Tabanlioglu Architects

Standing at the gateway between Europe and Asia this Istanbul-based practice is well placed to exploit the markets either side of it. It tops the league of earners in central and eastern Europe, with $49 million in fees, and is joint second in central Asia, with $20 million.

Not content with looking east and west, it has also climbed to pole position in Africa, thanks to its Libyan office, which has been working on projects such as the Tripoli Congress Centre.

This year, it is expecting to pick up more work in the Middle East, too — largely government schemes — and is considering opening an office in London.

Chief executive Melkan Gursel Tabanlioglu said: “A secondary meaning of ‘crisis’ in Chinese is ‘opportunity’ they say. We believe the developing countries will attract investments, especially the construction sector. Accordingly, the practice of architecture will bloom in such regions in the coming years.”

Other recent projects include the Istanbul Sapphire office tower and the Astana Arena national stadium in Kazakhstan, where it re-opened an office last year.