30 Best Residential Architects + Firms in the World

Ian Mutuli
Updated on
Ian Mutuli

Ian Mutuli

Founder and Managing Editor of Archute. He is also a graduate architect from The University of Nairobi, Kenya.
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If you’re building a new home, why settle for any cookie-cutter design when you could work with or find the best design inspiration from the 30 best residential architects and firms in the world? These talented individuals and teams specialize in creating homes tailored to the specific needs, styles, and budgets of each of their clients. Read on to learn more!

1. Norman Foster- Architect

Norman Foster

Image Credits: thetimes.co.uk

Norman Foster is a British architect born in Manchester, England, in 1935. He is known for technologically advanced designs, which often incorporate sustainable features. Foster is the founder of Foster + Partners, an international architecture and design firm at the forefront of the industry for over 40 years.

Villa Dolunay by Foster + Partners

Image Credits: arquitecturaviva.com

The firm has designed many projects, including city skyscrapers, museums, airports, and residential buildings. Norman Foster’s impressive projects include the Villa Donulay in Turkey shown above. Foster has received numerous awards and honors, including the Pritzker Architecture Prize in 1999, and further by Queen Elizabeth, who honored him with a life peerage and the title Lord Foster of Thames Bank.

2. Mimi Hoang- Architect

Mimi Hoang

Image Credits: narchitects.com

Mimi Hoang was born in Vietnam and trained in Amsterdam before moving to the United States to further her architectural studies. She is one of the top female architects of our time and co-founder of the New York-based architectural firm ARCHITECTS. She has over two decades of experience and is renowned for her innovative and sustainable architectural designs that are heavily influenced by nature’s greenery, particularly in the residential sector.

Double Ex House by Mimi Hoang

Image Credits: narchitects.com

Mimi’s design approach prioritizes her client’s needs and the unique characteristics of each project site. Some of her notable residential projects include the Double Ex House shown above. Throughout her career, Mimi Hoang has received numerous awards and recognition for her exceptional work, including the Architectural League Prize for Young Architects and Designers and the AIA New York Women in Architecture Award.

3. Marcio Kogan-Architect

Marcio Kogan

Image Credits: deezen.com

Marcio Kogan is a renowned Brazilian architect, filmmaker, and founder of Studio MK27. Born in São Paulo, Brazil, in 1952, Kogan is known for his modernist approach to design and spaces that seamlessly blend with their surroundings. In addition, he introduces thermal comfort through passive sustainability in his designs.

Vista House by Marcio Kogan

Image Credits: studiomk27.com

He has garnered several awards for his work, including becoming an Honorary Member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA). He has projects across Brazil, South America, and internationally. Kogan’s designs use natural materials, including mashrabiyas, and are made for sustainability. An example of his designs is the Vista House shown above, located in Brazil.

4. Tadao Ando- Architect

Tadao Ando

Image Credits: fashionpost.jp

Tadao Ando is a Japanese architect born in Osaka in 1941. He never attained an architecture degree but is seen as one of the most important and influential architects of the 20th and 21st centuries. Ando is known for his minimalist and modernist design approach, emphasizing a strong connection between architecture and nature.

His work is inspired by haiku (which, in architecture, refers to nothingness and the representation of beauty and simplicity through empty space) and an emphasis on using concrete and natural light. Ando’s projects are located worldwide and include museums, cultural centers, private homes, and more.

The Koshino House by Tadao Ando

Image Credits: f_berg_cgi.artstation.com

Some of his notable works include the Church of the Light in Osaka, the Hill of the Buddha in Sapporo, Meditation Space, UNESCO, in Paris, and the Koshino House in Ashiya, shown above. Ando has received numerous awards and accolades, including the Pritzker Architecture Prize in 1995.

5. Frank Gehry- Architect

Frank Gehry

Image Credits: ft.com

Frank Gehry is a renowned Canadian-American architect and army vet widely considered one of the most innovative architects in the world. Born in Toronto, Canada, in 1929, he moved to Los Angeles in the late 1940s and attended the University of Southern California School of Architecture.

Gehry is known for his distinctive and very original architectural style, which often features sculptural forms, unexpected materials, and a play on light and shadow. Some of his most prominent buildings include the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao in Spain, the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles, the Louis Vuitton Foundation in Paris, and his home, the Frank Gehry Residence below.

The Frank Gehry Resodence designed by Frank Gehry

Image Credits: lobsintl.com

Gehry has also received numerous awards and accolades for his work, including the 1989 Pritzker Architecture Prize and the AIA Gold Medal, American Institute of Architects, in 1999.

6. Jean Nouvel- Architect

Jean Nouvel

image Credits: arquitecturaviva.com

Jean Nouvel is a famous French architect known for avant-garde and minimalist architectural designs. Born in 1945, Nouvel studied architecture at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris before launching his architecture firm in 1970. Over the years, he gained international acclaim for his boundary-pushing designs, which often incorporate cutting-edge technologies and materials.

Delbigot Residence by Jean Nouvel

Image Credits: tumblr.com

Nouvel’s most notable projects include the Arab World Institute in Paris, the Torre Agbar in Barcelona, the Philharmonie de Paris, and the Delbigot Residence above. He is the recipient of numerous awards and accolades, including the Pritzker Prize in 2008.

7. Kazuyo Sejima- Architect

Kazuyo Sejima

Image Credits: archdaily.com

Kazuyo Sejima is a Japanese architect who co-founded the architecture firm SANAA with Ryue Nishizawa. Born in 1956 in Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan, Sejima received her degree in architecture from Tokyo Women’s College of Physical Education.

Villa in the Forest by Kazuyo Sejima

Image Credits: designboom.com

Sejima is a minimalist architectural designer who puts an emphasis on light and space. She has received numerous accolades, including the Pritzker Prize in 2010. Some of her notable projects include the New Museum of Contemporary Art in New York City, the Glass Pavilion in Toledo, Ohio, the Rolex Learning Center in Lausanne, Switzerland, and the Villa in the Forest in Japan, shown above.

8. Peter Zumthor- Architect

Peter Zumthor

Image Credits: britishart.yale.edu

Peter Zumthor is a Swiss architect and designer born in 1943. His approach to architecture is minimalist and focuses on the sensory experience of space. He pays close attention to detail and believes architecture should evoke a sense of place.

Gugalun House (Truog House) by Peter Zumthor

Image Credits: flickr.com

Zumthor has received numerous awards in his career, including the Pritzker Prize in 2009. His designs have been exhibited internationally, with his most notable works including the Therme Vals spa in Switzerland, the Kolumba Museum in Cologne, Germany, the Bruder Klaus Field Chapel in Germany, and the Gugalun House (Truog House), above.

9. Sou Fujimoto- Architect

Image Credits: wikipedia.com

Sou Fujimoto is a highly regarded Japanese architect, born in Hokkaido, Japan, in 1971. He established his architecture practice, Sou Fujimoto Architects, in 2000 and has since completed projects in Japan and beyond, ranging from single-family homes to large-scale public spaces.

Sujimoto’s works are recognized for their delicate and ethereal beauty and ability to integrate with their natural surroundings seamlessly. Some of his most notable projects include the Serpentine Pavilion in London, the Naoshima Pavilion in Kagawa, and the T House in Gunm below.

T House by Sou Fujimoto

Image Credits: archdaily.com

He has numerous accolades and prizes, including the prestigious Japanese Institute of Architecture Grand Prize and the JIA New Face Award.

10. Santiago Calatrava Valls- Architect

Santiago Calatrava Valls

Image Credits: ad-magazin.de

Santiago Calatrava Valls is a Spanish architect and engineer known for his innovative and sculptural designs in architecture, urban planning, and civil engineering. Born in 1951 in Valencia, Spain, Calatrava studied architecture and engineering in Switzerland and has his practice in Zurich.

Buchen Housing Estate by Santiago Calatrave

Image Credits: caltrava.com

Calatrava is renowned for designs that blend form and function to create beautiful and functional structures. Some of his outstanding works include the Milwaukee Art Museum, the City of Arts and Sciences in Valencia, the Stadelhofen Railway Station in Zurich, and the Buchen Housing Estate above. He has numerous awards and is one of the world’s best in the field.

11. Renzo Piano OMRI- Architect

Renzo Piano

Image Credits: npr.org

Renzo Piano OMRI is an Italian lifetime senator, architect, and engineer widely regarded as one of the most successful architects of the century. Born in Genoa, Italy, in 1937, he is best known for working on iconic buildings such as the Centre Georges Pompidou in Paris, The Shard in London, and Diogene Micro-Home below.

Diogene Micro-Home by Renzo Piano

Image Credits: arquitecturaviva.com

Piano’s designs are minimalistic and emphasize light and space. Throughout his career, Piano has received numerous awards, including the Pritzker Architecture Prize in 1998 and the AIA Gold Medal in 2008.

12. Scott Wilson- Architect

Scott Wilson

Image Credits: flickr.com

Scott Wilson is an architect and founding principal of the Scott Wilson Architects, LLC, from Franklin, Tennessee. He has built a reputation for his innovative approach to design, focusing on creating functional and sustainable spaces that enhance the lives of those who use them.

A Nahville house by Scott Wilson

Image Credits: scottwilsonarchitect.com

With over three decades of experience, Scott has completed numerous high-profile projects across the United States, including residential, commercial, and hospitality developments. He has received awards, including the Lifetime Achievement Award 2009 for Monroe Harding Children’s Home and the American Institute of Architects Community Service Award 2000.

13. Reza Najafian- Architect

Reza Najafian

Image Credits: villanews.ir

Reza Najafian is an Iranian-born architect and recipient of the 2016 A+ Award, recognizing his Afsharian House residential design below.

Afsharian's House by ReNa Design

Image Credits: archdaily.com

As one of the best young architects, Reza has his firm, ReNa Design which has also won several awards for site-specific architectural designs. He is also an art lover, with his extensive art collection featured in various art collections.

14. Saota- Firm

Saota

SAOTA is a South African-based architectural firm founded in 1987 in Cape Town. It is driven by a team of highly talented architects and designers, including Stefan Antoni, Philip Olmesdahl, Greg Truen, Phillippe Fouché, Mark Bullivant, Roxanne Kaye, and Logen Gordon.

Neuländer Quarree

Image Credits: saota.com

Their architectural approach focuses on creating unique, modern spaces that blend indoor and outdoor living. Some of their notable projects include the Clifton Terraces in Cape Town, South Africa, the Ritz-Carlton Residences in Bodrum, Turkey, and Neuländer Quarree in Hamburg, Germany, a multi-residential project shown above.

With a commitment to innovation and sustainability, SAOTA has received numerous awards, including World Architecture Festival Awards and the SAPOA Award for Innovative Excellence.

15. KGA Studio Architects- Firm

KGA Studio Architects

KGA Studio Architects is a US-based architecture firm founded in 1977 in Boulder, Colorado. Their design approach is centered around creating client-specific spaces that are in harmony with their surroundings. KGA Studio Architects is synonymous with pushing architectural boundaries, so they invent, re-interpret, and imagine new designs.

The winter Park home

Image Credits: kgarch.com

The firm focuses on residential architecture, including single-family, attached, and multi-family units. An example of their projects is the Winter Park home above. They are currently available in 8 American states and looking to expand more. A testament to their prowess, KGA Studio Architects have won around 86 awards and have been featured in the press numerous times.

16. Nikken Sekkei- Firm

Nikken Sekkei

Nikken Sekkei is a leading architectural firm based in Tokyo, Japan. Founded in 1900, it has over 120 years of experience delivering high-quality and innovative design solutions. With a team of over 2,000 professionals, the firm offers a wide range of services, including architecture, interior design, urban design, and master planning.

On The Water House by  Nikken Sekkei

Image Credits: archdaily.com

Some of their noteworthy projects include the Osaka Library, the Trade Tower in Seoul, and the On the Water house in Japan, shown above. The firm has received numerous awards, including the Architectural Institute of Japan Prize, the Good Design Award, and the Japan Building Contractors Society Prize.

17. Gensler- Firm

Gensler

Gensler is a multinational architecture firm founded in 1965 in San Francisco, California. With over 50 locations worldwide, including Asia, Europe, and the Americas, Gensler provides a wide range of services, including architecture and interior design.

HarborChase of Prince William Commons

Image Credits: gensler.com

The firm’s work spans multiple industries with notable projects like the Mineta San Jose International Airport Terminal B, 21st Century Fox, 1211 Avenue of the Americas, and the HarborChase of Prince William Commons units above. Gensler is known for their integrated approach, incorporating the latest technology and design thinking to create solutions that meet the evolving needs of clients and the wider community.

18. Sweco- Firm

Sweco

Sweco is a leading European architecture, engineering, and environmental consultancy firm. Founded in 1997 and headquartered in Sweden, the firm has a strong presence in the Nordic region plus other parts of Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.

Sweco offers architecture, engineering, sustainability, and strategic consulting to clients across various industries, including public and private sector organizations. The company prides itself on its expertise and innovation in delivering sustainable and efficient solutions and has won numerous awards and recognition along the way.

Grønttorvet Residential Units by Sweko

Image Credits: swekoarchitects.com

Sweko’s notable projects include the Grønttorvet residential units above.

19. ATP Architects Engineers- Firm

ATP architects engineers

ATP Architects Engineers is an international architecture firm founded in 1951 in Austria. They have different offers, including conceptual design, planning, engineering, and construction management. With a focus on sustainable design, some of their notable awards include the Austrian Energy Agency’s Award for Energy Efficient Buildings and the German Sustainable Building Council’s Gold Award. 

In-Tower residential and Commercial Building by ATP Architects

Image Credits: inventio.de

Some of the firm’s projects include the Millennium Tower, Vienna, the Hilti P4plus Production and Logistics Building, Thüringen (Austria), and the In-Tower Residential complex above.

20. IDOM- Firm

IDOM

IDOM is a global engineering and architecture consultancy firm from Bilbao, Spain. IDOM was founded in 1957 and has established a strong presence in over seven countries. They provide integrated design and consultancy services for buildings, infrastructure, and industrial facilities.

Bermondsey Housing in London by IDOM

Image Credits: idom.com

The company commits to sustainability and innovation, utilizing cutting-edge technology to create efficient and environmentally responsible solutions. The Bermondsey Housing project in London above is a good example of their work.

21. Rangr Studio- Firm

Rangr Studio

Rangr Studio is a young architectural firm founded by Jasmit Singh Rangr in 2014. Based in India, the firm has quickly established itself as a leading player in the residential architecture sector, with projects in several countries, including India, Costa Rica, The Dominican Republic, and Mexico.

Hudson Valley projects by Rangr Studio

Image Credits: archdaily.com

The firm’s design approach is firmly rooted in a deep understanding of the local landscape, climate, and environment, as you can see in the Hudson Valley project above. They believe architecture should be in harmony with its surroundings and strive to create beautiful and sustainable homes. The firm has received numerous awards for its work, including the Architizer A+ Award.

22. Tomecek Studio Architecture- Firm

Tomecek Studio Architecture

Tomecek Studio Architecture is a Denver-based firm founded by Brad Tomecek in 2004. With a focus on creating residential architecture, they have completed projects across the United States, ranging from single-family homes to multi-unit residential developments. The Shoshone Residence below is a worthy example.

The Shoshone Residence by Tomecek Studio Architecture- Colorado

Image Credits: tomecekstudio.com

Brad and his team have won numerous awards, including the AIA Colorado Young Firm of the Year, the AIA Colorado Distinction Award, and Best of Houzz 2020 in design.

23. Shapiro and Company Architects P.C.- Firm

Shapiro and Company Architects P.C.

Shapiro and Company Architects P.C. is an architecture firm based in Memphis, Nashville. Founded in 1999 by Brad Shapiro, the firm provides architectural and design services for residential and commercial projects. They have a reputation for delivering innovative design solutions and creating functional and visually appealing spaces.

Suburban Estate in Memphis- Shapiro and Company Architects P.C.- Firm

Image Credits: shapiroandco.com

The firm has worked on many projects, ranging from single-family homes to multi-unit residential buildings. The Suburban Estate above is the perfect residential project. Their approach to design emphasizes a collaborative process with clients, ensuring to meet their needs and goals.

24. HMH Architecture + Interiors- Firm

HMH Architecture + Interiors

HMH Architecture + Interiors is an award-winning architecture firm from Colorado. They are known for their innovative design solutions and collaboration with clients to create truly stunning places. This firm provides the best interior design team for any project, from single-family to multi-family units.

Sunset House  by HMH Architecture + Interiors

Image Credits: homeworldesign.com

They build custom homes, renovate existing homes, and connect clients with other professionals they need for their architectural design. The firm has received recognition in Colorado and beyond thanks to its impressive designs like the Sunset House above. Some notable awards are the 2022 AIA Colorado Firm of the Year, the 2022 RD Architecture Award, Interior Architecture, and 2022 Best of Houzz Design Award.

25. Desai Chia Architecture- Firm

Desai Chia Architecture

Desai Chia Architecture is a New York-based architectural firm founded by Katherine Chia and Arjun Desai. Its designs prioritize sustainability and have won numerous awards for green architecture. With a focus on creating unique and functional spaces, Desai Chia has worked on projects across the United States and internationally.

Their diverse portfolio includes residential, cultural, commercial, and hospitality projects. An example is the Montauk House below.

Montauk House, NY- Desai Chia

Image Credits: desaichia.com

Some of their awards include the American Architecture Awards, MasterPrize Awards, and AIA New York State Design Award.

26. Ehrlich Yanai Rhee Chaney Architects- Firm

Ehrlich Yanai Rhee Chaney Architects

Formerly known as Ehrlich Architects, Ehrlich Yanai Rhee Chaney Architects is an architectural firm founded in Los Angeles in 1979.

The Bayview House in Hermosa Beach, CA- Ehrlich Yanai Rhee Chaney Architects

Image Credits: eyrc.com

They have experience in residential, commercial, and educational projects and have won several awards for their outstanding designs. Their portfolio showcases a commitment to creating spaces that reflect the spirit and cultural identity of the community they serve. A notable project is the Bayview House in Hermosa Beach shown above.

27. Jonathan Miller Architecture and Design- Firm

Jonathan Miller Architecture and Design

Jonathan Miller Architecture and Design is a distinguished architecture and design firm from Texas. It was founded in 2002 and is led by Jonathan Miller.

A stone country house by Jonathan Miller Architecture and Design

Image Credits: jonathanmillerarchitects.com

The firm creates cutting-edge, visually stunning designs that prioritize sustainability and environmentally-conscious practices. They have a strong commitment to excellence and have been recognized with numerous awards and accolades.

28. Feldman Architecture- Firm

Feldman Architecture

Feldman Architecture is a design firm based in San Francisco, California, founded by Jonathan Feldman. Their approach to design focuses on craftsmanship, sustainable materials, and innovative technology. An example of the firm’s work is the Surf House below.

The Surf House in Santa Cruz, California- Feldman Architecture

Image Credits: feldmanarchitecture.com

The firm has received numerous awards, including recognition from the International Interior Design Association (IIDA) for its phenomenal work in interior design.

29. Sanjay Puri Architects- Firm

Sanjay Puri Architects

Sanjay Puri Architects is an award-winning architecture and design firm headquartered in Mumbai, India. The firm was founded in 1992 and is led by Sanjay Puri, a famed architect known for his design philosophy based on simplicity, functionality, and sustainability.

The Courtyard House in Rajasthan- Sanjay Puri Architects

Over the years, the firm has completed iconic projects in India and beyond, including residential, commercial, hospitality, and institutional buildings. Sanjay Puri Architects has received numerous accolades and recognition for their work, with notable mentions like the Courtyard House above.

30. Büro Koray Duman- Firm

Büro Koray Duman

Büro Koray Duman, B-KD was founded by Koray Duman in 2013. The firm is located in New York City and Turkey. The firm’s design process is based on the fact that architecture is a social infrastructure that should create a sense of belonging for all.

The Germantown House in Germantwon, NY- Büro Koray Duman

It is a fast-growing firm that has received numerous awards, including the Emerging Firm of the Year from Architizer. The firm’s notable project includes the Germantown House in New York, shown above.

Ian Mutuli

About the author

Ian Mutuli

Founder and Managing Editor of Archute. He is also a graduate architect from The University of Nairobi, Kenya.
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