail
• Landscape

The latest studies show

According to Grand View Research and Research And Markets, the global architectural services market was valued at USD 376.08 billion in 2023 and is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.8% from 2023 to 2030.

How did we create this list

How are these architecture firms ranked? The answer to this question lies in the comprehensive approach to the research that our expert team has conducted to investigate the topic. As we mentioned above, our top architectural firms ranking is based on various statistical data we have collected. Among them:

• Annual revenue in $.
• Company size – number of employees and offices around the world.
• Rating according to the indicators of such reputable platforms as Zippia, Glassdoor, Indeed, and Comparably.

We also took into account the variety of services provided by the company; its involvement in sustainable development; positive customer experience; and the number of years of work in the industry. The annual revenue was calculated based on data taken from such platforms as Zippia, ZoomInfo, etc. We ranked the companies according to this indicator.

Conclusion

Staying one step ahead of the rest in the cut-throat field of architecture demands innovation, sustainability, and a fresh perspective. The top-rated architecture firms are not just companies designing space. They are changing landscapes and envisaging the future, characterized by their unique ability to merge creativity with functionality. By the time of 2024, these firms established a strong benchmark for architectural proficiency around the globe. Their comprehensive approach to design, intricate planning, and adept use of upcoming technologies project them in the lead.

Today we have introduced you to the best architecture studios in the world each of which has been recognized time and time again, topping news and tabloids and making a significant contribution to the universe of architecture and design. All of them strive to create a better future, and a more sustainable, resilient world. By combining design with nature, implementing innovative solutions, and focusing on the global or local needs of humanity, these companies deserve to be called the best of the best.