10 Top Architecture Firms in United Kingdom; 2025 Review
The United Kingdom is rich in architectural treasures, with a diverse array of buildings spanning England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Each of these four nations boasts a distinct history, reflected in their unique architectural styles. While London-based firms often dominate rankings, many designers working in the capital come from other regions, bringing with them the knowledge and cultural influences of their home areas across the islands.
The architectural sector in the UK contributes significantly to the economy, generating over £6 billion annually, with England housing the majority of the industry’s top players. London, in particular, stands as a global hub for architectural excellence, hosting more than 50% of the UK’s architecture firms. However, cities like Manchester, Birmingham, and Bristol are also rising as centers of creative architectural talent.
This article explores the top architecture firms in United Kingdom, highlighting their signature projects, design philosophies, and contributions to the built environment.
Top Architecture Firms in United Kingdom
Here, we introduced top architecture firms in United Kingdom, including Zaha Hadid Architects, Foster and Partners, Heatherwick Studio, Adjaye Associates, David Chipperfield Architects, Squire & Partners, Alison Brooks Architects, Rogers Stirk Harbour and Partners, 6a Architects, and Hopkins Architects.
1. Zaha Hadid Architects
Zaha Hadid Architects, established by the visionary architect Zaha Hadid, has earned worldwide recognition for its innovative contributions to architecture. Awarded the prestigious Pritzker Prize in 2004, Hadid’s work reflects a remarkable blend of urbanism, design, and extensive research. The architecture firm explores the dynamic relationships between architecture, landscape, and geology, harmonizing natural topography with advanced technologies.
This distinctive approach results in breathtaking, unconventional forms that captivate the imagination. Collaborating with renowned artists, designers, engineers, and forward-thinking clients, the architecture firm has expanded its expertise, employing cutting-edge technologies to bring complex, fluid structures to life. Hadid’s groundbreaking designs have been exhibited at esteemed venues such as the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York and the Design Museum in London, solidifying her lasting impact on the architectural world.
Top Projects:
- Beijing Daxing International Airport, Beijing, China
- KnitCandela, Mexico City, Mexico
- Leeza SOHO, Beijing, China
2. Foster + Partners
Founded by Norman Foster in 1967, Foster + Partners is a globally recognized studio celebrated for its holistic approach to architecture, urbanism, engineering, and design. With a strong commitment to sustainability, the studio operates through a network of offices worldwide. Its collaborative structure emphasizes the active involvement of individuals in all facets of its work. The architecture firm’s six architectural studios manage projects collectively, with partners—who are also shareholders—ensuring accountability for every endeavor. Guided by the practice’s core design principles, the Design Board meticulously reviews each project at every stage, maintaining the highest standards of innovation and quality.
Top Projects:
- Ombú, Madrid, Spain
- Apple Battersea, Battersea, Greater London, United Kingdom
- Apple Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL, United States
3. Heatherwick Studio
Heatherwick Studio is a collective of 180 innovators dedicated to improving the physical world for everyone. Operating from a combined workshop and design studio in Central London, the studio creates a wide range of works, including buildings, spaces, masterplans, objects, and infrastructure. With a focus on large-scale urban projects worldwide, the team prioritizes initiatives that deliver significant positive social impact.
As practical inventors with no fixed design style, the studio’s philosophy centers on creating soulful, engaging spaces that reflect the complexities of real life. Driven by human experience rather than rigid design principles, the team has completed internationally acclaimed projects such as the award-winning Learning Hub at Singapore’s Nanyang Technological University and the UK Pavilion at the 2010 Shanghai World Expo. Currently, Heatherwick Studio is involved in 30 active projects across ten countries, continuing to shape meaningful and innovative spaces around the globe.
Top Projects:
- Coal Drops Yard, London, United Kingdom
- Maggie’s Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
- Bombay Sapphire Distillery , Hampshire, United Kingdom
4. Adjaye Associates
Since founding Adjaye Associates in 2000, Sir David Adjaye OBE has built a global, multicultural practice inspired by diverse cultural dialogues. With studios in Accra, London, and New York, the architecture firm undertakes projects across the world. Its most renowned work, the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC), opened in 2016 on the National Mall in Washington, DC, and was hailed as the “Cultural Event of the Year” by The New York Times.
The architecture firm’s portfolio spans a wide spectrum, encompassing private residences, bespoke furniture, product design, exhibitions, and temporary pavilions, as well as large-scale arts centers, civic buildings, and masterplans. This versatility highlights Adjaye Associates’ commitment to innovation and excellence across disciplines and scales.
Top Projects:
- Winter Park Library & Events Center, Winter Park, Florida
- The Abrahamic Family House, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- ateliers, Accra, Ghana
5. David Chipperfield Architects
Founded in 1985, David Chipperfield Architects is a globally acclaimed practice with a presence in both private and public sectors. With offices in London, Berlin, Milan, Shanghai, and Santiago de Compostela, the architecture firm is celebrated for its meticulous design process and the timeless quality of its work. Each office maintains a strong connection to its local context while contributing to a shared vision of architectural excellence worldwide.
The practice’s collaborative approach extends beyond architecture, encompassing DC Design and Fundación RIA—a non-profit research initiative in Galicia focused on regional planning and development. This broad scope allows the architecture firm to engage in projects ranging from intricate product designs to large-scale territorial master planning. Recognized with over 100 awards for design excellence, David Chipperfield Architects continues to set benchmarks for innovation and quality in architecture.
Top Projects:
- Jannowitz tower, Berlin, Germany, 2019
- Luxwerk masterplan, Berlin, Germany, 2022
- Zikawei Library, Shanghai, China, 2013–23
6. Squire and Partners
Squire & Partners is a renowned architecture and design practice with over four decades of experience, recognized internationally for creating architecture deeply connected to the history and culture of its surroundings. Their award-winning portfolio includes masterplans, private and affordable housing, workspaces, retail spaces, educational facilities, and public buildings, crafted for some of the world’s leading developers.
The practice features dedicated teams specializing in model-making, computer-generated imaging, illustration, graphics, and a well-established interior design department, which has developed bespoke product ranges. Squire & Partners’ design philosophy emphasizes a thoughtful response to each site’s unique heritage and context, integrating established street patterns, scale, and proportions to deliver timeless, location-specific architecture.
Top Projects:
- Zubabox, Bogotá, Colombia
- The Ark, Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice, Greater London, United Kingdom
- 5 Hanover Square, London, United Kingdom
7. Alison Brooks Architects
Founded in 1996, Alison Brooks Architects (ABA) has earned an international reputation for excellence and innovation, delivering a diverse portfolio of projects that span urban regeneration, masterplanning, public buildings for the arts, higher education, and housing.
ABA’s award-winning designs are grounded in in-depth research into the cultural, social, and environmental contexts of each project. This methodology allows the architecture firm to create pioneering solutions with distinct identities and authentic connections to their settings. With meticulous attention to detail, ABA consistently exceeds client expectations while enhancing the urban environment. This commitment to design quality and impact has garnered the practice both national and international acclaim.
Top Projects:
- The Smile, London, United Kingdom
- Lens House, London, United Kingdom
- Exeter College Cohen Quad, Oxford, United Kingdom
8. Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners
Established in 1977 as the Richard Rogers Partnership, the architecture firm evolved into Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners (RSHP) in 2007, recognizing the pivotal roles of Graham Stirk and Ivan Harbour. With studios in global hubs such as London, Paris, Melbourne, Sydney, Shanghai, Shenzhen, and New York, RSHP is powered by a dynamic team of 180 professionals.
The architecture firm embraces a diverse portfolio of projects, approaching each with a commitment to uncovering social and commercial value, even in the most constrained and complex sites. RSHP’s designs prioritize human experience, combining practicality with a passion for transforming challenging spaces into places of beauty and utility. Guided by their ever-evolving design philosophy, honed over decades, RSHP delivers architecture that enhances cities and environments, creating spaces that are both impactful and uplifting.
Top Projects:
- Bordeaux Law Courts,
- 14A Konstitucijos Ave,
- Tree House, United Kingdom
9. 6a Architects
Founded in 2001 by Tom Emerson and Stephanie Macdonald, 6a architects has gained recognition for its work on contemporary art galleries, educational buildings, artists’ studios, and residential projects, often set within sensitive historic contexts.
The practice gained prominence with the completion of two celebrated public art galleries: Raven Row (2009), which earned a RIBA Award in 2011, and the expanded South London Gallery (2010).
Recent achievements include a 68-room hall of residence at Churchill College, Cambridge (2016), honored with a RIBA Regional East Award in 2017, and a studio complex for photographer Juergen Teller (2016), which received the RIBA London Building of the Year Award and a RIBA National Award in 2017. Through its thoughtful and contextually sensitive designs, 6a architects continues to make a significant impact on contemporary architecture.
Top Projects:
- Tree House , London, United Kingdom
- Façade for Paul Smith, Mayfair, London, London, United Kingdom
- V&A Gallery 40, London, United Kingdom
10. Hopkins Architects
Hopkins Architects is a globally recognized architectural practice with studios in London and Dubai. Guided by its five principals, the architecture firm’s approach is grounded in clear and logical design thinking, a profound understanding of materials and craftsmanship, and a strong sensitivity to context. This consistent and meticulous methodology has produced a portfolio of innovative, aesthetically striking, and highly functional buildings across Europe, the United States, and Asia, delivering meaningful value to clients and users alike.
The practice’s celebrated projects include iconic structures such as Portcullis House at Westminster and the award-winning London 2012 Olympic Velodrome. With a commitment to excellence, Hopkins Architects continues to shape groundbreaking designs that enrich the built environment.
Top Projects:
- Harold Alfond Athletics and Recreation Center, Colby College, Waterville, Maine
- Buhais Geology Park Interpretive Centre, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Eton Sports & Aquatics Centre, Windsor, United Kingdom
Resources: aaup | architizer | archdaily | rethinking the future | archello