World’s Best Architecture & Design: Iconic Firms, Spaces & Furniture Brands

In the world of interiors, furniture and architecture, the best of the best — architecture firms, interior designers, and furniture brands — produce some of the most amazing buildings and engaging spaces. LUXUO details how great design is not just about aesthetics — it is about emotion, innovation and the stories lived within. From the sculptural curves of Zaha Hadid’s futuristic landmarks to the buttery-soft leather sofas by Baxter that beg to be touched, the best in architecture and interiors do not just fill space — they ignite imagination.

Here, one can understand how MAD Architects’ fluid, dreamlike structures make steel feel alive or how Kelly Wearstler’s fearless interpretation of modern interiors works its magic. Also, read up on how a restaurant in Singapore is collaborating with a renowned Danish furniture brand to create a beguiling space where gastronomy and design intertwine. This is design at its most thrilling — where craftsmanship meets rebellion and every piece, every space has a soul.

Revolutionary Furniture Showroom

As one of the leading Danish furniture brands globally, Fritz Hansen has defined Scandinavian design since 1872. Renowned for timeless craftsmanship and innovative collaborations with icons like Arne Jacobsen and Poul Kjærholm, the brand merges elegance with functionality. From the iconic Egg and Swan chairs to contemporary collections, Fritz Hansen’s pieces are celebrated for their enduring beauty, superior materials and meticulous attention to detail. Furthermore, the brand commissions some of the most renowned names in contemporary furniture design — including Jaime Hayon, Cecilie Manz and Sebastian Herkner, among others.

Now, the brand — under the distributorship of W. Atelier — is redefining its 150-sqm Singapore showroom, with a 100-sqm restaurant called Revolution adjacent to it. By combining design and gastronomy, diners can settle into a soothing and warm ambience filled with elements of terracotta, wood and soft concrete space. Helmed by chefs Alvin Gho and Ian Lim (of RVLT fame), the menu dazzles with bold flavours like Hua Diao White Clams Linguine and Black Pepper Wagyu Bucatini. Diners can experience the full range of Fritz Hansen pieces within the restaurant space, sitting on comfortable Grand Prix chairs designed by Arne Jacobsen, enjoying lighting pieces — such as the Clam portable lamp designed by Ahm + Lund, illuminate the Supercircular — and Superellipse tables designed by Piet Hein, Bruno Mathsson and Arne Jacobsen. This is not just a showroom — it is an experience. Fritz Hansen’s daring fusion of furniture and dining proves its knack for innovation, inviting guests to savour culinary artistry amid design masterpieces. A first in Singapore and a testament to the brand’s fearless spirit.

Baxter – The Soul of Italian Leather, Designed for Life

Baxter is the pinnacle of Italian leather workmanship, fusing classic style with modern flair. The firm — renowned for its luxurious materials and meticulous attention to detail — crafts furniture into timeless pieces of luxury. Due to the handcrafted processes that have been passed down through the years, every piece — whether it is a sculptural table or a soft sofa — exudes sophistication and warmth. Rich textures and organic shapes are celebrated in Baxter’s collections, which produce elegant yet welcoming rooms. The brand — which is stocked at Space Furniture — offers heirloom-quality designs that age beautifully and redefines modern living with a dedication to sustainability and innovation. Baxter is the pinnacle of la dolce vita in furniture for people who value subtle luxury.

Expormim: Where Mediterranean Craft Meets Alfresco Living

Purchasing the appropriate outdoor furniture is crucial if one wants to redesign their outdoor area. Allow Expormim’s professionals to assist with this process. Since 1960, Expormim — one of the top manufacturers of outdoor furniture — has mastered the art of outdoor living. Originating in Valencia, Spain, they create sophisticated, weatherproof pieces out of rattan, aluminium and teak by fusing Mediterranean craftsmanship with modern design. Think sculptural loungers and spacious dining sets designed for long, sunny afternoons. Collaborations with designers such as Marcel Wanders and Ramón Esteve yield collections that are both elegant and enduring. This outdoor furniture brand — carried by Made&Make — is designed to withstand multiple seasons.

MAD architects: Concrete Dreams — MAD’s Poetic Rebellion Against the Box

Under the direction of Ma Yansong, MAD Architects creates structures that resemble dynamic ecosystems rather than immobile ones. Their art is futuristic and fluid, yet it has a strong connection to nature. The business is renowned for challenging the rigid boundaries of traditional architecture. Every project blurs the lines between landscape and urbanity, from the cloud-like appearance of the Lucas Museum to the flowing arcs of the Harbin Opera House. By embracing “shanshui” (山水, which translates to “mountain water”), MAD’s concept reimagines cities as poetic, organic spaces. Their designs — which are bold yet harmonious — evoke feelings in addition to occupying space. This is the sensory experience of building, where creativity is given tangible form.

Zaha Hadid: Architecture That Moves — Even When It Stands Still

The late founder’s radical vision is carried on by Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA), which redefines architecture via innovative design, dynamic structures and flowing shapes. The profession is well known for its bold attitude, which turns seemingly unachievable geometries into constructed realities. ZHA’s work is instantly recognisable, fusing sophisticated engineering with sculptural elegance — from the futuristic striations of the Morpheus Hotel to the undulating curves of the Heydar Aliyev Centre. Their process is driven by computational design and sustainability, ensuring that every project pushes boundaries while considering its surroundings. Leading the way in parametric architecture worldwide, ZHA’s striking, unyielding style is reshaping skylines.

Foster + Partners: Where Gravity-Defying Engineering Meets Human Magic

Foster + Partners has been redefining architecture for more than 50 years by combining daring engineering with sophisticated design. From the arching canopy of Hong Kong International Airport to the towering glass arcs of The Gherkin, the practice produces buildings of astonishing perfection under the direction of Norman Foster’s timeless vision. Whether they are creating historic landmarks or sustainable urban masterplans, their work strikes a balance between technological innovation and human-centric design. Characteristics include efficiency, lightness and spaciousness; each building feels both monumental and intimately connected to its surroundings. This design improves the way of living, working and travelling the world, in addition to being aesthetically pleasing.

The Art of Effortless: Athena Calderone’s Recipe for Timeless Interiors

Interior designer, essayist and tastemaker Athena Calderone is a multihyphenate creative powerhouse whose work reflects a sophisticated yet laid-back mentality. She creates environments that feel curated yet casually lived in by skilfully fusing old and modern materials. She has an eye for timeless elegance. Her method is significantly individualised and is influenced by travel, art, and the way light and texture interact. Athena’s expertise extends beyond interior design to encompass lifestyle and entertainment, as evident in her books and the well-known website EyeSwoon. Her style is always deliberate, layered and welcoming, whether she is creating a Hamptons home or displaying a tablescape — evidence that style and utility can coexist harmoniously.

Kelly Wearstler: The Alchemist of Bold, Luxe Interiors

Kelly Wearstler — an American interior designer — is a creative powerhouse who combines bold glitz with an almost archaic interest in colour, texture and form. Her work — whether it be furniture, décor or interiors — exudes a reckless sophistication where Hollywood Regency richness flirts with brutalist edges. From dramatic geometric statements to curved, organic forms, each item conveys a narrative using luxurious materials. Wearstler creates environments that feel both classic and excitingly modern with a jeweller’s attention to detail and a modernist’s understanding of scale. Her creations are the ultimate manifesto for people who dare to live a spectacular life.

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