25 Best Architecture Firms in Brazil

Colors, culture, connectivity: Brazil’s architectural legacy is a vibrant composition painted by tradition, foreign influence and radical modernism, all situated within a vast tropical landscape.

Home to numerous heritage sites, Brazil’s vernacular architecture is attributed to its Indigenous communities, whose traditional building techniques have been reinterpreted and embraced by many modernist designers today. Meanwhile, the country’s colonial architecture dates back to the 16th century. A European undertone is still prevalent today in cities like São Paulo and Salvador, where the multi-colored edifices speak to the distinct style brought by Portuguese settlers. European influences carried through in the 18th and 19th centuries and peaked in Ouro Preto — a city recognized today as a goldmine for architectural monuments.

When it comes to modernist experimentation and innovation, however, Brazilian architects are global trailblazers. From the establishment of the modernist city Brasília to the free-flowing mammoths in the nation’s existing metropoles, Brazil’s modernist history cannot be told without recognizing architects like Oscar Niemeyer, Lúcio Costa and Lina Bo Bardi. A distinct new architectural language emerged in 20th-century Brazil, defined by concrete, minimalism and functionality that notably moved away from the previously strong Eurocentric influences. And today’s contemporary designs continue to uphold this modernist legacy. Brazilian architects of today are known to embrace traditional practices, modernist ideas and current design principles – creating an architectural language that champions minimalism, innovation and, most importantly, the stunning tropical Brazilian outdoors.

With so many architecture firms to choose from, it’s challenging for clients to identify the industry leaders that will be an ideal fit for their project needs. Fortunately, Architizer is able to provide guidance on the top design firms in Brazil based on more than a decade of data and industry knowledge.

How are these architecture firms ranked?

The following ranking has been created according to key statistics that demonstrate each firm’s level of architectural excellence. The following metrics have been accumulated to establish each architecture firm’s ranking, in order of priority:

• The number of A+Awards won (2013 to 2023)
• The number of A+Awards finalists (2013 to 2023)
• The number of projects selected as “Project of the Day” (2009 to 2023)
• The number of projects selected as “Featured Project” (2009 to 2023)
• The number of projects uploaded to Architizer (2009 to 2023)

Each of these metrics is explained in more detail at the foot of this article. This ranking list will be updated annually, taking into account new achievements of Brazil architecture firms throughout the year.

Without further ado, here are the 29 best architecture firms in Brazil:

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25. Estudio Guto Requena

Estudio Guto Requena aims at the reflection on cyberculture and digital poetic narratives in design. The practice encompasses varied design scales – objects, interiors, buildings and cities, investigating the impact of digital technologies in the fields of information and communication on our daily lives, as well as its deployments regarding project.

Some of Estudio Guto Requena’s most prominent projects include:

• My Heart Beats Like Yours, São Paulo, Brazil
• The Year, Rua Mergenthaler, Vila Leopoldina, São Paulo, Brazil
• The Dancing Pavilion, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
• D3 Office, São Paulo, Brazil
• Disco Club, São Paulo, Brazil

The following statistics helped Estudio Guto Requena achieve 25th place in the 25 Best Architecture Firms in Brazil:

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24. BASICHES ARQUITETOS ASSOCIADOS

‘Basiches Arquitetos Associados’ is an architecture office that is way ahead in the quest for a contemporary language, that is, out of the commonplace, for many types of projects: residential, commercial or institutional, such as condominiums, lofts, shops, offices, night houses and fitness centers. Founded in 1999, ‘Basiches Arquitetos Associados’ works with every architectural field, including interior design projects, from creation, conception until the end of the detailed project itself.

Some of BASICHES ARQUITETOS ASSOCIADOS’s most prominent projects include:

The following statistics helped BASICHES ARQUITETOS ASSOCIADOS achieve 24th place in the 25 Best Architecture Firms in Brazil:

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23. Arquitetura Gui Mattos

Arquitetura Gui Mattos is an architecture and urbanism firm based in São Paulo, Brazil, which reverberates since 1987 in its production, the diversity of projects as a result of an unusual and propositional architecture that seeks to reinvent spaces, make them expressive and allow integration with the landscape.

Some of Arquitetura Gui Mattos ‘s most prominent projects include:

• Residencia Itamambuca , SP, Brazil
• Residência Conchas, São Paulo, Brazil
• Residência Quinta da Baroneza VII, São Paulo, Brazil
• Residência Camburi I, Praia de Camburí, São Sebastião, SP, Brazil
• Mandi Jardim Paulistano, São Paulo, Brazil

The following statistics helped Arquitetura Gui Mattos achieve 23rd place in the 25 Best Architecture Firms in Brazil:

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22. Isay Weinfeld

Over the past 45 years we have developed works in very diverse fields, from Architecture to Cinema. Such diversity — the effect of clear resolve, rather than luck or chance — is grounded on the belief that the experience in different themes greatly contributes to the better performance of our responsibilities, and on the certainty that in Architecture, inasmuch as in any other trade, broadening horizons is crucial and part of a lifelong learning process. Our practice is driven by a philosophical approach that makes no distinction between the project of a chair and that of a building, in the sense that dedication to each of the assignments is the same, as is the working process behind them, including sketches, models, prototypes, development and detail drawings, and close follow-up of execution works.

Nonetheless, if technically our projects are the outcome of an equation combining program, location, legislation, budget and deadline, it is from the client that we draw the necessary inspiration to — on a symbolic, while not less important dimension — imprint an identity to the project, whether a house, a store, a hotel, a cultural center, or even the interiors of an apartment. We believe excellence in design results from combined skills and efforts. By working as a team from the start of a project, engineers and we join together our knowledge, often supported by the latest advances in building technology, to ensure the best solutions are achieved and all of the client’s demands are met.

Some of Isay Weinfeld’s most prominent projects include:

• Fasano Las Piedras Hotel, Punta del Este, Uruguay
• Sumaré House, São Paulo, Brazil
• 360° Building, São Paulo, Brazil
• RIO DE JANEIRO MUSEUM OF IMAGE AND SOUND COMPETITION, 3432, Avenida Atlântica, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
• The Four Seasons Restaurant, New York, NY, United States

The following statistics helped Isay Weinfeld achieve 22nd place in the 25 Best Architecture Firms in Brazil:

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21. Estúdio MRGB

Estúdio MRGB is an office of architecture and urbanism founded in 2004, based in Brasília-DF, Brazil. It gathers the experience of architects, engineers, and professionals of multiple areas that collaborate with our design production.

The name and visual identity of the studio, is created by the letters M.R.G.B., that represents and narrows the affinity between the city of Brasília and the studio, the initials are a direct reference to the four scales that configures the city architecture and Urbanism – Monumental, Residential, Gathering and Bucolic. The admiration, respect and recognition for the contributions of the architect Lúcio Costa. The design production of the Estúdio MRGB is guided by the architects Igor Campos and Hermes Romão Campos Jr.

Some of Estúdio MRGB’s most prominent projects include:

The following statistics helped Estúdio MRGB achieve 21st place in the 25 Best Architecture Firms in Brazil:

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20. TFArq

We are architects from Brazil. Our practice is in search for good and timeless architecture. With 15 years of experience, we have designed projects of many typologies, including industry, multifamily housing, commercial, office and single family residences.

Some of TFArq’s most prominent projects include:

• Adelainde Previdi, Brazil
• MADEC, Caxias do Sul, Brazil
• PIER 31, Flores da Cunha, RS, Brazil
• La Vie Dor, Caxias do Sul, Brazil
• Bontempo, Caxias do Sul, Brazil

The following statistics helped TFArq achieve 20th place in the 25 Best Architecture Firms in Brazil:

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19. vão arquitetura

Founded in 2013, Vão is an architecture and urbanism office based in São Paulo, Brasil, that works on different scales, typologies and contexts. Its production is the result of constant architectural research, both theoretical and technical, and also from the enriching experience within the field of plastic arts that is realized through collaborations with contemporary artists.

Some of vão arquitetura’s most prominent projects include:

• Viadutos Apartment, Bela Vista, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
• Ownerless House nº 01, Avaré, Brazil
• Acolá Store, Rua Padre Carvalho, Pinheiros, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
• Antonio Bicudo Apartment , São Paulo, Brazil
• Subsolanus, Roma Sur, Ciudad de México, Mexico

The following statistics helped vão arquitetura achieve 19th place in the 25 Best Architecture Firms in Brazil:

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18. Metro Arquitetos Associados

Founded in 2000 in São Paulo, METRO works in different scales, from temporary installations to urban interventions. The work allies a modernist architectural tradition, resulting from the frequent collaboration with the architect Paulo Mendes da Rocha [Pritzker Prize 2006], to a practice that complies with contemporary issues. On the one hand, we look after an architecture in which material organization serves the collective use of the built spaces; on the other, we look upon the importance of formal speculation and research on materials; an approach that works with the necessities and desires of the wide network of agents involved in the production of space.The relationship between the buildings and the environment in which they are set is specially considered in the projects of the office, which pursues the most up-to-date tools to obtain the best environmental performance.

Some of Metro Arquitetos Associados’s most prominent projects include:

The following statistics helped Metro Arquitetos Associados achieve 18th place in the 25 Best Architecture Firms in Brazil:

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17. BCMF Arquitetos

Established in 2001, by partners Bruno Campos, Marcelo Fontes and Silvio Todeschi, BCMF Architects has been involved in the development of a broad range of outstanding projects, being acknowledged in Brazil and abroad as one of the leading practices of the new generation of Brazilian architects. Our studio seeks to be highly diversified in terms of scale and typology, ranging from interior design, commercial and residential buildings to large-scale projects (arenas, sports facilities, shopping malls, hospitals, industries, parks and urban masterplans).

Some of BCMF Arquitetos’s most prominent projects include:

• Bar Stella Artois, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
• Mineirão Stadium, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
• Brazilian National Shooting Center, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
• Bar-Pool-Gallery , Nova Lima, Brazil
• Brazilian National Equestrian Center, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

The following statistics helped BCMF Arquitetos achieve 17th place in the 25 Best Architecture Firms in Brazil:

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16. Andrade Morettin Arquitetos

Andrade Morettin Arquitetos was founded in 1997 and mostly elaborates in the area of architecture and urbanism, having developed projects for exhibitions, housing, schools and others. The practice works on projects of various scales and very different natures in the field of architecture and urban planning.

Some of Andrade Morettin Arquitetos’s most prominent projects include:

• Instituto Moreira Salles, São Paulo, Brazil
• R.R. House, Ubatuba, Brazil
• BOX 298, São Paulo, Brazil
• Fidalga 772, São Paulo, Brazil
• AB House, São Paulo, Brazil

The following statistics helped Andrade Morettin Arquitetos achieve 16th place in the 25 Best Architecture Firms in Brazil:

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15. AMZ Arquitetos

Founded in 2009, AMZ is a São Paulo based architecture firm with works ranging from the urban scale to the object scale. Composed of a collaborative and complimentary team, they operate seeking a multifocal projecting approach combining architectural concept with interior design, environmental and constructibility concerns since the beginning of every project.

They aim to combine pure and conceptually free project solutions with adequate constructive methods through a cooperative process that connects clients, consultants and constructors in all stages of any given project.

Some of AMZ Arquitetos’s most prominent projects include:

• Salto House, Salto, Brazil
• Guaecá II House, São Sebastião, Brazil
• Belgica House, São Paulo, Brazil
• Green House, São Paulo, Brazil
• Guaeca I House, São Sebastião, Brazil

The following statistics helped AMZ Arquitetos achieve 15th place in the 25 Best Architecture Firms in Brazil:

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14. Nommo Arquitetos

Nommo Arquitetos is an executive office company based in Curitiba, Brazil. The firm specializes in residential architecture, interior design and refurbishment work.

Some of Nommo Arquitetos’s most prominent projects include:

• House AC, 1797, Rua Eduardo Sprada, Campo Comprido, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
• Guará House, Rua José Ribeiro de Cristo, Pilarzinho, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
• Brigadeiro Apartment , Curitiba, Brazil
• Grena House, Campo Largo, PR, Brazil
• Lounge Y, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil

The following statistics helped Nommo Arquitetos achieve 14th place in the 25 Best Architecture Firms in Brazil:

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13. Studio Guilherme Torres

Founded in 2001, Studio Guilherme Torres develops projects in the most diverse areas, from architecture to design. This company is personified in the figure of its founder, a perfectionist. In his left arm of his, a great tattoo says, through the words extracted from a Daft Punk’s song, “work it, harder, better, faster, make it over”. This unofficial motto describes the ethics and commitment to quality that is readily apparent in his work.

Minimal details and palettes of rich but reserved materials that characterize his work are consistently applied in single-family homes, interior projects and retail projects
Balancing the rigorous aesthetics of architecture, a certain playful lightness can be found in the interior design of your projects. The crisp shapes and subtle surfaces provide a suitably quiet backdrop to the lively furniture inside, while carefully planned spaces benefit from astute attention to natural light.
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Suspended volumes and few but notable lines are its trademarks that seek, in his projects, to investigate the limits of materials.

Some of Studio Guilherme Torres’s most prominent projects include:

The following statistics helped Studio Guilherme Torres achieve 13th place in the 25 Best Architecture Firms in Brazil:

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12. Estudio HAA!

The Estúdio HAA! (Homã Alvico Arquitetura) develops multidisciplinary projects that have the thematic of architecture as a structuring agent, ranging from projects of organizations to the design of artifacts. We use innovation as a guiding concept for new projects, not only for a search for novelty, but for being the way we express discontent, transforming what does not please new possibilities to do — whether it’s making a physical change in the urban fabric, providing formal critical content, or developing new, possible forms of organizations.

Some of Estudio HAA!’s most prominent projects include:

• Box St., São Paulo, Brazil
• Santander Parklet, São Paulo, Brazil
• Henrique Monteiro Parklet, São Paulo, Brazil
• Cel. Emidio Piedade Parklet, São Paulo, Brazil
• Nossa Senhora do Ó Parklet, São Paulo, Brazil

The following statistics helped Estudio HAA! achieve 12th place in the 25 Best Architecture Firms in Brazil:

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11. MAPA Architects

MAPA Architects is a binational collective that works on architectural projects in Brazil and Uruguay. From this double geographical condition, MAPA explores the limits of non-conventional production formats. The studio has originally established itself from professional and academic grounds: two complementary fields that create and shape our work.

Some of MAPA Architects’s most prominent projects include:

• MINIMOD, Porto Alegre, Brazil
• CREA-PB Headquarters, Campina Grande, Brazil
• MINIMOD Catuçaba, São Luís do Paraitinga, Brazil
• XAN House, Rio Grande, Brazil
• Retreat in Finca Aguy, Maldonado Department, Uruguay

The following statistics helped MAPA Architects achieve 11th place in the 25 Best Architecture Firms in Brazil:

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10. FCstudio

FCstudio was founded by the architect Flavio Castro after he spent a 3 year period in Spain studying at the Catalunya Polytechnic University. At the moment a multidisciplinary team that is put together according to the characteristics and complexity of the projects and the collaboration of associated architects staffs the studio.

A strong theoretical foundation added by skilled project design and management of construction work, make the studio a complete production nucleus. Each area is improved based on the interaction with each other inside the studio.

Some of FCstudio’s most prominent projects include:

• Ibirapuera Apartment, São Paulo, Brazil
• Planalto House, São Paulo, Brazil
• Maranhão Apartment, São Paulo, Brazil
• Mirante do Horto House, São Paulo, Brazil
• Box House, São Paulo, Brazil

The following statistics helped FCstudio achieve 10th place in the 25 Best Architecture Firms in Brazil:

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9. Arquitetura Nacional

We believe that the design process is similar to a puzzle. Each project’s different and relevant aspect represents one piece. Our challenge ends the moment we get the perfect fit for all parts, creating a unique, timeless and universal outcome. In order to achieve this goal, we respectfully look back at the past and try to put into practice principles that make architecture recognized and admired nowadays, with special attention to new technologies that can help us make ideal projects in accordance with local needs.

Some of Arquitetura Nacional’s most prominent projects include:

• thyssenkrupp global shared services, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
• Praça Municipal 47, Porto Alegre, Brazil
• Kiev 104, Porto Alegre, Brazil
• Enseada House, Xangri-lá, RS, Brazil
• Estudio Pretto, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil

The following statistics helped Arquitetura Nacional achieve 9th place in the 25 Best Architecture Firms in Brazil:

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8. TETRO ARQUITETURA

Based in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, the office is formed by architects Carlos Maia, Débora Mendes and Igor Macedo. The office’s professional practice is based on the careful study of the premises and conditions of the site and the client, seeking a unique and unrepeatable solution to each project. Fundamentals such as integration with nature, use of natural materials and exploration of architectural voids are characteristics that permeate every project, from urban scale to furniture design. The firm has designed numerous projects in various states of Brazil, including museums, venues, commercial, residential and industrial buildings in various states of Brazil.

Some of TETRO ARQUITETURA’s most prominent projects include:

The following statistics helped TETRO ARQUITETURA achieve 8th place in the 25 Best Architecture Firms in Brazil:

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7. CANDIDA TABET ARQUITETURA

Daring, versatility, and balance are the principal characteristics of the work of Candida Tabet’s architectural office. Based in Sao Paulo since 1982 the studio has realized residential, commercial, and institutional projects around the globe creatively combining architecture and interior design.

The designs are developed on the basis of research into materials and on elaborate construction, always taking into consideration the environments in which they are to come to life. The projects are marked by contemporary design complemented by convenient and authentic solutions. There is no pre-determined script for the architectural incursions. In general they start with the overall layout and might terminate with the design of a very special lamp.

Some of CANDIDA TABET ARQUITETURA’s most prominent projects include:

• Murillo Housing, Montevideo, Uruguay
• PIX House, Campos do Jordão, Brazil
• BARONEZA House, Bragança Paulista, Brazil
• LUNA LLENA House, Punta del Este, Uruguay
• ACP House, Porto Feliz, SP, Brazil
• GAYA House, Atibaia, Brazil

The following statistics helped CANDIDA TABET ARQUITETURA achieve 7th place in the 25 Best Architecture Firms in Brazil:

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6. Jacobsen Arquitetura

Paulo Jacobsen founded the office Jacobsen Arquitetura in 2012, with son Bernardo Jacobsen and Eza Viegas as the partner in interior design. Jacobsen Arquitetura has experience on over 800 projects of all types, with an emphasis on high standard residential architecture.

Some of Jacobsen Arquitetura’s most prominent projects include:

• MAR – Museu de Arte do Rio, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
• JN House, Petrópolis, Brazil
• BV House, Porto Feliz, Brazil
• RT House, Paraty, Brazil
• CT House, Bragança Paulista, Brazil

The following statistics helped Jacobsen Arquitetura achieve 6th place in the 25 Best Architecture Firms in Brazil:

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5. Gustavo Penna Arquiteto & Associados

In 1974, Gustavo Penna founded GPA&A, an architecture office that still occupies the same centennial, eclectic-style house that once belonged to his grandparents in downtown Belo Horizonte. In that inspiring building, a team of 30 professionals think, design and build under the assurance that architecture is key to shaping the identity of a country. GPA&A’s projects present, upon modernist and baroque heritages, a look that is sensitive to architecture’s contemporary issues.

Some of Gustavo Penna Arquiteto & Associados’s most prominent projects include:

• CarmoCoffees, Carmo de Minas, Brazil
• BRT Station, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
• All Saints Chapel, Martinho Campos, Brazil
• Community Center Serra Dourada, Vespasiano, Brazil
• Ateliê Wäls , Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil

The following statistics helped Gustavo Penna Arquiteto & Associados achieve 5th place in the 25 Best Architecture Firms in Brazil:

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4. FGMF

Created in 1999, FGMF produces contemporary architecture without restraints regarding the use of material and building techniques. Their projects explore the connection between architecture and its environment. In these few years of existence, they’ve had the opportunity to deal with a wide range of architectural scales and programs, what enhances the belief that, just as life itself, architecture ought to be plural, heterogeneous and dynamic.

Some of FGMF’s most prominent projects include:

The following statistics helped FGMF achieve 4th place in the 25 Best Architecture Firms in Brazil:

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3. BLOCO Arquitetos

BLOCO Arquitetos was founded in Brasília by Daniel Mangabeira, Henrique Coutinho and Matheus Seco. The three lead a team of architects with diverse backgrounds, experiences and interests. Most of the projects that are present on this site are presented through photographs of built works, reflecting the firm’s wide experience in the materialization of projects of different scales and programs, from houses and buildings to interiors and temporary installations.

BLOCO’s projects are directly related to specific constraints that can range from the topography and solar orientation of a land to the budget and available labor. The limits imposed by each program are seen as opportunities for creation. Above all, the office considers that each project can be a powerful tool for transforming its context.

Some of BLOCO Arquitetos’s most prominent projects include:

The following statistics helped BLOCO Arquitetos achieve 3rd place in the 25 Best Architecture Firms in Brazil:

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2. Bernardes Arquitetura

Bernardes Arquitetura is the result of a history that spans generations. It is a space created in 2012 by Thiago Bernardes where he seeks to deepen his authorial work and create new partnerships. With offices in Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, and Lisbon, the team is made up of 90 professionals who work in the areas of architecture, urbanism and interior design.

Bernardes Arquitetura develops projects across various programs and scales. The office’s portfolio ranges from residential and commercial projects, including hotels, restaurants, cultural and educational institutions, to urban projects, which include condominiums, neighborhoods and masterplans. Their multidisciplinary team is composed of professionals who share a philosophy of collaborative work with the objective of achieving excellence and efficiency in each project.

Some of Bernardes Arquitetura’s most prominent projects include:

• Asa House, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
• MAR – Museu de Arte do Rio, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
• Delta House, Guarujá, Brazil
• Joá Chapel, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
• Península House, Guarujá, SP, Brazil
• Apt HGB, São Paulo, Brazil

The following statistics helped Bernardes Arquitetura achieve 2nd place in the 25 Best Architecture Firms in Brazil:

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1. Studio MK27

Studio MK27 located in the chaotic city of São Paulo was founded in the late 70’s by architect Marcio Kogan and today is comprised of 40 architects and various collaborators worldwide. The architects of the team, great admirers of the Brazilian modernism generation, seek to fulfill the task of rethinking and giving continuity to this iconic architectural movement. The projects of Studio MK27 place value on formal simplicity and are elaborated with extreme care and attention to details.

Some of Studio MK27’s most prominent projects include:

The following statistics helped Studio MK27 achieve 1st place in the 25 Best Architecture Firms in Brazil:

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Why Should I Trust Architizer’s Ranking?

With more than 30,000 architecture firms and over 130,000 projects within its database, Architizer is proud to host the world’s largest online community of architects and building product manufacturers. Its celebrated A+Awards program is also the largest celebration of architecture and building products, with more than 400 jurors and hundreds of thousands of public votes helping to recognize the world’s best architecture each year.

Architizer also powers firm directories for a number of AIA (American Institute of Architects) Chapters nationwide, including the official directory of architecture firms for AIA New York.

A Guide to Project Awards

The blue “”+”” badge denotes that a project has won a prestigious A+Award as described above. Hovering over the badge reveals details of the award, including award category, year, and whether the project won the jury or popular choice award.

The orange Project of the Day and yellow Featured Project badges are awarded by Architizer’s Editorial team, and are selected based on a number of factors. The following factors increase a project’s likelihood of being featured or awarded Project of the Day status:

• Project completed within the last 3 years
• A well written, concise project description of at least 3 paragraphs
• Architectural design with a high level of both functional and aesthetic value
• High quality, in focus photographs
• At least 8 photographs of both the interior and exterior of the building
• Inclusion of architectural drawings and renderings
• Inclusion of construction photographs

There are 7 Projects of the Day each week and a further 31 Featured Projects. Each Project of the Day is published on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram Stories, while each Featured Project is published on Facebook. Each Project of the Day also features in Architizer’s Weekly Projects Newsletter and shared with 170,000 subscribers.

Top image: Sand House by Studio MK27, Trancoso, Brazil

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We’re constantly look for the world’s best architects to join our community. If you would like to understand more about this ranking list and learn how your firm can achieve a presence on it, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at [email protected].