Oh, the Top 12…. 18, 40, hundred. It’s not always easy to choose the best. We love them all. It’s difficult to choose the top 12 design and architecture magazines because it’s more than just a matter of circulation. A large readership doesn’t necessarily mean a high-quality readership.

On the other hand, an excellent magazine may have a small but influential readership. It can be not easy to judge the quality of a publication. There are many great magazines in the world. We could certainly swap out some names, but these 12 magazines are among the best in the world!

This is our humble opinion. We define “best” as a harmonious mix of international reputation, quality readers, and editorial excellence. The list is arranged from the largest to the smallest audience.

Architectural Digest

Conde Nast launched Architectural Digest in 1920. It features classic and modern luxury residential interiors. AD is also interested in celebrity homes, the art of living, and travel. The magazine has been a global favourite for years, with editions in China, France and Germany, India and Russia, Spain and Mexico, as well as the Middle East. The magazine’s editorial style still favours traditional interiors, but modern and minimalist styles are getting more attention on its website and some of its editions. The editorial team has worked to reach out and expand the readership with two new projects, AD PRO and Clever.

Dwell

Dwell is a magazine that has been publishing high-quality content for two decades. It celebrates contemporary residential architecture, as well as its human side. Dwell is a champion of mid-century, minimalist, and Scandinavian styles. It publishes projects from around the world, including new constructions, renovations, and prefabrication homes. Comfort and functionality are unifying themes. The editorial team is well-versed in sustainability, innovation, and off-grid lifestyles. Both professionals and educated amateurs admire their work. The magazine’s loyal and engaged readers helped it quickly rise to the top of the architecture magazines in the world.

Wallpaper

Wallpaper*, launched by Tyler Brule in the UK (also known as Monocle), was sold to Time Warner in 1997. The magazine has always celebrated all forms of creativity, including fashion, design, architecture, and art. The internationally acclaimed magazine is known for its innovation and creativity without compromise. Content is exclusive and varied. The magazine is aimed at both professionals and amateurs who are passionate about art and design. Wallpaper* also publishes small travel guides that focus on design in great cities around the world – Wallpaper* City Guides. Published by Phaidon.

Architectural Record

Architectural Record, published in 1891, is one of the oldest and most influential publications in architecture. The magazine features the best architectural firms in the world and the most recent major residential, institutional, commercial and cultural projects. It provides in-depth information on every aspect of architectural design – whether artistic, commercial or technical. It also covers new construction technologies and architectural products, providing professionals in design and architecture with a global overview of the most recent trends.

Abitare

Abitare, founded in Milan by Piera Peroni in 1961, is a respected magazine that focuses on contemporary design, architecture, lifestyles, and the way people use their spaces. Every month, Abitare features the latest projects and trends. It tracks how we use spaces and our changing lifestyles. After a short hiatus, the magazine underwent a major revamp in 2014.

Interior Design

Interior Design, founded in 1932, is a publication that targets professionals but also has a growing readership of amateurs who are attracted by its high-quality, accessible content. As its name suggests, Interior Design is devoted to all types of interiors, including residential, commercial, and institutional. It also has a tangential focus on art, architecture, and industrial design. Each issue contains a variety of articles and topics, as well as a range of projects. You’ll find something to suit every taste.

Metropolis

Metropolis covers every aspect of urban design, including the iconic and most important architectural projects that shape our cities. The American magazine was founded in 1981, and Sandow Media recently purchased it. Ten issues are published a year, along with many supplements and special editions on specific topics. For example, the 72-page edition of the 150th Anniversary of Frank Lloyd Wright’s birth. Exclusive interviews with industry experts are its trademark, and many of its profiles go off the beaten track.

Domus

Domus, founded in 1928 and headed by the illustrious architect Gio Ponti until 1979, is one of today’s most influential voices for design and architecture. Domus also features in-depth profiles and detailed coverage of important architects and designers. It also includes theoretical pieces, critiques and intellectual debates. This content is highly respected by architecture and design professionals. Domus, which will celebrate its 100th birthday in 2028, launched the 10x10x10 Project from 2018 until 2028; each issue of the magazine will be guest-edited by a prominent architect. Michele De Lucchi, Winy Maas, and David Chipperfield served as guest editors for the years 2018, 2019 and 2021.

Frame

Frame, a Dutch design magazine founded by Robert Thiemann in 1997 and distributed to 77 countries worldwide, has established itself as one of the most prestigious magazines in the world. Frame, a niche publication, has a vibrant and captivating visual style. It is a global resource for contemporary commercial and institutional interior design. Recently, the magazine expanded its coverage to include residential projects. Frame Publishers publishes specialized books and monographs about commercial interior design.

DETAIL

DETAIL was first published in Germany in 1961. Its name implies that it is a magazine focusing on architectural design and construction. Each issue is devoted to a specific theme and features high-quality photographs, detailed technical drawings and plans, and detailed plans. The magazine also publishes two issues of Detail Inside, which are devoted to interior design projects. Each year, it has a GREEN special issue that focuses on sustainability. It is one of the most professional magazines, focusing on the finer details of construction.

ICON

ICON is a design and architecture magazine that focuses on the current trends, cultural movements and other factors that affect architecture and our society. ICON’s holistic view of architecture, objects, and the art and science of living is reflected in interviews, project articles, analyses of cultural and technological trends, and reviews of exhibitions and books. ICON, launched in 2003 in the UK, takes a new look at the latest developments in architecture and design and their implications for the future.

The Architectural Review

The Architectural Review, published by EMAP, has been a reference for international architecture since 1896. The magazine covers all aspects of the built environment, such as landscape, building design and interior decoration, urbanism, and more. Despite its modest circulation (fewer than 14,000 copies compared to competitors who issue 50 to 100,000 copies), the monthly is distributed in over 100 countries. The Architectural Review has become a favourite among industry professionals for its unusual and sometimes provocative projects and articles.