Largest architecture firms in the World [2024 update]

What are the largest architecture firms in the World?

Building Design Online’s 2024 survey of the largest architecture firms in the world highlights the dominance of established industry leaders alongside the emergence of new players and regions. Gensler continues to hold its position as the largest architecture firm in the world, with over $1.5 billion in fee income and 3,065 architects. Its legacy, built since 1965, includes a diverse portfolio ranging from urban planning to commercial design, entertainment complexes, and brand innovation.

HDR secures second place among the largest architecture firms in the world, with a fee income of $700 million to $799 million and a workforce of 1,544 architects. Its multidisciplinary expertise spans architecture, engineering, and environmental services, delivering projects across 60 countries. Nikken Sekkei, a Tokyo-based firm with over 115 years of history, ranks third with $500 million to $599 million in income and 1,347 architects. Its focus on architecture, urban planning, and environmental design underscores its position as a global leader.

Sweco, ranked in our Best architecture firms in Sweden, the only European firm in the top five, stands out for its sustainable approach to urban development. Employing 1,504 architects, Sweco earns $170 million to $179 million annually, with projects across multiple European countries. The UK, a significant contributor to the rankings, features renowned names like Foster + Partners (#20) and Zaha Hadid Architects (#28), reflecting the country’s architectural prowess.

Courtesy: Sweco

The largest architecture firms in the World in terms of turnover and employees are

Source: Building Design Online

The 2024 rankings of the biggest architecture firms in the world reveal significant shifts alongside some enduring consistencies. Gensler continues to dominate as the largest firm globally, maintaining its position at the top with over $1.5 billion in fee income and 3,065 architects. Arcadis makes a notable entry at #2, marking a significant development for the Netherlands-based firm, which employs 1,956 architects and reports a fee income of $370 million to $379 million. This is a remarkable leap, highlighting Arcadis’ growing influence in the global market.

HDR, previously ranked #2 in 2023, moves to #3 but remains a formidable player with a fee income between $700 million and $799 million. Sweco climbs to #4, solidifying its position as the only European firm in the top five, reflecting its continued focus on sustainable urban design and its sizable workforce of 1,504 architects. Meanwhile, Nikken Sekkei drops from #3 to #5 but maintains its status as a key figure in global architecture, with a diverse portfolio spanning urban planning and architectural services.

South Korea’s Heerim Architects & Planners advances to #6 from #8 in 2023, showcasing impressive growth with a fee income of $180 million to $189 million. This is indicative of South Korea’s expanding role in the global architectural landscape, further supported by the strong presence of firms like DA Group Urban Design, ranked #22.

Emerging markets continue to make steady gains, with firms from India and the Philippines performing well. DSP Design Associates, ranked #47, leads India’s representation with a fee income of $30 million to $39 million. The Philippines maintains its growing presence with Aidea ranked #39 and ASYA Design at #79. These firms exemplify the rising influence of developing markets on the global stage.

British architecture firms hold a prominent place in the 2024 rankings of the largest architecture firms in the world. Foster + Partners, ranked #20, leads among UK firms, followed by Zaha Hadid Architects (#28), BDP (#23), Chapman Taylor (#46), and Allford Hall Monaghan Morris (#49). Other notable firms include Purcell (#67), recognized for restoration projects, and Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios (#84), emphasizing sustainable design. These firms represent a diverse range of expertise, from cutting-edge modernity to heritage conservation, showcasing the UK’s global architectural influence.

Notably absent from the 2024 rankings are previously recognized firms such as MVRDV from the Netherlands and Denmark’s BIG Bjarke Ingels Group. Their absence reflects the evolving competitive dynamics of the industry, as newer or faster-growing firms secure their spots in the top 100. At the same time, mid-tier firms like Lemay, rising to #30 from #36, and GMP Architekten, moving up to #16 from #18, demonstrate significant advancements in their global standings.

Europe’s presence remains strong with ATP Architects Engineers ranked #13 and beyond the top 20, continuing to be influential: Norway‘s LINK Arkitektur (#33) and Spain‘s Morph Estudio (#77) and Idom (#43), Wilmotte & Associés from France at 52nd, Itten + Brechbühl from Switzerland at 53rd, and Jaspers-Eyers Architects from Belgium at 62nd.These rankings underscore the diverse and influential role that European architecture firms play in shaping the built environment worldwide, reflecting a rich heritage of design excellence and innovation.

Amongst the Best architecture firms in India: DSP Design Associates, ranked #47, leads with expertise in commercial and workplace design, while Morphogenesis (#63) is celebrated for its sustainable and context-driven projects. Firms like C P Kukreja Architects (#66) and Sanjay Puri Architects (#91) emphasize innovative, culturally rooted designs. Despite challenges like budget constraints and rapid urbanization, Indian firms are shaping the built environment with projects that integrate tradition and modernity, reflecting the country’s dynamic growth and architectural ingenuity.

The rankings highlight the continuous evolution of the industry, with both established giants and new contenders shaping its trajectory.

Here below you can find all our other selections of top architecture companies in the World and in Europe:

• Best architecture firms in Denmark
• Best architecture firms in the UK
• Best architecture firms in France
• Best architecture firms in Germany
• Best architecture firms in the Netherlands 
• Best architecture firms in Italy
• Best architecture firms in Spain
• Best architecture firms in Sweden
• Best architecture firms in Norway
• Best architecture firms in India
• Best architecture firms in Turkey

Cover image: ©Gensler / Ryan Gobuty