Famous Architecture Firms Making Use of Computational Design (2024)

Saumya Verma

8 min read

February 12, 2023

Table of Contents

In this blog, we will understand the massive potential of Computational Design by looking at the work of some of the top architecture firms using Computational Design around the world.

Famous Architecture Firms Making Use of Computational Design

Exploded view of a building

At the 2022 Digital Agility Summit, Anthony Zuefeldt, a leader in technological transformation within the AEC industry, proclaimed, “Every facet of the AEC industry will eventually be affected by [computational design], and some have called it the ‘defining moment’ of this decade.” It is safe to say that Computational Design is the future of the AEC Industry.

Let us look at some of the leading Computational Design firms across the world, along with their notable projects.

1. NBBJ

Ohana Campus, project by NBBJ New York

NBBJ is a design and architecture firm with more than 80 years of experience. With offices around the globe, the firm aims to create spaces and experiences that better connect people to each other. An idea-driven firm with an empathetic process, NBBJ has an approach that is both sustainable and inclusive, helping clients pursue health, community, and a zero-carbon future.

Notable Projects

Ohana Campus, CA
LinkedIn Headquarters, Mountain View, CA

2. BIG

Qianhai Prisma Towers, project by BIG

Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) is a globally acclaimed architecture firm founded in Copenhagen, Denmark in 2005. The firm is led by its founder and creative partner Bjarke Ingels and has a reputation for innovative design and sustainability. Their approach to design often blends elements of nature and technology to create unique, modern structures that are sustainable and liveable. It specialises in all kinds of projects such as Landscape, Engineering, and Architecture.

Notable Projects

Qianhai Prisma Towers, Shenzhen, China
The Plus, Norway

Also check out: 10 Respected Parametric Design Firms in India to Look Out For

3. HOK

Central + Wolfe Campus, Sunnyvale, California

Founded in 1955, HOK is a global design, architecture, engineering, and planning firm. The firm has a long-standing reputation for designing some of the world's most innovative and sustainable buildings. Their designs are known for their functionality, sustainability, and aesthetic appeal, and they strive to create buildings that enhance the communities they serve and contribute to the betterment of society.

Notable Projects

Central + Wolfe Campus, Sunnyvale, California
PIF Tower, Saudi Arabia

4. Populous

Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, United Kingdom

A global design firm with colleagues spanning over four continents, Populous has worked on over 3000+ projects all over the world. The firm actively uses Computational Design for its projects and lists a knowledge of Computational Design as a plus in their search for an architect. Populous is a leading architecture firm specialising in the design of sports facilities and events. The firm was founded in 1983 and has since become a global leader in the design of stadiums, arenas, and convention centres.

Notable Projects

Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, United Kingdom
Qatar National Convention Centre, Qatar

5. Zaha Hadid Architects

Heydar Aliyev Cultural Centre, Azerbaijan

Zaha Hadid Architects is undoubtedly the name that comes to mind when one thinks about Parametric Design. A British firm founded by Pritzker-winning principal architect Zaha Hadid, the firm specialises in using advanced computer algorithms and digital design tools to create complex, flowing forms and shapes in their buildings. ZHA's parametric design approach is often used in the design of cultural, residential, commercial, and transportation projects, making them stand out as some of the most unique and memorable structures in the world.

Notable Projects

Bora Residential Tower, Mexico
Heydar Aliyev Cultural Centre, Azerbaijan

6. Perkins+Will

Riyadh Metro Prototype Stations, Saudi Arabia

A global design practice founded in 1935, Perkins+Will focuses on designing spaces that honour humanity. The firm actively hires Computational Designers. The firm is also known for their research-driven approach, which seeks to address pressing social, economic, and environmental issues through design, and for their commitment to creating equitable and inclusive spaces that serve the diverse needs of their clients and communities.

Notable Projects

Riyadh Metro Prototype Stations, Saudi Arabia
Suzhou Science and Technology Museum, China

7. Gensler

Shanghai Tower, China

A global design practice founded in 1965 in California, Gensler is known for its commitment to creating innovative, sustainable, and functional buildings that enhance the lives of those who use them. They approach each project with a focus on collaboration, sustainability, and creating positive change. Gensler is also known for its commitment to diversity and inclusion in the workplace, and for its dedication to advancing the field of architecture and design through ongoing research and development.

Notable Projects

Shanghai Tower, China
Hyundai Capital Convention Hall, South Korea

8. Gehry Partners

Dancing House, Prague, Czech Republic

Established by Frank Gehry in 1962, Gehry Partners is known for its iconic and innovative designs, which often incorporate unique shapes, materials, and construction techniques to create one-of-a-kind structures. Their designs are often highly recognisable for their sculptural forms and use of unexpected materials.

Notable Projects

Dancing House, Prague, Czech Republic
Foundation Louis Vuitton, Paris, France

9. AntStudio

Pangolin Pavilion By Ant Studio

Established by Monish Siripurapu in 2010, AntStudio is a relatively new Delhi-based firm focused on blending art, architecture, technology, and materiality. Ant Studio is known for its use of sustainable materials and construction techniques, as well as its innovative approach to energy efficiency and environmental responsibility.

Notable Projects

Pangolin Pavilion
Commercial Complex, Raipur

10. Grimshaw

Washington Union Station, USA

Established in 1980, Grimshaw is an architecture firm based in London and is one of the pioneers in high-tech architecture. Whether working on transportation, civic, commercial, or cultural buildings, Grimshaw approaches each project with a focus on sustainability and innovation, driven by its expertise in computational design. The firm actively hires architects with a specialisation in AEC design platforms such as Revit, Rhino, Grasshopper, and Dynamo.

Notable Projects

Washington Union Station, USA
Earthpark, Doha

Securing a Job at these Firms

Since these firms actively use Computational Design software to bring their ideas to fruition, a knowledge of Computational Design along with a relevant portfolio is a must to secure a job at these firms. That is where Novatr’s Master Computational Design Course for Real world Application comes into play.

As the name suggests, it not only teaches the theory of computational design, but also equips the learners with industry-relevant skills in both software and design.
The course is taught by Industry experts working at these very firms (ZHA, Populous, Henning Larsen) and focuses on training individuals to become Computational Design experts in only 8 months!
The learners get to learn over 20 software and tools and master computational design workflows for real-world industry projects.
The course offers two specialisations – Computational BIM and High Performance Building Analysis. The learners are able to choose between the two based on their career aspirations.

So that’s it! I hope this blog gave you the insight you needed to accelerate your Computational Design career in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) Industry.

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