Best architects in the world TOP 10 | Molins Design (2024)

Rafael Aranda is a renowned Catalan architect, known for being the precursor of a type of architecture that is local and rooted to his land, but with a global and universal language.

Originally from Olot, Girona, he can be considered one of the best architects in the world and of our times. In fact, in 2017, Aranda managed to win one of the prestigious Pritzker Prize, known as the Nobel Prize of architecture. A recognition to his works, which contemplate the improvement of several of the public and private spaces that surround him.

Among his works of reference are different projects of domestic and commercial origin. Some of his most important works are the Bell Lloc Winery in Palamós, the La Lira Theater in Girona or the Tossols-Basil Athletics Track in Olot.

Aranda’s works are for Molins Design a reference and a model to follow, since this famous architect has given birth to a type of architecture recognized internationally. Working from the place where he was born, Rafael Aranda has made it possible for Catalan architecture to cross borders and be recognized and implemented by many worldwide.

Famous Catalan architect born in Olot, who together with Rafael Aranda and Ramon Vilalta is part of the architectural firm RCR Arquitectes.

The Girona-born Carme Pigem has always worked with a local architecture, creating, together with her colleagues, a new way of conceiving spaces. Among the most interesting works in which she has worked with Aranda and Vilalta are the Petit Comte de Besalú nursery and the Soulages de Rodès museum.

The third and last component of RCR Arquitectes. Specializing in landscape architecture, Ramón Vilalta is for us one of the 10 best architects in the world, along with his colleagues Aranda and Pigem.

Much of his professional career has been devoted to developing different architectural projects with a deep focus and local influence. As a result, the vast majority of his built work is located in Europe, particularly in Spain.

Most of his works are made to socially stimulate the appreciation of architecture and landscape. Although in them we also find distinguishing features of Catalan art and culture.

Among his most outstanding projects are the Les Cols restaurant in Olot, the Sant Antoni-Joan Oliver Library in Barcelona and Albert Adrià’s groundbreaking Enigma restaurant in Barcelona.

Famous Catalan architect with several awards and recognitions behind him, being National Architecture Award in 2009 and current member of the Royal Institute of British Architects (International Fellow of the RIBA).

His work is an effective combination of nature and geometry, without renouncing functionality. Hence, he is currently one of the best architects in the world.

Famous architect who combines his work as a teacher with that of responsible for countless national and international projects of great importance.

Carlos Ferrater is the author, among many other works, of the 3 blocks in the Olympic Village in Barcelona, the Congress Palace of Catalonia and the Benidorm Promenade.

Architect, painter, designer and writer. We owe a lot to Oscar Tusquets, for Molins Design a reference of art in general.

This famous Catalan architect collaborated in very important projects, such as the remodeling of the Louvre Museum in Paris or the Palau de la Música Catalana in Barcelona. He also developed several works of urban planning and architecture in countries such as Japan or Germany and even helped in the construction of the Toledo station of the Naples subway.

What inspires us most about this personality is his facet as an artist, since Tusquets also designs furniture and objects for important museum collections and even paints pictures to exhibit in the most important art galleries in the world.

Today, Oscar Tusquets’ work has been recognized with several awards such as the National Design Award or the Gold Medal for Merit in Fine Arts.

Italian architect closely linked to the Catalan lands. Benedetta Tagliabue formed in 1994 together with another of the great architects of the world, Enric Miralles, the studio Miralles Tagliabue EMBT in Barcelona.

This collaboration evolved into one of the most prestigious and internationally renowned architectural studios. An architectural studio characterized by the balance between a fragmented, convulsive aesthetic and respect for the tradition of the place.

Undoubtedly, an idea that Miralles knew how to transmit to Tagliabue and that she has continued to shape after his death.

Among the works made by Benedetta Tagliabue are the Hamburg School of Music, the Utrecht City Hall in Holland or the Parc Diagonal Mar in Barcelona. In fact, last year 2019, Tagliabue was awarded the Creu de Sant Jordi in Barcelona.

Valencian architect considered one of the most creative and contemporary architects. Calatrava is for many one of the best architects in the world due to his exceptional artistic sensibility and technical solvency. His works present an exquisite harmony and structural principles worthy of being considered authentic references.

All of Calatrava’s designs are characterized by a futuristic and innovative air, perfectly blending functionality with aesthetics.

In fact, his extensive knowledge of engineering has allowed him throughout his professional career to specialize in the design of large structures.

His most famous works include the construction of several bridges in Basel, Merida, Seville, Valencia and Barcelona. However, he also stands out for other large-scale works such as the Sondica airport in Vizcaya or the Montjuïc communications tower in Barcelona.

Barcelona-born Carme Pinós is for Molins Design one of the great figures of contemporary Spanish architecture. Pinós began her career with the architect Enric Miralles, with whom she was able to carry out some of the most innovative projects of the nineties.

In 1991 Carme decided to open her own studio in Barcelona: the Carme Pinós studio, becoming an architect with her own voice. From there she created several of her most famous projects and even created the furniture firm Objects by Estudio Carme Pinós, a collection of products at affordable prices, with high quality materials and easy to assemble.

Rafael Moneo was the first Spanish architect of international prestige, awarded with the first Pritzker of architecture in 1996. For us, a benchmark of contemporary architectural design.

His works are often recognized for their timelessness. In fact, Moneo was one of the first to defend the design of works that could remain current for a long time, as monuments, thus moving away from fashions and passing trends.

With a Nordic and minimalist style, this renowned architect seeks through his architecture the creation of lasting spaces that combine and evolve with the elements and needs we need at all times.

Among some of his most recognized works are the Museum of Modern Art and Architecture in Stockholm, the Atocha train station in Madrid or the L’illa Diagonal building in Barcelona.

Finally, we highlight Clara de Solà-Morales as one of our reference architects. A professional who tries with her work to respond to the wishes of her clients, trying to combine research with the most artisanal work.

In 2003 Solà-Morales founded her own architecture studio in New York with Mexican Eduardo Cadaval. But, although he did a couple of projects there, in 2005 he decided to relocate to Barcelona.

The existence of a design culture, as well as a fluid relationship between professional activity and academia, were the key factors to move her project to Catalan lands.

Currently, Clara de Solà-Morales has managed to carry out several projects in our lands. Although her work can also be seen in works in the United States and Mexico.