15 Best Architecture Firms in Malaysia

Malaysia is a country in Northeast Asia, split by the North China Sea into Peninsular Malaysia and Borneo’s East Malaysia. Its particular geographical location, along with the fact that it is surrounded by many different countries and cultures, has contributed to a diverse and forward-thinking architectural landscape. Malaysia’s history originates from the Malay kingdoms, which were colonized by the British Empire in the 18th century. Ornate mosques adorned with intricate carvings to elegant colonial buildings lining the streets of George Town are testaments to the country’s architectural heritage.

Malaysia’s modern architecture is characterized by projects that exhibit technological prowess, sustainable designs and architectural innovation. The Petronas Twin Towers, designed by Argentine-American architect César Pelli and the visionary works of Hijjas Kasturi have reshaped the urban landscape of Kuala Lumpur.

Malaysian architects today draw equal inspiration from traditional Malay, Chinese, Indian and indigenous motifs, infusing contemporary designs with elements that resonate with Malaysia’s diverse cultural fabric. This fusion is evident in projects such as the Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia, where traditional Islamic architecture harmonizes with modern museum design principles. At the same time, projects such as the Forest City development in Johor demonstrate the country’s commitment to integrating green spaces and innovative technologies to create eco-friendly communities of the future. Malaysia is a country that has managed to shape its future identity without sacrificing its cultural roots, becoming a pioneer in balancing history, technology and groundbreaking architectural design.

With so many architecture firms to choose from, it’s challenging for clients to identify the industry leaders who will be an ideal fit for their project needs. Fortunately, Architizer can provide guidance on the top design firms in Malaysia based on more than a decade of data and industry knowledge.

How are these architecture firms ranked?

The following ranking has been created according to key statistics that demonstrate each firm’s level of architectural excellence. The following metrics have been accumulated to establish each architecture firm’s ranking, in order of priority:

• The number of A+Awards won (2013 to 2024)
• The number of A+Awards finalists (2013 to 2024)
• The number of projects selected as “Project of the Day” (2009 to 2024)
• The number of projects selected as “Featured Project” (2009 to 2024)
• The number of projects uploaded to Architizer (2009 to 2024)

Each of these metrics is explained in more detail at the foot of this article. This ranking list will be updated annually, taking into account new achievements of Malaysia architecture firms throughout the year.

Without further ado, here are the 15 best architecture firms in Malaysia:

16. Design Unit Sdn Bhd

John Bulcock has 35 years experience working as an Architect, Planner, Interior Designer and Landscape Designer on a wide variety of projects in Europe, Turkey, India and Southeast Asia. His experience encompasses Architecture as well as Architectural, Master, Urban and Sustainable Planning. Since 1994 he has been commissioned to carry out a variety of projects in Malaysia, India and Southeast Asia including Residential, Commercial & Institutional buildings and Sustainable Master Planning of Resorts and Townships. Low energy and sustainable design is central to his philosophy and approach to architecture and he has received a number of awards for his work.

Some of Design Unit Sdn Bhd’s most prominent projects include:

• Cantilever House, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

The following statistics helped Design Unit Sdn Bhd achieve 16th place in the 15 Best Architecture Firms in Malaysia:

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15. Eowon Designs

An integrated team of design professionals incorporating architects and interior designers, we believe exquisite designs are produced as a result of artistic judgement coupling with visional innovation. Dedicated to pursue perfection in every project through expressive creativity and committed professionalism, we design to impress!

Some of Eowon Designs ‘s most prominent projects include:

• BSG Sales Gallery , Penang, Malaysia

The following statistics helped Eowon Designs achieve 15th place in the 15 Best Architecture Firms in Malaysia:

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14. Hijjas Architects & Planners

Formerly known as Hijjas Kasturi Associates; Hijjas Architect & Planners is the evolution of a long standing professional practice that values a holistic approach to design and building; combining multi-disiplinary approach with strong concept and contextual driven solutions.

Some of Hijjas Architects & Planners’s most prominent projects include:

• Heriot Watt University, Putrajaya, Malaysia
• Heriot Watt University Malaysia, Putrajaya, Malaysia

The following statistics helped Hijjas Architects & Planners achieve 14th place in the 15 Best Architecture Firms in Malaysia:

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13. Anuar Aziz Architect

Anuar Aziz Architect is a professional architectural firm forming one third of the Arte Axis Design Group, a boutique multi-disciplinary design group specializing in green build environment. Central to our company philosophy is design excellence, achieved through extensive and active collaboration with our Clients, consultants and specialists.

Our work emerge from an evolutionary design process, exploring and testing ideas, while focusing on the clients’ objectives, functional discipline and value based design.

Some of Anuar Aziz Architect (a member of Arte Axis Design Group)’s most prominent projects include:

• SOCSO Rehabilitation Centre, Malacca, Malaysia
• PPR (People Housing Program) Gua Musang , Gua Musang, Malaysia
• UPSI Student Village, Tanjung Malim, Malaysia

The following statistics helped Anuar Aziz Architect (a member of Arte Axis Design Group) achieve 13th place in the 15 Best Architecture Firms in Malaysia:

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12. Seshan Design Sdn Bhd

We are a boutique, design driven practice based in Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia, where we offer customised design solutions, tailor-made to suit our clients’ needs and exceed their expectations! We believe every project is unique and the best results are obtained from intimate discourse and development with our clients.

We are passionate about our work and we seek equally passionate clients who will willingly work closely with us to push the limits of what is possible. We are a very versatility office — our projects range from masterplanning, architecture to interiors and in various categories: residential, commercial, food and beverage and hospitality.

Some of Seshan Design Sdn Bhd’s most prominent projects include:

• “Chahna” – Glenhill, Shah Alam, Malaysia
• Menerung House, Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
• SS3 House, Petaling Jaya, Malaysia

The following statistics helped Seshan Design Sdn Bhd achieve 12th place in the 15 Best Architecture Firms in Malaysia:

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11. SAVA Architects

SAVA is a design consultancy firm based in Borneo, Malaysia and Danang. We are inspired by the mountains in Northern Borneo and coastlines in Central Vietnam. SAVA is formed with a commitment to designing spaces for people from every walk of life — by utilizing locally-sourced materials and local building techniques. Our design intends to bring people closer to nature, especially in an urban environment.

Our portfolio ranges from residential, hospitality, commercial to interior design, with past experience in masterplanning, housing and bamboo architecture in Asia and Europe. SAVA’s architecture is beyond aesthetics. Our aim is to raise awareness and appreciation for our surroundings through our thoughtful design process.

Some of SAVA Architects’s most prominent projects include:

• Thavi Cosmetic Showroom, Vinh, Vietnam
• Red House, Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia

The following statistics helped SAVA Architects achieve 11th place in the 15 Best Architecture Firms in Malaysia:

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10. architects 61 sdn bhd

Architects 61 was established in 1995 by Jeffrey Ling. The firm with 50 strong workforces has offices in Kuala Lumpur and Penang, and is associated to the regional architectural practice of Architects 61 Pte Ltd which is one of the largest practice in Singapore that was founded in 1974.

With a proven track record spanning over 25 years, our portfolio includes master planning, mixed use developments, hotels, residences, offices, civic buildings and urban heritage conversion. The firm is registered with US Green Building Council (USBGC) and also member with GBI as we strongly believe GREEN would be direction to pursue in order that developments become sustainable.

Some of architects 61 sdn bhd’s most prominent projects include:

• Troika Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia
• Kia Peng Suites, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
• Continew, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
• Lakeville, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

The following statistics helped architects 61 sdn bhd achieve 10th place in the 15 Best Architecture Firms in Malaysia:

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9. Eleena Jamil Architect

EJA was formed in 2005 by Eleena Jamil and is based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. It has a breadth of experience in delivering successful and imaginative projects. With a dynamic and committed team of architects and assistants, it focusses on creating enduring architecture by seeking tactile spatial solutions with strong references to context and culture.

Some of Eleena Jamil Architect’s most prominent projects include:

• Sepang House, Selangor, Malaysia
• The Buzz.ar, Malaysia
• Bamboo Playhouse, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
• Sri Rampai Pedestrian Bridge, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
• Shadow Garden Pavilion, Petaling Jaya, Malaysia

The following statistics helped Eleena Jamil Architect achieve 9th place in the 15 Best Architecture Firms in Malaysia:

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8. Archicentre Sdn. Bhd.

Founded in 1994, ArchiCentre is a multidisciplinary architecture design practice based in Malaysia. Archicentre’s work is driven by sustainable regionalism to create socially responsive built environments. Their portfolio of works range from large scale city and town planning through to commercial, hospitality, residential, and adaptive re-use projects. Archicentre’s multi award-winning designs are widely published in the region.

Some of Archicentre Sdn. Bhd.’s most prominent projects include:

• Setia Corporate Headquarters, Shah Alam, Malaysia
• Glad Tidings Vision Centre, Petaling Jaya, Malaysia
• S14 House, Petaling Jaya, Malaysia
• Setia Eco Tower, Shah Alam, Malaysia
• S11 House, Petaling Jaya, Malaysia

The following statistics helped Archicentre Sdn. Bhd. achieve 8th place in the 15 Best Architecture Firms in Malaysia:

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7. S.PIN ARCHITECT

S. Pin Architect is an award-winning firm based in Kuala Lumpur. Founded by Ar. Tan Sih Pin, one of the alumni of ’30 Under 40 Emerging Malaysian Architects 2011, the firm strives for holistic approach in architecture which includes urbanism, interior design and landscape design. It has vast experience in wide range of projects which include residential, commercial, hospitality, recreational, industrial and mixed development.

Inspired by Malaysia’s rich nature and diverse culture, S.Pin’s architecture has been persistently spinning out from several core visions:
NATURE, when architecture embraces and responses to the surrounding nature, magic happens, innovative solutions will emerge. We believe architecture and nature can symbiotically co-exist and mutually calibrate to reach a new sustainable balance for our challenged environment.
CULTURE, architecture functions at its best when it works seamlessly with its surrounding socio-cultural and historical fabric.

Some of S.PIN ARCHITECT’s most prominent projects include:

• The Skywalker House, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
• The Concrete Cloud, Bayan Club, Seri Kembangan, Malaysia
• MINANGKABAU-LONIAL
• House at Subang Heights, Subang Jaya, Malaysia
• Pantech Corporation, Pasir Gudang, Malaysia

The following statistics helped S.PIN ARCHITECT achieve 7th place in the 15 Best Architecture Firms in Malaysia:

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6. Core Design Workshop

With experiences in new builds, remodeling design and adaptive reuse architecture, Core Design Workshop has been emphasizing on looking deep into the iNSIDE of Architecture, not in the context of interior design but simply representing architecture from the iNSIDE out. Putting Form and Function as the old norm, prioritizing on defining the spatial quality within the context of architecture, with creating NEW spatial experiences as the top agenda of all the design programs, re-discovering the inner essence of what truly matters to the building users.

Some of Core Design Workshop’s most prominent projects include:

• inTroVerse House, Subang Jaya, Malaysia
• inSight House, Malaysia

The following statistics helped Core Design Workshop achieve 6th place in the 15 Best Architecture Firms in Malaysia:

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5. Kuee Architect

Kuee Architect(s) is a multiple PAM Award-winning ISO 9001 Architecture practice in Malaysia. With our design works spread across various countries, our focus is on delivering green, sustainable buildings with exquisite quality and functionality.

Some of Kuee Architect’s most prominent projects include:

• Rebranding of Pantai Hospital Ipoh, Ipoh, Malaysia
• 1 Lasam, Ipoh, Malaysia
• Galasa Event Place, Ipoh, Malaysia
• Kuee Architect’s Residence, Ipoh, Malaysia

The following statistics helped Kuee Architect achieve 5th place in the 15 Best Architecture Firms in Malaysia:

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4. zlgdesign

zlgdesign was set up some 20 years ago by two architect both trained in London under the banner of zeidlerlim design. Susanne Zeidler had worked and studied under sir Peter Cook in London and Frankfurt, and later at the Bartlett, London, whereas Huat Lim trained at the Architectural Association London, and then went on to work at foster and partners in the UK (at the time the Chelsea Reach Offices had not yet been built) in 1984 and for Foster France at the time, in Nimes, south of France.

Some of zlgdesign’s most prominent projects include:

• Point 92, Petaling Jaya, Malaysia
• Lantern Hotel, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
• BOH Tea Visitor’s Centre, Pahang, Malaysia

The following statistics helped zlgdesign achieve 4th place in the 15 Best Architecture Firms in Malaysia:

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3. Gibert&Tan

GIBERT&TAN is an incorporated architecture, planning, interior and design studio directed by Michael Gibert & Tan Seok Foong. The studio was founded on the premise that a small but expert group of individuals can deliver outstanding buildings. Our prism is in a permanent search for an accurate interaction with the present, attentive and non-arrogant, with collaboration standing at the core of our methodology. Our interest does range from the pragmatic to the poetic and we endeavor to bring these two conditions together to truly impact those who experience our works in real time.

Some of Gibert&Tan’s most prominent projects include:

• Top image: 181Chambers@Semantan, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
• BBR Headquarters, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
• Gale’s Residence, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

The following statistics helped Gibert&Tan achieve 3rd place in the 15 Best Architecture Firms in Malaysia:

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2. Code Red Studio

CRS also known as Code Red Studio, aim to be the key player of architecture, interior and illustration industry in Johor Bahru.

Some of Code Red Studio ‘s most prominent projects include:

• Autodesk Boston Workspace Expansion , Boston, Massachusetts
• The Bunker House, Kulai, Malaysia
• 30° tilted terrace
• REJUVENATION, Johor Bahru, Malaysia
• POOL HOUSE @ Leisure Farm., Malaysia

The following statistics helped Code Red Studio achieve 2nd place in the 15 Best Architecture Firms in Malaysia:

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1. DRTAN LM Architect

DRTAN LM Architect (DTLM) is an architectural design studio that operates out of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia where they are involved in a large variety of high profile work. Ar. Dr. Tan Loke Mun is the principal of DrTan LM Architect (DTLM). DTLM’s works embrace and interpret regionalism in a modern social context. In a rapidly changing world landscape, they believe that well designed buildings and spaces create added value for all its users.

Often working from the basis of typologies, they have managed to interpret and translate simple regional metaphors into their increasingly green architecture. DTLM’s notable projects include GTVC Centre, M Marini, No.19 Subang Jaya, Puchong Festival City, Nagaworld Phnom Penh Cambodia, Suen Galleries Bangsar, No.18 House, 23 Terrace and House 12H.

Some of DRTAN LM Architect’s most prominent projects include:

• 23 Terrace, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
• House No.18, Petaling Jaya, Malaysia
• Clay Roof House, Petaling Jaya, Malaysia
• 8D House, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
• The Wood Box, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

The following statistics helped DRTAN LM Architect achieve 1st place in the 15 Best Architecture Firms in Malaysia:

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Why Should I Trust Architizer’s Ranking?

With more than 30,000 architecture firms and over 130,000 projects within its database, Architizer is proud to host the world’s largest online community of architects and building product manufacturers. Its celebrated A+Awards program is also the largest celebration of architecture and building products, with more than 400 jurors and hundreds of thousands of public votes helping to recognize the world’s best architecture each year.

Architizer also powers firm directories for a number of AIA (American Institute of Architects) Chapters nationwide, including the official directory of architecture firms for AIA New York.

A Guide to Project Awards

The blue “+” badge denotes that a project has won a prestigious A+Award as described above. Hovering over the badge reveals details of the award, including award category, year, and whether the project won the jury or popular choice award.

The orange Project of the Day and yellow Featured Project badges are awarded by Architizer’s Editorial team, and are selected based on a number of factors. The following factors increase a project’s likelihood of being featured or awarded Project of the Day status:

• Project completed within the last 3 years
• A well written, concise project description of at least 3 paragraphs
• Architectural design with a high level of both functional and aesthetic value
• High quality, in focus photographs
• At least 8 photographs of both the interior and exterior of the building
• Inclusion of architectural drawings and renderings
• Inclusion of construction photographs

There are 7 Projects of the Day each week and a further 31 Featured Projects. Each Project of the Day is published on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram Stories, while each Featured Project is published on Facebook. Each Project of the Day also features in Architizer’s Weekly Projects Newsletter and shared with 170,000 subscribers.

 

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We’re constantly look for the world’s best architects to join our community. If you would like to understand more about this ranking list and learn how your firm can achieve a presence on it, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at editorial@architizer.com.