Architecture25 Best Architecture and Design Firms in Ecuador

25 Best Architecture and Design Firms in Ecuador

These annual rankings were last updated on August 8, 2025. Want to see your firm on next year’s list? Continue reading for more on how you can improve your studio’s ranking.

Ecuador’s architecture is a melting pot of cultures, traditions and rhythms. Home to incredible diversity — ethnic, ecological and cultural — its architecture reflects this hybridity. Traversing the nation, the most commonly encountered architectural style is the Spanish colonial. And the capital city, Quito, is a prime example. As a former administrative center for the Spanish Empire, Quito is flooded with Baroque churches and neoclassical buildings. Conversely, in Guayaquil, a massive fire left very few traces of the Spanish, and today has given way to a modern architectural expression.

And the spirit of today’s Ecuadorian architects can be characterized by their welcoming of international trends and deep respect for the land, producing a sensitive yet exploratory architectural language.

With so many architecture firms to choose from, it’s challenging for clients to identify the industry leaders that will be an ideal fit for their project needs. Fortunately, Architizer is able to provide guidance on the top design firms in Ecuador 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 2025)
  • The number of A+Awards finalists (2013 to 2025)
  • The number of projects selected as “Project of the Day” (2009 to 2025)
  • The number of projects selected as “Featured Project” (2009 to 2025)
  • The number of projects uploaded to Architizer (2009 to 2025)

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 Ecuador architecture firms throughout the year.

Without further ado, here are the 25 best architecture firms in Ecuador:


25. Emilio López Arquitecto

© JAG Studio

‘I live in Ecuador, a territory with one of the greatest biodiversity in the world, so its geography, plants, climates and cultures are great stimuli for me, and with architecture this possibility of immersion and mixture with the environment appears: the letting oneself be transformed by the other, from that envelope where the limit is suspended. Therein lies the strength of architecture, the product of the immersive affectation that comes with rethinking our relationship with resources and with the world in which we live.

I think of architecture as an open process, and always changing based on new demands, which are updated by experience like that of the Cocoon: a transitory envelope, in which the transition of the worm is expressed, its state between , of suspended existence or even shared.

Some of Emilio López Arquitecto’s most prominent projects include:

The following statistics helped Emilio López Arquitecto achieve 25th place in the 25 Best Architecture Firms in Ecuador:

Featured Projects 1
Total Projects 1

24. Quinta Fachada | Arquitectura Consciente

© Quinta Fachada | Arquitectura Consciente

© Quinta Fachada | Arquitectura Consciente

We are young architects willing to promote and create a different vision of architecture and the city.

Some of Quinta Fachada | Arquitectura Consciente’s most prominent projects include:

The following statistics helped Quinta Fachada | Arquitectura Consciente achieve 24th place in the 25 Best Architecture Firms in Ecuador:

Featured Projects 1
Total Projects 1

23. The Space Machine – Architecture Studio (LA MÁQUINA ESPACIAL)

© The Space Machine - Architecture Studio (LA MÁQUINA ESPACIAL)

© The Space Machine – Architecture Studio (LA MÁQUINA ESPACIAL)

We are an architecture and integrated design studio, encompassing areas such as interior design, furniture design, urban design, and landscape design. Our practice is distinguished by a creative and analytical approach, where each project is conceived as a complex system. This system is shaped through the precise interpretation of client needs and expectations, considering the various contextual variables that influence the design process.

At The Space Machine, we prioritize experimentation and interdisciplinary collaboration, with the goal of generating solutions that combine functional excellence with aesthetic rigor. Our aim is to transcend conventional expectations while preserving the authenticity and identity of each project. The name “The Space Machine” stems from the vision of architectural practice as a mechanism where the multiple variables of place, nature, and context, are assembled and organized.

Some of The Space Machine – Architecture Studio (LA MÁQUINA ESPACIAL)’s most prominent projects include:

The following statistics helped The Space Machine – Architecture Studio (LA MÁQUINA ESPACIAL) achieve 23rd place in the 25 Best Architecture Firms in Ecuador:

Featured Projects 1
Total Projects 1

22. Siente Espacios

© Siente Espacios

© Siente Espacios

Siente Espacios is an architecture studio based in Guayaquil that seeks to generate experiences beyond traditional spaces, always offering practicality and connections with nature.

Some of Siente Espacios’ most prominent projects include:

The following statistics helped Siente Espacios achieve 22nd place in the 25 Best Architecture Firms in Ecuador:

Featured Projects 1
Total Projects 2

21. ADAPTA

© ADAPTA

© ADAPTA

ADAPTA is an office/workshop dedicated to non-conventional methods of construction and design.

Some of ADAPTA’s most prominent projects include:

The following statistics helped ADAPTA achieve 21st place in the 25 Best Architecture Firms in Ecuador:

Featured Projects 1
Total Projects 3

20. Jannina Cabal Arquitectos

© SEBASTIAN CRESPO

© SEBASTIAN CRESPO

The Jannina Cabal & Arquitectos studio was founded in 2003, after four years of work and various experiences as an architect in construction companies and architectural consulting studios. The members of our office are young architects with a lot of creativity and energy. Currently, the study has a work team of 10 architects, specialized in different areas, as well as a group of consultants in support engineering. In large numbers today, very varied residential projects, urban and commercial projects are developed throughout the country.

Some of Jannina Cabal Arquitectos’ most prominent projects include:

The following statistics helped Jannina Cabal Arquitectos achieve 20th place in the 25 Best Architecture Firms in Ecuador:

Featured Projects 1
Total Projects 3

19. ARCHITEKTEN, Felipe Palacios + Johann Moeller

© ARCHITEKTEN, Felipe Palacios + Johann Moeller

© ARCHITEKTEN, Felipe Palacios + Johann Moeller

ARCHITEKTEN, Felipe Palacios + Johann Moeller is an architecture firm based in Ecuador, whose work is mostly centered around residential projects.

Some of ARCHITEKTEN, Felipe Palacios + Johann Moeller’s most prominent projects include:

The following statistics helped ARCHITEKTEN, Felipe Palacios + Johann Moeller achieve 19th place in the 25 Best Architecture Firms in Ecuador:

Featured Projects 1
Total Projects 3

18. JGStudio

© JGStudio

© JGStudio

JGStudio is an architecture and urban planning office based in Ecuador. The firm develops unique, personalized and innovative projects.

Some of JGStudio’s most prominent projects include:

The following statistics helped JGStudio achieve 18th place in the 25 Best Architecture Firms in Ecuador:

Featured Projects 1
Total Projects 4

17. Pedro Moncayo Torres arquitectura

© Pedro Moncayo Torres arquitectura

© Pedro Moncayo Torres arquitectura

Located in Cuenca, Ecuador, this architectural office specializes in the pursuit of a unique identity. The firm focuses their projects on a thorough study of the surrounding environment and, through a design process based on experimentation, combines current trends with a specific focus on the use of materials as the project’s main component.

Some of Pedro Moncayo Torres arquitectura’s most prominent projects include:

The following statistics helped Pedro Moncayo Torres arquitectura achieve 17th place in the 25 Best Architecture Firms in Ecuador:

Featured Projects 1
Total Projects 4

16. Roberto Burneo – arquitectos

© Roberto Burneo - arquitectos

© Roberto Burneo – arquitectos

Roberto Burneo is the principle at Roberto Burneo — arquitectos, an Ecuador-based design firm. Roberto Burneo specializes in residential architecture.

Some of Roberto Burneo – arquitectos’ most prominent projects include:

The following statistics helped Roberto Burneo – arquitectos achieve 16th place in the 25 Best Architecture Firms in Ecuador:

Featured Projects 1
Total Projects 4

15. Al Borde arquitectos

© Al Borde arquitectos

© Al Borde arquitectos

Al Borde (2007), architecture firm based in Quito, Ecuador. Formed by David Barragán, Pascual Gangotena, Maríaluisa Borja and Esteban Benavides. It inhabits the territory of questioning, where certainties about what architecture should or should not be are under constant construction. Its ideas are developed in the making, and with greater precision and detail on site.

It pursues an architecture whose aesthetics is conscious of the energy expended in construction, seemingly effortless, where the way materials joined together is clear and logical. An architecture opens to the active participation of users in the design and construction process, where everyone can see the problem solved, with no more pretensions to address the project demands.

Some of Al Borde arquitectos’ most prominent projects include:

  • Nueva Esperanza School, Manabi, Ecuador
  • Bricks, Blocks & Other Abandoned Elements / Patches, Mocha, Ecuador
  • Casa Culunco, Tumbaco, Ecuador
  • Última Esperanza, Cabuyal, Ecuador
  • Casa Entre Muros, Tumbaco, Ecuador

The following statistics helped Al Borde arquitectos achieve 15th place in the 25 Best Architecture Firms in Ecuador:

Featured Projects 1
Total Projects 7

14. Leppanen + Anker Arquitectura

© Leppanen + Anker Arquitectura

© Leppanen + Anker Arquitectura

Leppanen +Anker Arquitectura is an Architecture office founded by Aaron Leppanen and Gabriela Anker in Quito Ecuador. Leppanen+Anker Arquitectura has worked across multiple scales, programs and cultures. Leppanen+Anker Arquitectura has a strong interest in developing spatial experiences through a merger of contextual, cultural, sustainable and formal influences. Leppanen+Anker Arquitectura has a diverse background with experience in residential, commercial, cultural, educational and health care projects both in the public and private sectors. The office is located in Quito, Ecuador.

Some of Leppanen + Anker Arquitectura’s most prominent projects include:

The following statistics helped Leppanen + Anker Arquitectura achieve 14th place in the 25 Best Architecture Firms in Ecuador:

Featured Projects 2
Total Projects 3

13. Studio Alfa

© Studio Alfa

© Studio Alfa

At Studio Alfa we believe that architecture is a tool to transform the physical environment into livable, sensitive and lasting experiences. Since our foundation in 2008 by architect Patricio Caamaño, we have cultivated a practice that combines critical thinking, technical precision and a deep connection with the context.

We understand architecture as an act of deep connection: between the human being and his environment, between the technical and the poetic, between the memory of the place and the projection of a contemporary and sustainable living. Our approach is based on designing from the analysis of the architectural context, understanding the climate, natural light, topography, local materials and the social dynamics of each site. We believe in a contextual architecture that responds to the environment and generates livable, sensitive and efficient solutions.

Some of Studio Alfa’s most prominent projects include:

The following statistics helped Studio Alfa achieve 13th place in the 25 Best Architecture Firms in Ecuador:

Featured Projects 2
Total Projects 2

12. Daniel Moreno Flores

photo: Pablo Puente - © Daniel Moreno Flores

photo: Pablo Puente – © Daniel Moreno Flores

Artist, innovator, designer and craftsman, Daniel Moreno Flores has been working in architecture for over a decade. Practicing the profession independently, the architect has formed a network in both Ecuador and Argentina. Daniel Moreno Flores is interested in the processes of experimental design, inquiry into structural forms, collective work for social cohesion through the appropriation of public space and the construction of infrastructure after the 2016 Ecuador earthquake.

Some of Daniel Moreno Flores’ most prominent projects include:

The following statistics helped Daniel Moreno Flores achieve 12th place in the 25 Best Architecture Firms in Ecuador:

Featured Projects 2
Total Projects 4

11. Estudio Felipe Escudero

© Estudio Felipe Escudero

© Estudio Felipe Escudero

EFE is a multi-scale design studio, where the boundaries between architecture, industrial design, and art blur into a seamless expression of creativity.

The studio has been recognized worldwide for its pioneering work on a variety of projects, from private homes to urban plans. The architectural digest mentioned EFE’s magnolia house as a breakthrough performance for this rising international star. wallpaper magazine selected EFE for the annual directory’s exciting architecture studios and Forbes described the studio as the new generation of cutting edge businesses. Collaborations with recognized brands and artists include exhibitions in the royal academy of arts in London, the Architectural Association in London, Arte Ba in Buenos Aires and recent work with Mercedes Benz, Adidas, On-shoes, Philippe chatelain and Rodrigo Pacheco.

Some of Estudio Felipe Escudero’s most prominent projects include:

The following statistics helped Estudio Felipe Escudero achieve 11th place in the 25 Best Architecture Firms in Ecuador:

Featured Projects 2
Total Projects 5

10. arquitectura x

© arquitectura x

© arquitectura x

arquitectura x is a Quito-based design firm ran by award-winning architects Adrian Moreno and María Samaniego. The firm designs for the private, public and civic sector.

Some of arquitectura x’s most prominent projects include:

  • HCJB radio, Quito, Ecuador
  • Las Naves Courthouse, Las Naves, Ecuador
  • LB Building, Quito, Ecuador
  • Icono Building, Permeable Living, Quito, Ecuador
  • RI HOUSE, Diffuse Borders, Tumbaco, Ecuador

The following statistics helped arquitectura x achieve 10th place in the 25 Best Architecture Firms in Ecuador:

A+Awards Finalist 1
Featured Projects 1
Total Projects 5

9. Holger Cuadrado Arquitectura

© JAG Studio

© JAG Studio

Holger Cuadrado Arquitectura, is an architecture and landscape studio-workshop, which focuses its activities from the practice of the project and from the academy, understood as two necessary dimensions for the construction of knowledge.

Some of Holger Cuadrado Arquitectura’s most prominent projects include:

The following statistics helped Holger Cuadrado Arquitectura achieve 9th place in the 25 Best Architecture Firms in Ecuador:

Featured Projects 2
Total Projects 2

8. Side FX Arquitectura

© Side FX Arquitectura

© Side FX Arquitectura

At Side FX Arquitectura we create spaces that generate positive emotions and ignite the senses, achieving an effect of happiness and well-being.

Some of Side FX Arquitectura’s most prominent projects include:

The following statistics helped Side FX Arquitectura achieve 8th place in the 25 Best Architecture Firms in Ecuador:

Featured Projects 3
Total Projects 5

7. Diego Guayasamin

© Diego Guayasamin

© Diego Guayasamin

Diego Guayasamin Arquitectos is an Ecuador-based architecture firm led by Diego Guayasamin. The firm specializes in commercial and residential architecture.

Some of Diego Guayasamin’s most prominent projects include:

The following statistics helped Diego Guayasamin achieve 7th place in the 25 Best Architecture Firms in Ecuador:

A+Awards Finalist 1
Featured Projects 2
Total Projects 4

6. URLO Studio

© URLO Studio

© URLO Studio

URLO Studio is a family of nonconformist, pragmatic, visionary and innovative professionals who seek to set a turning point in the development of the city, always through coherent and rigorous ideas and designs that range from the architectural detail, to the broader urban scale.

Some of URLO Studio’s most prominent projects include:

The following statistics helped URLO Studio achieve 6th place in the 25 Best Architecture Firms in Ecuador:

Featured Projects 3
Total Projects 5

5. IWI Studio

© IWI Studio

© IWI Studio

Juan Ruiz and Amelia Tapia are a couple of architects, based in Quito, Ecuador. Together they have developed and collaborated on projects in Spain, the Netherlands and Ecuador. Their architecture seeks to provide efficient solutions through knowledge of traditional construction techniques and new technologies.

Some of IWI Studio’s most prominent projects include:

The following statistics helped IWI Studio achieve 5th place in the 25 Best Architecture Firms in Ecuador:

Featured Projects 3
Total Projects 4

4. NAJAS ARQUITECTOS

© Bicubik

© Bicubik

NAJAS ARQUITECTOS has been designing purposeful spaces for over 20 years. We are a leading firm in consultancy, design, engineering, and construction, recognized for our people-centered and context-aware approach. Since 2006, we have built an international portfolio of small- and large-scale projects, known for architecture that balances functionality, aesthetics, and adaptability.

Our “inside-out” methodology is based on three core pillars:

  • People: We understand our clients’ needs, habits, and emotional connections, translating personal stories into spaces that are both functional and poetic.
  • Place: We integrate topographic, climatic, and cultural variables, respecting both local and global contexts to create harmonious and sustainable designs.
  • Time: We design with a future-oriented mindset, ensuring that each work evolves with material, social, and environmental changes without losing its essence.

With a presence in countries such as Ecuador, Argentina and Zambia, our work has been featured in national and international media.

Some of NAJAS ARQUITECTOS’ most prominent projects include:

  • Casa Pillagua, Quito, Ecuador
  • Paralelogramo House, Quito, Ecuador
  • Split House, Quito, Ecuador
  • Attiva Residential Building, Quito, Ecuador
  • Alambique House, Quito, Ecuador

The following statistics helped NAJAS ARQUITECTOS achieve 4th place in the 25 Best Architecture Firms in Ecuador:

Featured Projects 6
Total Projects 33

3. Diez+Muller

© Diez+Muller

© Diez+Muller

Diez + Muller Arquitectos is led by Gonzalo Diez and Felipe Muller. They understand architecture as an intellectual response to a requirement that can vary in scale and function. Any architectural intervention is the answer to a problem, regardless of whether it is a house in the country or a building in the city. This intellectual response is given depending on the environment, the peculiarity of the place where it is implanted, the use, the economy, etc. Therefore, his attitude is based on giving a balanced response between these factors, it being essential that in each project there is a sensitive component, generator of emotions, since this is what will give a further meaning to architecture.

Some of Diez+Muller’s most prominent projects include:

The following statistics helped Diez+Muller achieve 3rd place in the 25 Best Architecture Firms in Ecuador:

Featured Projects 9
Total Projects 20

2. CORREA + FATEHI / ODD

© CORREA + FATEHI / ODD

© CORREA + FATEHI / ODD

We are CORREA+FATEHI / ODD, a group of highly skilled architects, planners, and creatives. we are innate problem solvers, dedicated to making the physical world a more habitable place. ​ We work at every scale– from design to execution.​ We are inspired by nature, incorporating its systems and processes into our work– aiming for a healthier coexistence.​ We learn through history, science, and precedents– developing new design techniques for the improvement of humankind. ​We confront and question the norm, creating state-of-the-art design solutions. Together we help our clients solve their most complex challenges; together we harness our diverse ingenuity to make projects that are fantastical, affordable, buildable and beautiful.

Some of CORREA + FATEHI / ODD’s most prominent projects include:

The following statistics helped CORREA + FATEHI / ODD achieve 2nd place in the 25 Best Architecture Firms in Ecuador:

A+Awards Winner 5
A+Awards Finalist 2
Featured Projects 3
Total Projects 14

1. Natura Futura Arquitectura

© Natura Futura Arquitectura

© Natura Futura Arquitectura

Base in Babahoyo, Ecuador, Natura Futura Arquitectura explores issues and themes in architecture within a Latin American context. The firm’s portfolio consists of various community-based and public projects.

Some of Natura Futura Arquitectura’s most prominent projects include:

  • The Tea Room, Baba Canton, Los Rios, Ecuador
  • El Triangulo de las Verduras; Productive Community Greenhouse, Quito, Ecuador
  • The Little Atelier, Ecuador
  • The House that Habitate, Babahoyo, Ecuador
  • The Provider Productive Center, Montalvo, Ecuador
  • Featured image: The Chandelier, Babahoyo, Ecuador

The following statistics helped Natura Futura Arquitectura achieve 1st place in the 25 Best Architecture Firms in Ecuador:

Featured Projects 15
Total Projects 20

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.

An example of a project page on Architizer with Project Award Badges highlighted

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.

 


 

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.

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