Great Architects A-Z
This alphabetical directory will lead you to information about the world's greatest architects, builders, and designers, from Alvar Aalto to Frank Lloyd Wright.
Aalto: Alvar Aalto, Father of Modern Scandinavian Architecture
Alvar Aalto's passion for painting led to the development of his unique architectural style. Explore the live and works of Alvar Aalto, father of Modern Scandinavian Architecture.
Alvar Aalto's passion for painting led to the development of his unique architectural style. Explore the live and works of Alvar Aalto, father of Modern Scandinavian Architecture.
Brown: Denise Scott Brown, Venturi, Scott Brown & Associates
When Denise Scott Brown met and married architect Robert Venturi, she had already made important contributions to the field of urban design. Through her work as an urban planner and her collaboration with Robert Venturi, she has brought the artifacts of popular culture into the realm of architecture and has shaped our understanding of the relationship between design and society.
When Denise Scott Brown met and married architect Robert Venturi, she had already made important contributions to the field of urban design. Through her work as an urban planner and her collaboration with Robert Venturi, she has brought the artifacts of popular culture into the realm of architecture and has shaped our understanding of the relationship between design and society.
Corbusier: Le Corbusier, Leader of the International Style
Le Corbusier pioneered modernism in architecture and laid the foundation for Bauhaus, or the International Style. Here are facts about Le Corbusier's life and works with links to resources for learning more about the architecture of le Corbusier
Le Corbusier pioneered modernism in architecture and laid the foundation for Bauhaus, or the International Style. Here are facts about Le Corbusier's life and works with links to resources for learning more about the architecture of le Corbusier
Eisenman: Peter Eisenman, Modernist Architect
Modernist architect Peter Eisenman has stirred controversy with buildings that appear disconnected from surrounding structures and historical context.
Modernist architect Peter Eisenman has stirred controversy with buildings that appear disconnected from surrounding structures and historical context.
Foster: Sir Norman Foster, High-Tech Architect
British architect Sir Norman Foster is known for "High Tech" design that explores technological shapes and ideas. In his work, Sir Norman Foster often uses off-site manufactured parts and the repetition of modular elements. Sir Norman Foster won the Pritzker Prize in 1999.
British architect Sir Norman Foster is known for "High Tech" design that explores technological shapes and ideas. In his work, Sir Norman Foster often uses off-site manufactured parts and the repetition of modular elements. Sir Norman Foster won the Pritzker Prize in 1999.
Fuller: Richard Buckminster Fuller (Bucky), Architect and Philosopher
Explore the life and works of R. Buckminster Fuller (Bucky), the architect, philosopher, and poet who conceived the geodesic dome.
Explore the life and works of R. Buckminster Fuller (Bucky), the architect, philosopher, and poet who conceived the geodesic dome.
Gaudí: Antoni Gaudí, Spanish Modernist Architect
Leading the Spanish Modernist movement, Antoni Gaudí has been classified with many styles, and was also influenced by nature, sculpture, and a desire to go beyond anything that had ever been done before.
Leading the Spanish Modernist movement, Antoni Gaudí has been classified with many styles, and was also influenced by nature, sculpture, and a desire to go beyond anything that had ever been done before.
Gehry: Frank Gehry, "Deconstructivist" Architect
Inventive and irreverant, Frank Gehry has been surrounded by controversy for most of his career.
Inventive and irreverant, Frank Gehry has been surrounded by controversy for most of his career.
Gilbert: Cass Gilbert, Skyscraper Pioneer
Cass Gilbert had enormous influence on the development of architecture in the United States. He is best known for his gothic skyscraper, the Woolworth Building, which was the world's tallest building at the time.
Cass Gilbert had enormous influence on the development of architecture in the United States. He is best known for his gothic skyscraper, the Woolworth Building, which was the world's tallest building at the time.
Goff: Bruce Goff, 20th Century Architect
Expressive and original, Goff's buildings were often constructed with throw-away materials such as cake pans, steel pipe, rope, cellophane, and ash trays.
Expressive and original, Goff's buildings were often constructed with throw-away materials such as cake pans, steel pipe, rope, cellophane, and ash trays.
Goodhue: Bertram Grosvenor Goodhue, Ecclesiastical Architect
American architect Bertram Grosvenor Goodhue revolutionized church architecture and popularized Hispanic styles.
American architect Bertram Grosvenor Goodhue revolutionized church architecture and popularized Hispanic styles.
Graves: Michael Graves, Architect and Product Designer
Borrowing heavily from the past, architect and designer Michael Graves combines whimsy and sophistication in his building and product designs.
Borrowing heavily from the past, architect and designer Michael Graves combines whimsy and sophistication in his building and product designs.
Gropius: Walter Gropius, Bauhaus Architect
Walter Gropius was a German architect and art educator who founded the Bauhaus school of design, which became a dominant force in architecture and the applied arts in the 20th century.
Walter Gropius was a German architect and art educator who founded the Bauhaus school of design, which became a dominant force in architecture and the applied arts in the 20th century.
Gwathmey: Charles Gwathmey, Modernist Architect
With Robert Siegel, Modernist architect Charles Gwathmey is a partner in the New York firm Gwathmey Siegel & Associates.
With Robert Siegel, Modernist architect Charles Gwathmey is a partner in the New York firm Gwathmey Siegel & Associates.
Hadid: Zaha Hadid, First Woman to Win a Pritzker Architecture Prize
The path of Pritzker Prize winning architect Zaha Hadid has been an heroic struggle as she rose to the highest ranks of the profession. Citation from the Pritzker Prize Jury with links to photographs of her works.
The path of Pritzker Prize winning architect Zaha Hadid has been an heroic struggle as she rose to the highest ranks of the profession. Citation from the Pritzker Prize Jury with links to photographs of her works.
Herzog & de Meuron: Jacques Herzog and Pierre de Meuron
In 2001, two architects with nearly parallel careers were chosen to share the prestigious Pritzker Architecture Prize. Jacques Herzog and Pierre de Meuron designed the new Gallery of Modern Art for the Tate Museum in London and many other important works.
In 2001, two architects with nearly parallel careers were chosen to share the prestigious Pritzker Architecture Prize. Jacques Herzog and Pierre de Meuron designed the new Gallery of Modern Art for the Tate Museum in London and many other important works.
Holabird: William Holabird, Skyscraper Pioneer
Along with his partner Martin Roche, William Holabird forged America's early skyscrapers and launched an architectural style known as the Chicago School.
Along with his partner Martin Roche, William Holabird forged America's early skyscrapers and launched an architectural style known as the Chicago School.
Hood: Raymond Hood, Art Deco Architect
Your starting place for exploring the life and works of Raymond Hood, an American architect who moved from the Neo-Gothic style to Art Deco and streamlined modern styles.
Your starting place for exploring the life and works of Raymond Hood, an American architect who moved from the Neo-Gothic style to Art Deco and streamlined modern styles.
Isozaki: Arata Isozaki, Japanese Architect
Born and educated in Japan, architect Arata Isozaki often integrates Eastern ideas into his building designs.
Born and educated in Japan, architect Arata Isozaki often integrates Eastern ideas into his building designs.
Jenney: William Le Baron Jenney, Father of the American Skyscraper
William Le Baron Jenney is known as the Father of the American Skyscraper. Here are facts about his life and works, with links to further information.
William Le Baron Jenney is known as the Father of the American Skyscraper. Here are facts about his life and works, with links to further information.
Johnson: Philip Johnson, Pritzker Prize Laureate
Your starting place for exploring the life and works of Philip Johnson, Pritzker Prize Laureate and designer of the Seagram Building, the AT&T Headquarters, the Transco Tower, and other Modernist buildings
Your starting place for exploring the life and works of Philip Johnson, Pritzker Prize Laureate and designer of the Seagram Building, the AT&T Headquarters, the Transco Tower, and other Modernist buildings
Kahn: Louis Kahn, Modernist Architect
Louis I. Kahn competed only a few buildings, yet he is widely considered one of the great architects of the twentieth century.
Louis I. Kahn competed only a few buildings, yet he is widely considered one of the great architects of the twentieth century.
Koolhaas: Rem Koolhaas, Deconstructivist Architect
Prtizker Prize-winning architect Rem Koolhaas has been called in turns Modernist and Deconstructivist. His work searches for a link between technology and humanity.
Prtizker Prize-winning architect Rem Koolhaas has been called in turns Modernist and Deconstructivist. His work searches for a link between technology and humanity.
Lin: Maya Lin, Architect and Sculptor
Trained as an artist and an architect, Maya Lin is best known for her large, minimalist sculptures and monuments. When she was only 21 and still a student, Lin created the winning design for the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington D.C.
Trained as an artist and an architect, Maya Lin is best known for her large, minimalist sculptures and monuments. When she was only 21 and still a student, Lin created the winning design for the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington D.C.
Loos: Adolf Loos, Vienna's Modernist Architect
Adolf Loos was an architect who became more famous for his ideas than for his buildings. He believed that reason should determine the way we build, and he opposed the decorative Art Nouveau movement.
Adolf Loos was an architect who became more famous for his ideas than for his buildings. He believed that reason should determine the way we build, and he opposed the decorative Art Nouveau movement.
Mackintosh: Charles Rennie Mackintosh, Art Nouveau Designer
With his wife, Margaret MacDonald, Charles Rennie Mackintosh pioneered modern design in Scotland, and their Art Nouveau works helped lay the foundation for the Arts & Crafts movement in Britain.
With his wife, Margaret MacDonald, Charles Rennie Mackintosh pioneered modern design in Scotland, and their Art Nouveau works helped lay the foundation for the Arts & Crafts movement in Britain.
Mayne: Thom Mayne, 20th Century Architect
20th century architect Thom Mayne has won many awards for designing buildings that move beyond modernism and postmodernism. Mayne won the Pritzker Architecture in 2005. Join us for a photo tour of Thom Mayne's most famous buildings.
20th century architect Thom Mayne has won many awards for designing buildings that move beyond modernism and postmodernism. Mayne won the Pritzker Architecture in 2005. Join us for a photo tour of Thom Mayne's most famous buildings.
Meier: Richard Meier, Architect of the Getty Center
A common theme runs through Richard Meier's striking, white designs. The sleek porcelain-enameled cladding and stark glass forms have been described as "purist," "sculptural," and "Neo-Corbusian."
A common theme runs through Richard Meier's striking, white designs. The sleek porcelain-enameled cladding and stark glass forms have been described as "purist," "sculptural," and "Neo-Corbusian."
Mendes da Rocha: Paulo Mendes da Rocha, Modernist Architect
Pritzker prize-winning architect Paulo Mendes da Rocha is known for bold simplicity and an innovative use of concrete and steel.
Pritzker prize-winning architect Paulo Mendes da Rocha is known for bold simplicity and an innovative use of concrete and steel.
Mies van der Rohe, Bauhaus Architect
The United States has a love-hate relationship with Mies van der Rohe. Some say that Mies van der Rohe stripped architecture of all humanity, creating cold, sterile and unlivable environments. Others praise his work, saying Mies van der Rohe created architecture in its most pure form.
The United States has a love-hate relationship with Mies van der Rohe. Some say that Mies van der Rohe stripped architecture of all humanity, creating cold, sterile and unlivable environments. Others praise his work, saying Mies van der Rohe created architecture in its most pure form.
Mizner: Addison Mizner, Resort Architect
Explore the life and works of Addison Mizner, noted for his Spanish Revival buildings and Florida resort architecture.
Explore the life and works of Addison Mizner, noted for his Spanish Revival buildings and Florida resort architecture.
Morgan: Julia Morgan, Designer of Hearst Castle
Your starting place for exploring the life and works of Julia Morgan, designer of Hearst Castle and one of America's most important and prolific architects.
Your starting place for exploring the life and works of Julia Morgan, designer of Hearst Castle and one of America's most important and prolific architects.
Morris: William Morris, Artist, designer and writer
Although not trained as an architect, William Morris had a profound influence on modern and contemporary arts. Morris is best known as a designer of wall coverings, stained glass, carpets and tapestries. He was also a painter, poet, political publisher, typeface designer, and furniture-maker. William Morris is considered a pioneer of the Arts & Crafts movement.
Although not trained as an architect, William Morris had a profound influence on modern and contemporary arts. Morris is best known as a designer of wall coverings, stained glass, carpets and tapestries. He was also a painter, poet, political publisher, typeface designer, and furniture-maker. William Morris is considered a pioneer of the Arts & Crafts movement.
Murcutt: Glenn Murcutt, Architect and Environmentalist
The Pritzker prize-winning architect Glenn Murcutt is not a builder of skyscrapers. He doesn't design grand, showy structures or use flashy, luxurious materials. Instead, Australian architect Glenn Murcutt pours his creativity into smaller projects that let him work alone and design economical buildings that will conserve energy and blend with the environment.
The Pritzker prize-winning architect Glenn Murcutt is not a builder of skyscrapers. He doesn't design grand, showy structures or use flashy, luxurious materials. Instead, Australian architect Glenn Murcutt pours his creativity into smaller projects that let him work alone and design economical buildings that will conserve energy and blend with the environment.
Neutra: Richard Neutra, Pioneer of the International Style
Born and educated in Europe, Richard Neutra introduced the International Style to America, and also introduced Los Angeles design to Europe.
Born and educated in Europe, Richard Neutra introduced the International Style to America, and also introduced Los Angeles design to Europe.
Nouvel: Jean Nouvel, Architect of Light and Shadow
Taking cues from the environment, flamboyant French architect Jean Nouvel places an emphasis on light and shadow. Learn more about the life and works of the Pritzker Prize-winning Jean Nouvel.
Taking cues from the environment, flamboyant French architect Jean Nouvel places an emphasis on light and shadow. Learn more about the life and works of the Pritzker Prize-winning Jean Nouvel.
Olmsted: Frederick Law Olmsted, Father of American Landscape Design
Frederick Law Olmsted (1822-1903) was a landscape architect before the profession was founded. He was a visionary who foresaw the need for national parks, devised one of America's first regional plans, and designed America's first large suburban community.
Frederick Law Olmsted (1822-1903) was a landscape architect before the profession was founded. He was a visionary who foresaw the need for national parks, devised one of America's first regional plans, and designed America's first large suburban community.
Palladio: Andrea Palladio, Renaissance Architect
Andrea Palladio is often described as the most influential, and most copied, architect in the Western world. Explore Palladio's life and works.
Andrea Palladio is often described as the most influential, and most copied, architect in the Western world. Explore Palladio's life and works.
Pei: Ieoh Ming Pei, Pritzker Prize Laureate
The Pritzker Prize-winning architect I.M. Pei tends to use large, abstract forms and sharp, geometric designs. His glass clad structures seem to spring from the high tech modernist movement. However, Pei is more concerned with function than theory.
The Pritzker Prize-winning architect I.M. Pei tends to use large, abstract forms and sharp, geometric designs. His glass clad structures seem to spring from the high tech modernist movement. However, Pei is more concerned with function than theory.
Pelli: Cesar Pelli, Creator of the Petronas Towers
Cesar Pelli has become known as a master designer of public spaces. He designed the Petronas Towers in Malaysia, which are among the tallest skyscrapers in the world.
Cesar Pelli has become known as a master designer of public spaces. He designed the Petronas Towers in Malaysia, which are among the tallest skyscrapers in the world.
Piano: Renzo Piano, Pritzker Prize-Winning Architect
Renzo Piano is often called a "High-Tech" architect because his designs showcase technological shapes and materials. However, human needs and comfort are at the center of Piano's designs.
Renzo Piano is often called a "High-Tech" architect because his designs showcase technological shapes and materials. However, human needs and comfort are at the center of Piano's designs.
Richardson: Henry Hobson Richardson, "Romanesque" Architect
During his short life, architect Henry Hobson Richardson designed churches, courthouses, train stations, libraries, and other important civic buildings. Featuring semicircular "Roman" arches set in massive stone walls, Richardson's unique style became known as Richardsonian Romanesque.
During his short life, architect Henry Hobson Richardson designed churches, courthouses, train stations, libraries, and other important civic buildings. Featuring semicircular "Roman" arches set in massive stone walls, Richardson's unique style became known as Richardsonian Romanesque.
Rogers: Richard Rogers, High Tech Architect
British architect Richard Rogers is known for "transparent" high tech designs such as the Centre Pompidou in France. Richard Rogers won the Pritzker Prize in 2007.
British architect Richard Rogers is known for "transparent" high tech designs such as the Centre Pompidou in France. Richard Rogers won the Pritzker Prize in 2007.
Ruskin: John Ruskin, Writer, Critic, Artist & Philosopher
English writer, artist, and philosopher John Ruskin championed the Gothic Revival style and paved the way for the Arts & Crafts movement in architecture.
English writer, artist, and philosopher John Ruskin championed the Gothic Revival style and paved the way for the Arts & Crafts movement in architecture.
Saarinen: Eero Saarinen, Finnish-American Architect
Whether designing furniture, airports, or grand monuments, Eero Saarinen was famous for innovative, sculptural forms.
Whether designing furniture, airports, or grand monuments, Eero Saarinen was famous for innovative, sculptural forms.
Siegel: Robert Siegel, Modernist Architect
With Charles Gwathmey, Robert Siegel is a partner in the New York firm Gwathmey Siegel & Associates.
With Charles Gwathmey, Robert Siegel is a partner in the New York firm Gwathmey Siegel & Associates.
Stern: Robert A.M. Stern, Postmodern Architect
New York architect Robert A. M. Stern designs buildings that express affection for the past. Stern has designed many buildings for Walt Disney World in Florida.
New York architect Robert A. M. Stern designs buildings that express affection for the past. Stern has designed many buildings for Walt Disney World in Florida.
Sullivan: Louis Sullivan, America's First Modern Architect
Louis Sullivan is widely considered America's first truly modern architect. Instead of imitating historic styles, he created original forms and details.
Louis Sullivan is widely considered America's first truly modern architect. Instead of imitating historic styles, he created original forms and details.
Utzon: Jørn Utzon, Architect of the Sydney Opera House
Born in Denmark, Jørn Utzon was perhaps destined to design buildings that evoke the sea. He was the architect for the famous and controversial Sydney Opera House in Australia.
Born in Denmark, Jørn Utzon was perhaps destined to design buildings that evoke the sea. He was the architect for the famous and controversial Sydney Opera House in Australia.
Venturi: Robert Venturi, Postmodern Architect
Husband and wife team Robert Venturi and Denise Scott Brown are known for architecture steeped in popular symbolism. Kitsch becomes art in designs which exaggerate or stylize cultural icons. Mocking the austerity of modernist architecture, Venturi is famous for saying, "Less is a bore."
Husband and wife team Robert Venturi and Denise Scott Brown are known for architecture steeped in popular symbolism. Kitsch becomes art in designs which exaggerate or stylize cultural icons. Mocking the austerity of modernist architecture, Venturi is famous for saying, "Less is a bore."
Vignola: Giacomo da Vignola, Renaissance Architect
Giacomo da Vignola was a practical architect who was chosen by Pope Julius III to build important buildings in Rome. He is widely known for his treatise, The Five Orders of Architecture, based on the writings of the ancient Roman architect Vitruvius.
Giacomo da Vignola was a practical architect who was chosen by Pope Julius III to build important buildings in Rome. He is widely known for his treatise, The Five Orders of Architecture, based on the writings of the ancient Roman architect Vitruvius.
Webb: Philip Webb, Arts & Crafts Architect and Designer
Your starting place for exploring the life and works of English architect and designer Philip Webb, who championed the Gothic Revival style and paved the way for the Arts & Crafts movement in architecture.
Your starting place for exploring the life and works of English architect and designer Philip Webb, who championed the Gothic Revival style and paved the way for the Arts & Crafts movement in architecture.
Williams-Ellis: Sir Clough Williams-Ellis, Designer of Portmeirion
Sir Clough Williams-Ellis devoted his life to the cause of environmental preservation. His work on the resort village of Portmeirion, Wales represented his efforts to prove that it was possible to build beautiful -- and colorful -- housing without defiling the natural landscape.
Sir Clough Williams-Ellis devoted his life to the cause of environmental preservation. His work on the resort village of Portmeirion, Wales represented his efforts to prove that it was possible to build beautiful -- and colorful -- housing without defiling the natural landscape.
Williams: Paul Williams, Hollywood Architect
Paul Williams, a Black American, became renown for designing major buildings such the Los Angeles International Airport and over 2000 homes in Southern California. Many of the most beautiful houses in Hollywood were created by Paul Williams.
Paul Williams, a Black American, became renown for designing major buildings such the Los Angeles International Airport and over 2000 homes in Southern California. Many of the most beautiful houses in Hollywood were created by Paul Williams.
Wright: Frank Lloyd Wright, America's Most Famous Architect
Your starting place for exploring the life and works of America's most famous architect, Frank Lloyd Wright, with links to photos, quotes, resources, and a master index of all his works.
Your starting place for exploring the life and works of America's most famous architect, Frank Lloyd Wright, with links to photos, quotes, resources, and a master index of all his works.