After the 1940s and throughout the baby boom, Brisbane’s development accelerated rapidly. Affordable houses were being mass-produced and the city started to diverge from the traditional styles (Old English, Functionalist, Art Deco) and began to develop an architectural identity of its own. Leading the country in a wave of Modernism, architects like Karl Langer paved the way for contemporary Brisbane to build on this heritage and advance experimental trends in architecture. Currently, the city is seeing a rise in minimalism, natural finishes, and an innovative revival of Art Deco design.
If you're interested in discovering more about the developing style of Brisbane architects, and the best architect Birsbane, read on for a list of the top architects Brisbane.
Architecture firms Brisbane: best architect Brisbane
10. PDT Architects
PDT Architects are a multipurpose architecture and interior design firm known for their dedication to fusing creativity with practicality. They have worked on projects in a variety of spaces, from commercial to residential. PDT Architects was shortlisted in “The Learning Space” category of the 2021 INDE awards for their iconic design of the QUT College, pictured above. In 2019, PDT Architects won one of the Shaw Contract Design Awards for the Regis Chelmer Aged Care Facility in the “Senior Living” sector. See more of their projects on their website.
09. Cox Architects
Cox Architecture Brisbane is a firm with locations in every major Australian city, founded by Philip Cox. Their style is characterized by a focus on structure, craft, art and nature, devising a unique interpretation of these three philosophical pillars for each project they undertake.
The portfolio of COX Architecture includes buildings from virtually every possible construction sector, boasting both residential and commercial rennovation and construction as well as sporting, bridges, hotels, and education. In 2021 they won the W. Hayward Morris Award for Interior Architecture and received a commendation in the Educational Architecture category for the Burgmann Anglican Early Learning Centre, pictured above. See more about their projects and awards on the COX Architecture website.
08. Mode Architects
MODE is a multipurpose design firm renowned for their innovative spirit in the field of Architecture, Interior Design, Master Planning, Landscape Architecture, and many more. MODE focuses on collaboration and flexibility throughout the creative process, drawing from expertise across a range of disciplines to provide their clients with the best possible outcomes. In 2020, they received a commendation from the Australian Institute of Architects (WA) in Commercial Architecture for their pictured project, The Amberton. Other 2020 achievements for MODE included Finalist in the Commercial and Multi Residential Exterior Dulux Colour Award for their revolutionary project, Angurugu Cultural Centre. See more on their website.
07. TVS Architects
TVS Architects applies over 70 years of practice to their projects across various sectors, predominantly working in multi-residential living, retail, and commercial offices. TVS projects are undertaken with a focus on the future, applying the wealth of their experience to design buildings which will become staples of their environment. In 2020 they received an honourable mention by the AIA for the Somerset College Design Centre in Educational Architecture, pictured above. 2017 saw TVS Architects recognized with a Commendation by the AIA for the Gladstone State High School, also in the Educational Architecture category. Other impressive projects by TVS Architects can be found on their website, including the Ballymore National Rugby Training Centre and the Park Avenue Hotel.
06. Fulton Trotter Architects
Fulton Trotter Architects specialize in architecture and interior design. Founded in the 1940s under a different name, Fulton Trotter is another company that draws on past experience to inform enduring future designs. As with most of the firms on this list, they work across a range of sectors including education, health, housing and commercial. The core design principle of Fulton Trotter Architects is to apply concepts of community throughout the design process, sculpting a uniquely diverse and outcome-focused project for each of their clients. They have been professionally recognized many years running, and their most recent achievements include winning one of the ASI Queensland Steel Excellence Awards in the Buildings Small Projects category for their design of the Francis Xavier Centre. In 2019, they were Highly Commended in the Commercial + Industrial Category of the Lysaght Inspirations Design Awards for the Mary MacKillop Performing Arts Building. See more of their community-driven projects on their website.
05. Base Architects
Base Architecture is a cutting-edge architecture firm with celebrated projects in retail, commercial, hospitality and medical sectors. Their signature style emphasizes collaboration and eco-sustainability to create long-lasting and timeless designs. In 2017 they received a commendation in Residential Architecture for the rennovation of the pictured Rocky private home, during both the QLD Residential Architecture Awards and the Brisbane Architecture awards. Other awards received in 2017 by Base Architecture include commendations for Interior and Residential Architecture in the Brisbane Architecture Awards, for the Base Office and Princess properties respectively. More information about their professional recognition as well as their portfolio is available on their website.
04. Hal Architects
Hal Architects is yet another multidisciplinary firm dabbling in Architecture, Town Planning, Interior Design, Master Planning, and Landscape Design. After 35 years of practice, they have developed a stylistic personality and are always looking to innovate space and form. Hal Architects take a holistic approach to design and meticulously considers the impact of architecture on community. Hal Architecture has won numerous awards and seen a large number of high-profile projects through to completion, such as the pictured Obsidian Teneriffe, the One Bulimba Riverfront, and the Arcadia Apartments Toowong. More information can be found on their website.
03. Peddle Thorp Architects
The Peddle Thorp Architecture is the commercial arm of the Peddle Thorp Group, a multidisciplinary Australian company with branches in Architecture, Interior Design and Planning. Their extensive portfolio encompasses projects in commercial offices, sports, aquariums, residential and hotel sectors of the industry. They believe in the power of creativity as a mechanism of practicality, developing unique design solutions to meet the needs of every client. Their most successful year in terms of awards was 2013, where they won seven prestigious awards such as the AIA (Vic) Awards for Public Architecture and Steel Architecture. Their best known works include the Rosebud Aquatic Centre pictured above, the Eastland Office Development, and Promenade. See more of their work at the Peddle Thorp Group website.
02. Hassell Architects
Hassell has perhaps one of the most diverse portfolios in this list, all tied together with a philosophical commitment to modern exploration. Hassel projects are always undertaken with attention to research, technology and experience in order to build an inclusive and sustainable future. Hassell places emphasis on responding to the developing challenges of modern life – globalization, climate change, digitization etc. – in an original and creative way. The recipient of the Lloyd Rees Award for Urban Design three years in running, Hassell has been the subject of much recognition especially in recent years for projects such as the North West Metro, Harold Park, and the Darling Harbour Public Realm. The UNSW Electrical Engineering Building received the Educational Architecture award and Sixty Martin Place has been commended across Commercial Architecture and Urban Design. These are just some of many achievements in the vast professional career of Hassell; find out more about their commendations on their website.
01. Wilson Architects
Wilson Architects is Brisbane’s number one architecture firm, leading the way in thought, design, and partnership. Their focus on the culture, landscape and climate allows them to create sustainable designs which imbue their projects with positive meaning. They have achieved 145 total industry awards and commendations as well as 123 international and National Awards, 11 AIDA Awards and 9 AILA Awards. The list of their awarded projects is long, but the most iconic pieces from their body of work are without a doubt the Kooroomba Chapel, the Old Government House, and the Bond Multimedia Learning Centre. Read more about Wilson Architect’s distinguished portfolio here.
