10 architects from different countries whose work you should know

When we think of architecture, it is common to recall celebrated names that have marked history with iconic works. However, the contemporary landscape is much broader and more diverse, bringing together talented professionals around the world who are redefining the way we inhabit and perceive spaces. Getting to know less obvious architects is a way to expand your repertoire, discover new aesthetic languages, and understand how different cultures influence approaches to design.

Wall House, na Índia - Projeto de Anupama Kundoo. (Anupama Kundoo/Divulgação)

From experimental residential projects to innovative public buildings, these professionals bring unique approaches that engage with sustainability, local identity, and new technologies. Below, you will find a selection of architects from different countries who deserve a place on your radar.

1. Anna Heringer (Germany)

METI Handmade School, em Bangladesh - Projeto Studio Anna Heringer. (Kurt Hoerbst/Anna Heringer/Divulgação)

The architect Anna Heringer is recognized for her work with sustainable construction and the use of natural materials, such as earth and bamboo. Her most famous work, the METI Handmade School in Bangladesh, is an inspiring example of architecture that values local techniques and promotes a positive social impact.

2. Tatiana Bilbao (Mexico)

Jardim Botânico de Culiacán, México - Projeto de Tatiana Bilbao Estúdio. (Iwan Baan/Tatiana Bilbao ESTUDIO/Divulgação)

Tatiana Bilbao develops projects that balance social sensitivity and contemporary aesthetics. One of her best-known works is the Culiacán Botanical Garden in Mexico, where architecture and landscape integrate in an organic way, creating spaces for contemplation and gathering.

3. Vo Trong Nghia (Vietnam)

Bamboo Wing, no Vietnã - Projeto de Vo Trong Nghia (VTN). (Hiroyuki Oki/VTN/Divulgação)

With a focus on green architecture, Vo Trong Nghia stands out for his use of bamboo and the incorporation of vegetation into his projects. The Bamboo Wing restaurant in Vietnam is one of his most emblematic works, with a light, fluid structure that highlights natural materials and artisanal techniques.

4. Frida Escobedo (Mexico)

Pavilhão Serpentine Gallery 2018 - Projeto de Frida Escobedo. (Rafael Gamo/Frida Escobedo/Divulgação)

Frida Escobedo gained international recognition for her poetic, sensitive approach. The Serpentine Gallery Pavilion of 2018, in London, is one of her best-known works, exploring light, shadow, and traditional Mexican elements reinterpreted in a contemporary context.

5. Junya Ishigami (Japan)

Kanagawa Institute of Technology Workshop, no Japão - Projeto de Junya Ishigami. (Reprodução/Divulgação)

Junya Ishigami stands out for creating projects that challenge the boundaries between architecture and nature. One of his best-known works is the Kanagawa Institute of Technology Workshop in Japan, a light, transparent space with a minimalist structure that creates a sense of fluidity and freedom.

6. Kunlé Adeyemi (Nigeria)

Makoko Floating School, em Lagos - Projeto de Kunlé Adeyemi. (Divulgação/Divulgação)

Kunlé Adeyemi gained prominence with innovative projects aimed at vulnerable areas. The Makoko Floating School in Lagos is his most famous work, conceived as a floating structure that responds to the region’s climatic and social conditions.

7. Xu Tiantian (China)

Dushan Mountain Leisure Center, em Songyang - Projeto de Xu Tiantian da DnA_Design and Architecture. (DnA_Design and Architecture/Divulgação)

The architect Xu Tiantian, founder of DnA_Design and Architecture, develops projects that connect architecture, landscape, and community. One highlight is the Dushan Mountain Leisure Center in Songyang, conceived as a meeting point for residents and visitors, with a timber structure and paths that showcase the region’s natural views.

8. Anupama Kundoo (India)

Wall House, na Índia - Projeto de Anupama Kundoo. (Anupama Kundoo/Divulgação)

Anupama Kundoo works with accessible, sustainable solutions, exploring innovative materials and techniques. The Wall House in India is one of her best-known works, standing out for its experimentation in construction and mindful use of resources.

9. Mariam Issoufou (Niger)

Hikma Community Complex, no Níger - Projeto de Mariam Issoufou. (James Wang/Mariam Issoufou/Divulgação)

Mariam Issoufou has been gaining international recognition for projects that engage with cultural identity and the local climate. One of her most emblematic works is the Hikma Community Complex in Niger, which combines contemporary architecture with vernacular references, creating spaces for learning and gathering.

10. Lina Ghotmeh (Lebanon)

Stone Garden Building, em Beirute - Projeto de Lina Ghotmeh. (Iwan Baan/Lina Ghotmeh/Divulgação)

The architect Lina Ghotmeh is known for projects that explore memory, materiality, and historical context in a sensitive way. One of her most striking works is the Stone Garden Building in Beirut, a residential building with a textured facade that engages with the city’s urban scars and proposes a poetic architecture deeply connected to place.

CASACOR Publisher is an exclusive content-creating agent, developed by the CASACOR Technology team based on the knowledge base of casacor.com.br. This text was edited by Yeska Coelho.