A successful building, developing a landmark commercial property or designing a bespoke luxury residence, project rests on finding the right architect. The advisers selected for the Spear’s Architects Index 2025 represent the best architects in Britain.
The Index reflects the extraordinary work of some of the titans of British architecture. These world-leading experts work across commercial and residential projects, and have worked everywhere from Switzerland to Shanghai. Some excel in breathing fresh life into period properties, while others thrive on realising futuristic creations that push the boundaries of form and function, creating a project that is not only aesthetically striking but also functional, sustainable, and aligned with the client’s vision.
Whether it’s an ultra-modern villa overlooking the Mediterranean, a historic restoration in the Cotswolds or a cutting-edge penthouse in Dubai, the right architect transforms a vision into a home or unifying commercial space. As Magnus Ström told Spear’s he creates homes for his clients based on ‘what they want the house to say about them’.
Explore the 2025 Spear’s Home & Design Indices:
Beyond visual appeal, these architects understand the intricacies of working with discerning clients. They are discrete and have an ability to navigate complex planning regulations across jurisdictions.
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There are six architects to the Top Flight this year as we welcome Alison Brooks and Quinlan Terry to the highest ranking given by the Spear’s Research Unit. Brooks says of her crowning glory, the Cohen Quad for Exeter College, Oxford, that it ‘exceeded everyone’s expectations’. Now in his 80s, Terry, who was seminal in the revival of classical architecture since the 1960s, is still sketching, designing and creating.
These top-tier Spear’s architects seek to craft an iconic residence, investment-grade property or an extraordinary commercial space. With such impressive talent, it is no wonder exacting high-net-worth individuals trust these architects to transform their palatial country palaces and super-prime London real estate. One of the advisers even counts the British royal family among his clients.
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Methodology
Each year, the Spear’s Research Unit reassesses and refreshes its rankings of the leading providers in each sector by gathering data from and about the advisers and firms themselves, assessing submission forms, collating nominations, carrying out peer reviews, reviewing data from third-party sources, gathering references and recommendations, canvassing experts and conducting hundreds of interviews.
Advisers are evaluated using a proprietary scoring system that assigns different weightings to certain attributes. These scores feed directly into each new set of rankings in the Spear’s Indices. Each of these indices are published first online (according to the research calendar) and then in print. Print publication takes the form of the annual Spear’s 500 directory, which includes the top advisers in every index.
[See also: A guide to The Spear’s 500: Everything you need to know]
Each featured adviser is profiled on spears500.com. The site allows users to search the Spear’s database of more than 4,000 entities to find one (or more) to meet their specific requirements by filtering for specific attributes such as an adviser’s location, their specialist expertise and information about their client base.
Best architects: some names to know
Magnus Ström, Ström Architects
Focus: Unique modern homes
Ranking: Recommended
Firm: Ström Architects
Ström has had a passion for design since childhood. After eight years working for award-winning residential designer John Pardey, Ström founded Ström Architects in 2010 and began specialising in high-end residences.
His clients value the sense of calm he can create in a space. Using natural materials and innovative construction techniques, he evokes ‘the feeling of entering a sacred space’. Recent work has led to a focus on well-being, as clients are increasingly looking for ‘luxury in spaces not in objects’.
Read Magnus Ström’s full profile at Spears500.com
Craig Hamilton
Focus: Modern classical style
Ranking: Top Flight
Firm: Craig Hamilton Architects
Craig Hamilton has gained recognition for designing a range of residential and commercial projects in a progressive classical and traditional style.
His service is bespoke; he works closely with clients to handle every part of the design process – from schematics to furniture, light fixtures and textiles. The firm also has experience collaborating with landscapers, sculptors and stonemasons.
Read Craig Hamilton’s full profile at Spears500.com
Ben Pentreath
Focus: New traditional buildings
Ranking: Top Flight
Firm: Ben Pentreath
Pentreath specialises in building, remodelling and renovating Georgian farmhouses and country manors, beautifully finishing them in a Classical style.
The firm has become especially well regarded for its skill in reinstating traditional elements that may have been removed from homes over the years, bringing them back to their original beauty.
Read Ben Pentreath’s full profile at Spears500.com
Taro Tsuruta
Focus: Harmonious minimalism
Ranking: Recommended
Firm: Tsuruta Architects
Expanding the limits of architecture has been Tsuruta’s hallmark since being inspired by pioneering architect Tadao Ando. Using data-driven tools, Tsuruta has developed a way to design his signature modern homes digitally and essentially create a ‘flatpack home’, which contractors can assemble on-site.
This process reduces waste, cuts time and brings down production costs for clients.
Read Taro Tsuruta’s full profile at Spears500.com
Marco Braghiroli
Focus: Unique super-prime homes
Ranking: Recommended
Firm: Prestige Architects
The no-nonsense managing director of Prestige Architects works on a variety of projects in a range of styles – from traditional English to modern contemporary.
He reports that approximately 80 per cent of his clientele are repeat clients who seek him out for primary residences, secondary homes and holiday homes, including ski chalets and villas.
Read Marco Braghiroli’s full profile at Spears500.com
Best architects: the complete list
Click the individual/company name to visit the full profile on Spears500.com. Entries are sorted by ranking then listed in alphabetical order by surname.
Contact us
- To apply for inclusion in The Spear’s 500, complete our submission form.
- For further information about rankings, please email research@spearswms.com; we aim to respond to all queries within two working days.
- For commercial enquiries and questions relating to enhanced profiles, please contact Commercial Director Shady Elkholy: shady.elkholy@spearswms.com
- To keep up to date with the Spear’s 500, subscribe to our magazine, newsletter and follow Spear’s on Linkedin and Instagram.
- If you have missed calendar deadlines for our research cycles in 2025, you can still register your interest for updates about upcoming research and rankings.
- Click here to order a print copy of The Spear’s 500.
