S
o you’re thinking of investing in some property? Or maybe you’re just curious as to who the world’s best architects are? Either way, you’re in luck – because today we’ll be ranking the top 10 architecture firms in the world. Spoiler alert: there are some big names on this list! Stay tuned for more information.
1. Gensler

© Gensler
Gensler is a global architecture, planning, and design firm with more than 6,000 employees and 48 offices around the world. The company is arguably the best architecture office as it has been in business for more than 50 years and has a long history of designing some of the world’s most iconic buildings. Gensler was named the world’s largest architecture firm in 2017 by Building Design Online, with fee income of $2.4 billion.
Some of Gensler’s most notable projects include the Shanghai Tower, the San Francisco International Airport, and the London Apple Store in the UK. The company is well known for its innovative and sustainable designs, and it has received numerous awards for its work over the years.
2. Zhubo Design

© Zhubo Design
Zhubo Design is a Chinese architecture firm that ranked second on Building Design Online’s list of the world’s largest architecture firms in 2017. The company had fee income of $1.5 billion in 2017 and employs more than 1,500 people. Zhubo Design is best known for its work on large-scale commercial and residential projects in China, but it also has offices in other parts of Asia and Europe.
Some of Zhubo Design’s most notable projects include the Guangming Public Service Platform, the San-Shui Culture Complex and the Shenzhen Institute of Design and Innovation. The company is known for its cutting-edge designs and use of new technologies in its projects.
3. HDR

© The Langley
HDR is a Nebraska-based architecture firm that ranked third on Building Design Online’s list of the world’s largest architecture firms in 2017. The company had fee income of $1.4 billion in 2017 and employs more than 4,500 people worldwide. HDR is best known for its work on large-scale infrastructure projects such as airports, hospitals, and bridges. It also has a strong focus on sustainable design and has won numerous awards for its work over the years.
Some of HDR’s most notable projects include Port of New Orleans Louisiana International Terminal the restoration of The Langley, a Luxury Collection Hotel, and The Pavilion at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. HDR is one of the largest architecture firms in the United States and has offices around the world.
4. Nikken Sekkei

© Nikken Sekkei
Nikken Sekkei is a Japanese architecture firm that ranked fourth on Building Design Online’s list of the world’s largest architecture firms in 2017 and considered one of the best architecture offices. The company had fee income of $1 billion in 2017 and employs more than 2,800 people worldwide. Nikken Sekkei is best known for its work on large-scale commercial and residential projects, especially in Japan but also around Asia and Europe.
Some of Nikken Sekkei’s most notable projects include Sumitomo Fudosan Roppongi Grand Tower, Tokyo Plaza Ginza, The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto or the Dubai Chamber of Commerce building. Nikken Sekkei is one of Japan’s largest architecture firms and has been in business for more than 100 years.
5. Sweco Architects AB

© Sweco Architects AB
Sweco Architects AB is a Swedish architecture firm that ranked fifth on Building Design Online’s list of the world’s largest architecture firms in 2017. The company had fee income of $871 million in 2017 and employs more than 18,000 people worldwide. Sweco Architects AB specializes in design for infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges, railways and airports. It also has a strong focus on sustainability and has won numerous awards for its work over the year.
Some of Sweco most outstanding projects are the Kuwait Towers, the Oosterweel Link or the Bloomberg European Headquarters in London.
While there are many great architecture firms around the world, these five seem to be at the top of their game as best architecture offices. If you are an investor or buyer interested in single-family homes, it would be wise to keep an eye on their work and see how you might be able to incorporate their designs into your next project.