Written by: Sara Kirby, Above project: Denver Union Station, courtesy of aecom.com

Five Australian practices have been celebrated in the 2016 World Architecture 100, a list of the world’s top architectural firms.

Curated by UK architectural paper Building Design, the list is ranked by the number of fee-earning architects each firm employs.

Melbourne-based firm Woods Bagot, who recently moved into a new Brisbane studio, came in sixth place, up one spot from last year and leading the troop of Aussie practices for the third year running. Read (inside) magazine’s review of their new office facilities here.

Project: Built, Western Australia courtesy of woodsbagot.com

Coming in at number 44, Cox Architecture followed up second for the Australians, also up one place from last year and employing 263 architects.

Bates Smart came in at number 57 on the World Architecture 100 list this year. The multi-disciplinary firm has studios in both Melbourne and Sydney,employing 200 architects. Making their mark in Australia, Bates Smart has just recently opened the Vibe Hotel Canberra, a curved glass structure that is the first view for those arriving at the airport. Read our review of the Vibe Hotel here on ADR.

Project: 180 Thomas Street, courtesy of batessmart.com

Coming in just behind Bates Smart, Buchan Group came 58th in 2016, up two spots from last year’s position. The group’s designs in 2015 include The Emerald apartment tower just off Melbourne’s St Kilda Road.

Another newcomer to the list was GHD Woodhead, who came in at number 90. With five studios in Australia and one in Manila, the firm employs 116 architects.

Project: Sydney International Airport Terminal 1 redevelopment, Mascot, NSW, courtesy of ghdwoodhead.com

Topping the list overall was US practice Gensler, who employ 2,299 architects and have worked in 114 countries over the world. Last year the number one spot was taken out by US firm AECOM, who dropped down to second place this year.

2016 World Architecture 100 Top Ten Firms

1. Gensler (USA)
2. AECOM (USA)
3. Nikken Sekkei (Japan)
4. Perkins + Will (USA)
5. HDR (USA)
6. Woods Bagot (Australia)
7. Aedas (China)
8. IBI Group (Canada)
9. HOK (USA)
10. P&T Architects and Engineers (China)