In a time characterized by the need to address the environment, the use of digital technology in design, and a shifting cultural discourse, architecture appears to be undergoing a reformation in the form of young architectural firms that have a balance of creativity and conscience. Below are the architects to keep an eye out for, as well as the architectural pieces through which the designers have made a name for themselves.
01 Studio Saar (Frome, UK & Udaipur, India)
Practice Overview:
Studio Saar, established by Jonny Buckland and Ananya Singhal in 2019, works across the UK-India divide. They specialize in adaptive reuse, sustainable building, and community-driven design works. The dual-nation business model of the firm enables them to merge Indian craftsmanship with the British sense of ecology.
Key Projects:
- Third Space Learning and Cultural Centre, Udaipur
- Secure Sanand Factory, Gujarat
- Mayday Saxonvale Regeneration Masterplan, Frome
Why They Stand Out:
The first Indian architectural firm to win the Emerging Architect of the Year Award from Dezeen (2024) was Studio Saar. Their practice illustrates the ability of a smaller firm to function globally yet be aware of its local context.
Sources:
Award Coverage RIBA Journal Profile Practice Listing Official Site
02 IGArchitects (Seoul, South Korea)
Practice Overview:
IGArchitects is an up-and-coming practice based in Seoul, noted for its experimental approach and its understanding of small urban contexts. They discuss the ways in which small sites can offer opportunities for new types of living through volumes and illumination strategies.
Key Projects:
- Frame of the House (Tokyo, Japan)
- Pyramid Hut (Chiba, Japan)
- One-Legged House (Japan)
Recognition:
It was featured as one of the 20 Practices Shaping the Future of Architecture as part of the ArchDaily Next Practices Awards 2025.
Sources:
ArchDaily — Next Practices Winners designboom — Forest of Pillars STIRworld — Feature Architecture Lab — Pyramid Hut
03 Ellul Architecture (Adelaide, Australia)
Practice Overview:
This Australian firm, established by Nicholas Ellul, is one that emphasizes crafted and contextual design. They have undertaken nicely designed residential as well as small-scale commercial projects, which accentuate the significance of atmosphere, material honesty, and the use of light.
Key Projects:
- Sandringham House
- Rooftop Garden Residence
- Stirling Addition
Recognition:
The winner of the competition in the category entitled “2025 Houses Awards – Emerging Architecture Practice” in recognition of their excellence in small-scale, high-quality residential projects.
Sources:
Houses Awards — Winner Official Site Thisispaper — Sandringham House Project Feature — Rooftop Residence
Trends Among Emerging Practices
1. Local Context, Global Dialogue
Examples of these firms include Studio Saar and IGArchitects, which operate on a continental scope but are tied to distinct climatic realities.
2. Craftsmanship as Innovation
The new generation of architects prefers material honesty rather than novelty. Brickwork done by hand, earth, and wood are perceived as high technology if properly utilized.
3. Sustainability as Starting Point
Environmental performance is no longer a “feature” but the foundation of design intent. From India to Australia, younger studios are integrating net-zero and reuse strategies from day one.
4. Beyond Scale and Aesthetics
New trends indicate that functional work is possible on any level – from a class to a courtyard to a small house – to use it as a prototype for future-oriented designs.
5. Recognition Platforms Are Evolving
Programs such as ArchDaily’s Next Practices Awards and Dezeen’s Emerging Architect of the Year shine a light on diverse voices with regionally anchored practices.
Supporting Sources:
ArchDaily — Next Practices Vectorworks — Future Trends AR Emerging Awards
Conclusion
“If we embrace this new, more fluid approach to practice, we can be more nimble in the face of changing market conditions,” he says. “This agility enables us to create unique buildings for our clients. Instead of buildings, we will be defining spaces.”
For architects, students, and clients seeking the next generation of design leadership, these studios are not only “ones to watch” — they’re redefining what architecture means right now.
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