A successful building project rests on finding the right architect. The advisers selected for the Spear’s Architects Index 2024 represent the best architects in Britain and beyond.
Based in the UK and the Middle East, 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.
For the first time ever, Spear’s welcomes four architects to the Top Flight – the highest ranking given by the Spear’s Research Unit – reflecting the extraordinary work of some of the titans of British architecture, including Ben Pentreath and Sir David Chipperfield.
With such impressive talent, it is no wonder exacting high-net-worth individuals trust the best 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.
‘Every HNW is king or queen of their own castle so they need to know that they are entrusting their build to the very best architects in the business. Whether putting their own stamp on a country pile or crafting a new build with sustainability at its core, even the most discerning clients can rely on the vision, service and execution of the advisers selected by Spear’s.‘
Aisha Alli, Spear’s research manager
Best architects: names to know
Spear’s welcomes four architects to the Top Flight in 2024, marking the first time advisers in the index have been given the highest possible ranking by the Spear’s Research Unit
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Ben Pentreath
Firm: Ben Pentreath
Architect and interior designer to the British royal family, Ben Pentreath was the 2023 recipient of the Richard H. Driehaus Prize, an award given to an architect whose work has reflected ‘the highest ideals of traditional and classical architecture in contemporary society, and creates a positive cultural, environmental, and artistic impact.’
Read the full profile on Spears500.com
David Chipperfield
Firm: David Chipperfield Architects
In the world of architecture, there are few names as renowned as that of Sir David Chipperfield. His practice, established in 1985, is active across four continents. With a distinctly international approach to the firm’s work, Chipperfield has designed buildings and homes in the UK, Switzerland, Sweden, Italy and Shanghai.
Read the full profile on Spears500.com
Craig Hamilton
Firm: Craig Hamilton Architects
Considered one of the leading figures in classical architecture, Craig Hamilton’s portfolio of work includes large country houses, chapels and mausoleums. His aim is to create structures that fit the needs of the 21st century but feel very different to other contemporary buildings.
Read the full profile on Spears500.com
Patrik Schumacher
Firm: Zaha Hadid Architects
Principal at Zaha Hadid Architects, Patrik Schumacher is described by the firm as ‘one of the most prominent thought leaders within the field of architecture, urbanism and design.’ His approach involves creating versatile and unique buildings that reflect the innovation for which the practice has become known. ‘There’s a strong DNA in this company,’ he says. ‘A strong set of overall principles, but there’s also a process of maturation and continuous innovation, and that’s something I’m focusing on.’
Read the full profile on Spears500.com
Methodology
In selecting and ranking architects, the Spear’s Research Unit conducts extensive research of the market, including interviews with well-informed observers, industry insiders and of course the advisers themselves. These take place both face-to-face, and on video and telephone calls. Candidates for inclusion are asked to fill in a form to provide data and a description of their work and client base. In finalising its selections and rankings, the Spear’s Research Unit employs a proprietary methodology that includes a weighted scoring system. This takes into account factors including an adviser’s standing, reputation, client base, recommendations and testimonials, the firm they represent, their level of engagement with the process and certain industry-specific criteria.
Best architects: the complete list
Find out more
To explore all the Spear’s indices, and to use our find-an-adviser tool to identify the private client adviser who is right for your specific requirements, go to the Spear’s 500 website.
To receive relevant research updates from Spear’s – and thereby give you and your firm the best chance of being included in future Spear’s indices – please register here. If you are an adviser featured in an index and would like to update your profile or provide additional information, please email research@spearswms.com. If you are not featured but would like to be, please fill out our form.
