2026 / PUBLISHED PILOT
GAD Study Index
Ten practices, three reading-value dimensions, source-linked cases and visible scoring. A starting point for comparative study.
RANKINGS, EXPLAINED
The measure matters.
Read GAD’s own editorial index and annual evaluation framework, alongside a published benchmark for practice size. Every series explains its scope.
GAD / OUR EDITORIAL SERIES
A point of view, with evidence.
GAD 100 / EVIDENCE IN PROGRESS
Global practices
Six dimensions for a broader annual assessment. The current register is a research pool; no global 100 has been declared.
GAD 100 / PEOPLE & SPECIALISMS
Architects & designers
BUILDING DESIGN / 2026 EDITION
WA100 2026
Ten largest practices by number of fee-earning architects.
| Rank | Practice | Country | Architects | Profile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Gensler | United States | 2,716 | Explore |
| 02 | HDR | United States | 1,868 | Explore |
| 03 | Arcadis | Netherlands | 1,781 | Explore |
| 04 | AECOM | United States | 1,529 | Explore |
| 05 | Sweco | Sweden | 1,491 | Explore |
| 06 | Nikken Sekkei | Japan | 1,427 | Explore |
| 07 | DLR Group | United States | 901 | Explore |
| 08 | Heerim | South Korea | 887 | Explore |
| 09 | Perkins&Will | United States | 876 | Explore |
| 10 | CannonDesign | United States | 875 | Explore |
What the numbers mean
Building Design surveys architecture practices and ranks participating firms by the number of fee-earning architects they employ. These are 2026 survey figures, not a live headcount.
What they do not tell you
Size does not establish design quality, suitability for a project or client satisfaction. Specialist and smaller studios can make work of extraordinary importance.
Editorial independence
GAD reproduces a short factual reference with attribution. This is not a GAD-authored league table. Sponsorship cannot change the published order.
Want to explore design recognition rather than practice size? Explore the award guides · Editorial standards
Questions to take into the work
What do WA100 and the GAD Study Index measure?
Building Design’s WA100 ranks participating practices by the number of fee-earning architects they employ. The GAD Study Index is a ten-practice editorial pilot about comparative reading value. Check the publisher, year, sample and metric before comparing positions; neither size nor this limited pilot establishes a universal design-quality league table.
How is an evaluation framework different from an awarded ranking?
A framework states evidence rules and weights. It does not prove that every candidate has been assessed or an annual position awarded. Read GAD’s published framework separately from its scored pilot and attributed WA100 excerpt. Commercial placements are labelled and cannot change editorial scores or eligibility.
Architecture practices · Architecture awards · Editorial standards
GAD Editorial · Answers reviewed 2026-10-18