Helsinki is the capital of Finland, and the third-largest Nordic city, with over 450 years of history and tradition that blends seamlessly with contemporary design and trends. Helsinki is one of Europe’s youngest modern capitals with diverse architectural layers that include Neoclassicism, Jugend (Finnish ‘Art Nouveau), Alvar Aalto’s modernism, and contemporary architecture. Helsinki architecture is characterized by Nordic minimalism and refinement, influenced by Finnish history and from both the East and the West.
The city is known for its stunning architectural masterpieces like the Senate Square area and its surroundings that include Helsinki Cathedral, the Government Palace, the main building of the University of Helsinki, and the National Library of Finland that forms distinctive and cohesive examples of neoclassical architecture. The significance of modern and contemporary architecture can be seen in the works of world-famous Finnish architect Alvar Aalto that includes the Academic Bookstore and Finlandia concert Hall. Other marvelous structures of the 21 st century are the Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma, Central Public Library OODI, and Kamppi Chapel.
Helsinki’s secret is that the city encompasses the whole of Finland in miniature and delights architects & travelers all over the world with its sea-facing landscape, diverse architecture, and world-famous design.
Re-thinking The Future is a global platform for architecture and design. RTF along with our authors has curated a list of top architecture firms in various cities across the globe. Please note that the names are arranged in alphabetical order and are not ranked in any manner.
1. AITO
Scope of services: planning, feasibility studies, architectural design, interior design, graphic design, and construction administration
Types of Built Projects: Civic & Cultural, Corporate Interiors, Educational, and Residential.
Locations of Built Projects: Helsinki
Style of work: specializes in residential and detached houses.
Website: www.aitoarkkitehtuuritoimisto.com
Aito offers architectural and design services in the private and public sectors. The company specializes in urban planning and ecological property development issues in the urban environment.
2. ALA Architects
Scope of services: planning, feasibility studies, architectural design, interior design, graphic design, and construction administration
Types of Built Projects: Civic & Cultural, Corporate Interiors, Educational, and Residential.
Locations of Built Projects: Helsinki
Style of work: seeks innovative thinking, delivering high-quality design
Website: www.ala.fi
ALA Architects is an architecture firm based in Helsinki, recognized globally for its excellence in design and outstanding structures. The firm was founded in 2005 by Juho Grönholm, Antti Nousjoki and Samuli Woolston.
3. Ark HELSINKI
Scope of services: planning, feasibility studies, architectural design, interior design, graphic design, and construction administration
Types of Built Projects: Civic & Cultural, Corporate Interiors, Educational, and Residential.
Locations of Built Projects: Helsinki
Style of work: specializes in single-homes, detached houses.
Website: www.arkhelsinki.fi
ARK Helsinki offers architectural design as a complete service that facilitates everyday life and business operations and follows a comprehensive approach to design to achieve unique solutions to meet specific client’s needs.
4. APRT
Scope of services: planning, feasibility studies, architectural design, interior design, graphic design, and construction administration
Types of Built Projects: Civic & Cultural, Corporate Interiors, Educational, and Residential.
Locations of Built Projects: Helsinki
Style of work: modern contemporary designs
Website: www.aprt.fi
APRT is an international studio with the scope of its work includes master plans for cities, public buildings and housing, interiors and product designs.
5. ARK-BYROO
Scope of services: planning, feasibility studies, architectural design, interior design, graphic design, and construction administration
Types of Built Projects: Civic & Cultural, Corporate Interiors, Educational, and Residential.
Locations of Built Projects: Helsinki
Style of work: tailored design solutions
Website: www.arkbyroo.fi
Ark-byroo is to become a leading Finnish expert in the fields of construction, development, and urban planning. The studio works closely from analysis to research, schematic design, documentation. designing, construction, and budget management.
6. Arkitekturum
Scope of services: planning, feasibility studies, architectural design, interior design, graphic design, and construction administration
Types of Built Projects: Civic & Cultural, Corporate Interiors, Educational, and Residential.
Locations of Built Projects: Helsinki
Style of work: innovation
Website: www.arkitekturum.fi
Arkitekturum is an Architect’s Office founded in 1998, providing a wide range of services in the areas of renovation, zoning, and new production.
7. Arkkigraf
Scope of services: planning, feasibility studies, architectural design, interior design, graphic design, and construction administration
Types of Built Projects: Civic & Cultural, Corporate Interiors, Educational, and Residential.
Locations of Built Projects: Helsinki
Style of work: high-quality, customer-oriented designs
Website: www.arkkigraf.fi
Arkkigraf was founded in 1987 by Martti Tulamo and Tomi Tulamo, with a diverse portfolio including the design and renovation of office and commercial buildings, industrial and production facilities, residential and public buildings, interior design, and zoning reference plans.
8. Avanto
Scope of services: planning, feasibility studies, architectural design, interior design, graphic design, and construction administration
Types of Built Projects: Civic & Cultural, Corporate Interiors, Educational, and Residential.
Locations of Built Projects: Helsinki
Style of work: high-quality architectural and sustainable design.
Website: www.avan.to
Avanto Architects is a Helsinki-based architecture firm founded in 2004, providing high quality architecture design in branding, visibility and even economically. The team creates outstanding structures where design, sustainability and personal experience are the key elements.
9. AVARC Architects
Scope of services: planning, feasibility studies, architectural design, interior design, graphic design, and construction administration
Types of Built Projects: Civic & Cultural, Corporate Interiors, Educational, and Residential.
Locations of Built Projects: Helsinki
Style of work: functional and creative designs
Website: www.avarc.net
Avarc is an award-winning architectural studio that provides architectural, planning, and consulting services based on fresh perspectives, creative thinking, and client-focused designs creating quality and sustainable architecture.
10. Avarrus Architects
Scope of services: planning, feasibility studies, architectural design, interior design, graphic design, and construction administration
Types of Built Projects: Civic & Cultural, Corporate Interiors, Educational, and Residential.
Locations of Built Projects: Helsinki
Style of work: fresh, functional, and sustainable architecture.
Website: www.avarrus.fi
Avarrus Architects is a Helsinki-based architecture office founded in 2008. strives to design a sustainable and functional architecture.
