The Top 20 UK Architectural Firms in 2025
Posted by London Build 2025 on 14th August 2025 -
From futuristic towers to thoughtful community spaces, UK architecture is having a moment, and these firms are leading the charge. Whether it's designing landmark buildings, reviving historic neighbourhoods, or setting the bar for sustainable design, these 20 practices are making serious waves in 2025.
Some are global giants, others are boutique studios with bold ideas. All of them are shaping the way we live, work, and experience the built environment.
We’ve pulled this list together using data from the WA100 rankings, design awards, and standout projects across the UK and beyond. Think of it as your snapshot of the most exciting names in British architecture right now.
1. Heatherwick Studio
Why they lead the way: Known for sculptural, landmark designs like the Google King's Cross HQ and the Bund Finance Centre in Shanghai. Continues to merge art and architecture with sustainability and innovation at the core.
Why to watch in 2025: Expansion of public realm commissions and growing reputation for immersive, experiential spaces.
2. Adjaye Associates
Signature strengths: Sir David Adjaye’s firm champions cultural architecture, with high-profile commissions such as the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C. UK-based projects include mixed-use cultural and civic venues.
In 2025: Their growing influence in cultural regeneration continues to shape civic spaces at city scale.
3. Foster + Partners
A perennial heavyweight, globally known for high-tech, sustainable designs like The Gherkin, Apple Park, and new UK infrastructure projects.
In 2025: Leading pioneering sustainability in large-scale urban developments and airport design.
4. Allies and Morrison
Specializes in urban (re)design, advocacy for heritage-led regeneration, and public realm interventions. Projects include the masterplan for King's Cross and Battersea Power Station redevelopment.
2025 highlight: Continued leadership in large-scale mixed-use and heritage-conscious architecture.
5. Studio Seilern Architects
Boutique powerhouse delivering elegant, thoughtful work from private homes to cultural projects.
2025 presence: Selected for high-profile institutional work in central London, gaining attention for refined, context-sensitive designs.
6. Alison Brooks Architects
Renowned for sculptural forms and domestic-scale design. Notable for North London’s Brockley Wick project and multi-award-winning housing.
In 2025: Leading UK design through affordable, intelligent housing and community-focused architecture.
7. Atelier Chang Ltd
Small but influential firm fusing Chinese and British design sensibilities, notable for cross-cultural residential and urban projects.
2025 focus: Delivering nuanced design in mixed-use and residential developments, growing reputation among design professionals.
8. AL_A (Amanda Levete Architects)
AL_A continues to impress with radical, fluid forms—projects include Victoria & Albert Museum Exhibition Road and MAAT museum in Lisbon.
2025 outlook: Cementing its reputation through innovation in museum and capital cultural architecture in the UK.
9. Canary Wharf Group (Architecture Division)
Delivering large-scale commercial architecture, public realm, and placemaking across Canary Wharf.
2025 performance: Expanding in mixed-use and transit-oriented design, integrating sustainability into city-scale developments.
10. Arup Architecture
Known for multidisciplinary design merging engineering and architectural innovation. Projects include sustainable towers and adaptive reuse.
2025 strength: Pushing boundaries in low-carbon, resilient architecture through cross-sector expertise.
11. Laing O’Rourke (Architecture Arm)
As a global engineering and construction group, its in-house architects lead integrated design and build projects.
2025 clues: Execution of complex infrastructure projects through holistic design and delivery.
12. Bureau de Change
Urban design specialists with a focus on public realm, strategic masterplanning, and public-regeneration commissions across the UK.
2025 agenda: Growing impact in city-making and inclusive, walkable urban interventions.
13. Squire & Partners
Known for mixed-use, hospitality, workplace, and residential architecture with a strong design-led ethos.
2025 vibe: Strong pipeline in hospitality and boutique residential that continues to underscore refined, commercial-lifestyle projects.
14. BDP (Building Design Partnership)
An independent UK-based firm with multidisciplinary strengths in architecture, engineering, and interior design.
2025 footprint: High-impact education, healthcare, and workplace buildings nationwide.
15. Zaha Hadid Architects
Internationally celebrated for their iconic, parametric designs. Projects in the UK include the London Aquatics Centre and other cultural institutions.
2025 direction: Continued pursuit of fluid, boundary-pushing architecture in new build and infrastructure.
16. Chapman Taylor
Focuses on mixed-use commercial and retail architecture. Known for projects like Westfield Stratford City.
2025 momentum: Development of experiential, user-centric city-scale environments.
17. 10 Design
Modernist, high-end design across commercial, leisure, and hospitality; works include high-profile London developments.
2025 vision: Trainers in design-led urbanism and workplace architecture.
18. Allford Hall Monaghan Morris (AHMM)
Office known for educational, residential, and arts projects with thoughtful detailing and sustainability at heart.
2025 roadmap: Expanded lead in educational and housing design built around wellbeing and resilience.
19. Purcell
Specialists in heritage and adaptive reuse. Projects include museums, listed buildings, and regeneration of historic environments.
2025 scope: Leading the field in marrying conservation with modern needs in public and cultural architecture.
20. Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios (FCBStudios)
Renowned for sustainable housing, education, and civic architecture, with a strong environmental ethos.
2025 angle: Driving net-zero and community-first design models for public-sector and housing clients.
Source: WA100
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