Here’s a refined breakdown of the top architects in the world, grounded in authoritative, current sources:
1. Top-Tier Firms by Revenue & Global Influence
Gensler
The world’s largest architecture firm by both revenue and staff, headquartered in San Francisco. Notable global projects include the Shanghai Tower and Apple’s campuses.
Archello
Wikipedia
Perkins&Will, HKS, HDR, AECOM, Populous, HOK, Stantec
Ranking high in annual U.S. architectural revenue lists, these firms dominate both domestic and global sectors. All are top performers in Architectural Record’s “Top 300 U.S. Architecture Firms of 2025.”
Engineering News-Record
+4
Architectural Record
+4
MOREgroup
+4
2. Firms Shaping the Design Conversation
Snøhetta, MVRDV, Foster + Partners, SOM (Skidmore, Owings & Merrill), HOK
Called out as “Top Ten Architecture Firms of 2025” by industry commentary — reflecting both cultural prominence and ongoing innovation.
The Guardian
+12
swatchbox.com
+12
MOREgroup
+12
AD100 Architects
Recognized by Architectural Digest as top talents across architecture, interiors, and landscape—featuring luminaries like Tadao Ando, Kengo Kuma, Renzo Piano, Jean Nouvel, Frank Gehry, Norman Foster, and Diller Scofidio + Renfro.
Architectural Digest
+1
3. Outstanding Individual Practitioners
Liu Jiakun – 2025 Pritzker Prize Laureate
Celebrated for culturally rich, locally immersive architecture in Sichuan Province. Known for innovative use of “rebirth bricks” and projects like West Village and post-earthquake rebuilding.
The Guardian
+2
BD Online
+2
Tadao Ando
Pritzker laureate (1995) famed for minimalist, contemplative concrete structures that harmonize with nature—honored with multiple global design awards.
Wikipedia
David Chipperfield
The 2023 Pritzker Prize recipient known for restrained, timeless civic and cultural works (e.g., Neues Museum, Museo Jumex), led by David Chipperfield Architects.
Wikipedia
Marina Tabassum
A Bangladeshi architect honored by the Aga Khan Award, TIME 100 (2024), and Lisbon Triennale Lifetime Achievement — best known for sustainable and culturally tuned design, including the Bait‑ur‑Rouf Mosque and the 2025 Serpentine Pavilion.
Wikipedia
+1
Lina Ghotmeh
Lebanese-born architect based in Paris, noted for material sensitivity and sustainability. Highlights include the Serpentine Pavilion (2023), Bahrain Pavilion at Expo 2025, and energy‑positive industrial work.
Wikipedia
+1
Summary Table: Notable Firms & Architects
Category Notable Entities
Global Firms by Scale Gensler, Perkins&Will, HKS, HDR, AECOM, Populous, HOK, Stantec
Influential Design Studios Snøhetta, MVRDV, Foster + Partners, SOM
AD100 Honorees Ando, Kuma, Piano, Nouvel, Gehry, Foster, Gehry, Diller Scofidio + Renfro
2025 Pritzker Laureate Liu Jiakun
Pritzker Winners Tadao Ando (1995), David Chipperfield (2023)
Influential Emerging Voices Marina Tabassum, Lina Ghotmeh
Would you like a deeper dive into any of these? I can pull recent project highlights, award overviews, or export a formatted list—just let me know!
More on architecture today
Architectural Digest
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The Guardian
‘I aspire to be like water’: the exquisite buildings of Liu Jiakun, winner of architecture’s top prize
Mar 4, 2025