Top 10 Architectural Firms In Bangladesh 2024
- Posted by: Sharmin Rahman Suha
Over the decades, Bangladesh has stepped up in its architectural journey. This evolution is deeply rooted in its rich cultural heritage. Following that, our prompt and creative responses to modern architectural challenges have also shaped our architectural advancements.
And the architectural firms that are at the forefront of this journey are leading the industry. So, today we will briefly take you into the journey/ of the top ten architectural firms in Bangladesh
1. Design Associates
Back in 1976, in the heart of Dhaka, late B.Sc. Engineer Abdus Shakoor and his eldest child, Gold Medalist B.Arch. Mohd. Shafiul Quader established Design Associates. Within a short period, it rose to popularity through its innovative architectural project endeavors.
In the modern era where architectural trends come and go, Design Associates has prominently held their position as one of the top architectural firms in Bangladesh over the last few years. If you ask what made their persistence possible, it is their dedication to creating architectural designs that are aesthetically pleasing and structurally functional.
What makes them stand apart is their commitment to shaping the future. Yes, they integrate sustainability into all of their projects. Speaking of sustainability, Design Associates comes up with smart designs that cause less harm to the ecosystem and human life. Of these, their noticeable works are Destiny Twin Tower and Bangladesh Bank Officers’ Quarters. These structures promote a comfortable and eco-friendly living environment. If they continue blending innovation and environment-friendly designs, their legacy will speak for generations.
2. Nakshabid
Nakshabid has been revolutionizing the architectural landscape designs of Bangladesh for the last 26 years. Bayejid Mahbub Khondoker is the founder of this pioneering firm and his architectural philosophy “God lies in detail” is well showcased throughout the firm’s projects.
They started with a vision of creating designs that are functional and inspirational for years to come. With that vision, they challenge the conventional norms of architectural designs to craft projects that blend innovation and practicality.
One of their architectural triumphs is the Bangabandhu Military Museum. It is one of their finest testaments to their capability of showcasing historical significance with contemporary designs. They have been proving their expertise in residential to commercial buildings all these years. Nakshabid is sure to be going beyond the boundaries of architectural trends to redefine the skyline structures for a significant period of time.
3. Arcattic
Arcattic, founded in 2012 by Sohan Siddique has introduced a collaborative approach to working. That is why, even though they are not quite old enough, they gained popularity quite quickly.
If you want to know more about their collaborative approach, it is basically a client service philosophy. It is an empathy-driven approach to working with clients to craft their dream architectural needs.
Arcattic sits with its clients and takes notes of the clients’ stories and requirements. Only then do they come up with innovative, functional, and comfortable structures that elevate their clients’ lifestyles.
One of their noteworthy architectural successes is Gulshan’s American Club which joined modern features with traditional charm. It stands tall to glorify Arcattic’s architectural intelligence. Apart from this, their portfolio has impressive projects that tell the stories of their commitment to client satisfaction at most.
4. Dhaka Designer
Dhaka Desigener’s journey started back in 2011 by Arif Ashraf, and since then they have been leading the theme of combining the new and the old architectural trends. They aim to envision human experience in structural forms. Because they believe in blending empathy, innovation, and love for art into their designs.
What truly highlights them is their apartment transformation for a single mother with two kids. Dhaka Designer created an environment that can nurture the family without compromising on any of their functional lifestyle.
They could climb the top list of architectural firms mainly because of their dedication and liability to creating a meaningful experience for each of their clients. Also, they serve the clients with cost-effective solutions. And it is one of their main USP to gather loyal clients that place Dhaka Designer higher on the pedestal.
5. NPDL (Next Plan Development Ltd.)
NPDL (Next Plan Development Ltd.), established in 2003, in the spiritual city of Sylhet, believes that they are their own competitor. With that mindset, they have been designing private to government projects with craftsmanship and cutting-edge/latest trends. And this vision has expanded their recognition beyond Sylhet.
From their vast range of portfolios, the mention-worthy ones are Elegant Shopping Mall, a 15 storied building located in Sylhet. It is one major evidence that their expertise is bigger than their age which allowed them to craft such high-rise architecture with quality.
Their mission is to stay relevant over the decades to come. And the way they integrate modern services with each project, it is quite obvious that they will hold their place in this list.
6. Shellmark Limited
Shellmark Limited has been a pioneer in the architectural industry for the last 12 years. Along with serving architectural work, they have started providing add-on services such as soil tests, digital surveys, and cost estimations. These make them a one-stop solution for different clients with numerous needs and choices.
Their Dine in the Sky project has made them a trailblazer in the sky dine restaurant industry. It is an open sky Fly Dining restaurant that lets you gather for food, 50 meters above the ground level. With it, Shellmark has proven that they have the ability to unite safety even with innovative projects. Their commitment to bringing innovative and RAJUK-approved structural designs has gained their popularity and partnership throughout Bangladesh.
7. Sthapati Associates Ltd
Sthapati began their journey in 2001 with some visionary architects and engineers in the center of Dhaka. This firm’s liability stays in building structures that serve longevity in terms of structure and better human quality. With such vision and mission, they have been serving as one of the top in the industry.
One of their significant projects is the Saidabad Water Treatment Plant which ensures the availability of clean water for the millions of people in Dhaka. Its purpose was to ensure the local environmental challenges do not block access to pure water. They are so dedicated and responsible towards the welfare of human lives, that they carry out extensive geotechnical research.
They are not only limited to such larger-than-life structure designs. Their architectural philosophy that unites functionality, aesthetics, and environmental responsibility has made them known among all sorts of clients. So, from larger to smaller apartments, their portfolio is diverse. As they believe the building is not about structures but about people, they continue to thrive among numerous clients.
8. Evangel Architects Ltd
Evangel Architects founded in 2009 has gained and retained a reputation for delivering high-end to small projects that reflect environmentally responsible structures. Also, they put emphasis on exploring the latest architectural brainchild and technologies to create spaces that stand the test of time.
Their working philosophy centers around developing designs that offer aesthetics, functionality, and meaning. Such philosophy is the reason that they handed over projects like City Bank, airtel, IFAD Autos Limited, Beximco LPG, ACI, ACME, and many more. Each of these structures is unique to its own and reduces its carbon footprint.
They have been staying at the top of the list with their ideologies of making infrastructure that has a positive impact on both nature and human life. Combining nature and human lifestyle is evident in all their projects.
9. Studio 16 Architects
Architect Jewel Barua founded Studio 16 Architects in 2010 and since their journey, they have not looked back. They base their design principle on safety, eco-friendliness, and modern concepts. To unite these, they strictly maintain building code standards.
One of their notable projects is Talukderbari House, a triplex villa surrounded by Titas river. It tells of their ability to actualize larger projects without causing negative impacts on surrounding nature or rivers.
They believe that creating the simplest architectural solutions requires complex design research. With that vision, they have been delivering projects that combine simplicity and diversity for all sorts of clients.
10. Volumezero Ltd
Focusing on developing minimalist and modern architectural structures, Volumezero embarked on this journey in 2008. They have been operating with the principle of joining form with function.
Across different sectors, they have been involved in numerous high-profile projects. The Cox’s Bazar Railway Station and ICCB showcase their expertise in handling public projects for a larger user experience. Before committing to the projects they study the cultural and environmental contexts of each project. This eclectic design approach makes them relevant and functional.
These top 10 architectural firms have been shaping and telling the infrastructural stories of Bangladesh to the world for decades. Most of their works are celebrated throughout the architectural endeavors. Note worthwhile to mention, that the rating of the list is not static. So, these firms can sign in or off the chart.