The Top 20 UK Architectural Firms in 2025

London Build has compiled a list of 20 architecture practices it sees as leading UK design in 2025, drawing on the WA100 rankings, design awards and notable projects. The list mixes global names with smaller studios.

Heatherwick Studio tops the list for sculptural landmarks such as Google’s King’s Cross headquarters, followed by Adjaye Associates, known for cultural buildings including the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C., and Foster + Partners, whose portfolio includes The Gherkin and Apple Park. Allies and Morrison is recognised for heritage-led regeneration, including work on the King’s Cross masterplan and Battersea Power Station.

Smaller practices featured include Studio Seilern Architects, Alison Brooks Architects, Atelier Chang, and AL_A, the studio behind the V&A Exhibition Road project and the MAAT museum in Lisbon. The list also includes Canary Wharf Group’s architecture division, Arup Architecture and Laing O’Rourke’s in-house architects, reflecting the role of integrated design and delivery.

The remainder of the 20 are Bureau de Change, Squire & Partners, BDP, Zaha Hadid Architects (designer of the London Aquatics Centre), Chapman Taylor (known for Westfield Stratford City), 10 Design, Allford Hall Monaghan Morris, heritage specialist Purcell, and Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios, noted for its focus on net zero and community-focused design.

Common themes across the list include sustainability, low-carbon design, adaptive reuse of existing buildings, and public realm and regeneration work.

Source: London Build 2026, original article (14 August 2025)