Belatchew Arkitekter was founded in 2006 by Rahel Belatchew, a Stockholm-based architectural firm with an international reach. The office operates from Södermalm in Stockholm and employs architects, structural engineers, and project managers who work across urban planning, residential housing, offices, retail, and community properties.
Belatchew holds the distinction of being named one of the 101 most exciting new architectural offices in the world by Wallpaper magazine in 2007, the same year it received the honorary award for Architect of the Year. The firm has since accumulated numerous accolades, including the Architectural Review MIPIM Future Project Award in both 2015 and 2019, and the Swedish National Design Prize in 2014.
The organization maintains a distinctive experimental approach through Belatchew Labs, a studio dedicated to investigating new solutions to urban and architectural challenges. This division focuses on method development, digitization, and sustainable architecture. Beyond design practice, Belatchew also operates as a property developer through Belatchew Fastigheter, managing real estate projects that prioritize architectural quality.
Prominent projects include Norra Djurgårdsstaden in Stockholm, Strawscraper, Tensta Torn, and InsectCity. The firm's work has appeared in publications ranging from The Guardian and Wired to National Geographic and Der Spiegel, and the office has represented Sweden in various international architectural exchanges and exhibitions.
Rahel Belatchew, the founder, studied at École Spéciale d'Architecture in Paris and previously practiced in Paris, Luxembourg, and Tokyo before establishing the Stockholm office. She regularly participates as a jury member for prestigious international architecture awards.