While our primary focus here at Vermont Woods Studios is solid wood furniture, we can’t help but appreciate the creativity and ingenuity offered by a field adjacent to furniture design: architecture. In fact, many architects throughout history, such as Frank Lloyd Wright, were known for their involvement in the furniture industry as well.
Today we’ll move on a bit to focus on 10 of the most famous architects whose work has influenced modern architecture – for the better, in our opinion.
1. Frank Lloyd Wright (1867-1959)
Frank Lloyd Wright is celebrated as one of the most influential architects in American history. His philosophy of organic architecture sought to harmonize buildings with their natural surroundings. The Fallingwater Building in Pennsylvania and the Guggenheim Museum in New York City are among his most famous works, demonstrating his belief in simplicity, natural materials, and integration with the environment.
2. Le Corbusier (1887-1965)
Le Corbusier was a pioneering Swiss-French architect whose radical ideas helped shape modern architecture. His emphasis on functionalism, urban planning, and the use of new materials such as reinforced concrete can be seen in the Villa Savoye and the Housing Unité. His vision of cities and living spaces influenced the development of modern urban planning.
3. Zaha Hadid (1950-2016)
Zaha Hadid was a pioneer in architecture, known for her flowing, curving designs and futuristic forms. The Heydar Aliyev Centre in Azerbaijan and the London Aquatics Centre are just a few examples of her pioneering work. Her bold, non-linear architectural style earned her worldwide fame as the “Queen of the Curve.”
4. I.M. Pei (1917-2019)
Chinese-American architect I.M. Pei gained fame for his modernist structures that masterfully combined sharp geometry with glass and steel. The Louvre Pyramid in Paris stands as a beacon of his elegant, minimalist style. Pei also designed the John F. Kennedy Library and the Bank of China Tower, highlighting his global influence.
5. Mies van der Rohe (1886-1969)
Ludwig Mies van der Rohe was a major proponent of minimalism, and his motto “less is more” still resonates in modern architecture. His designs, such as the Barcelona Pavilion and the Seagram Building in New York City, emphasize simplicity, open spaces, and the use of industrial materials like glass and steel, shaping the aesthetics of modern urban landscapes.
6. Antoni Gaudí (1852-1926)
Antoni Gaudí’s iconic works in Barcelona, particularly the Sagrada Família, have become synonymous with Catalan Modernism. His strange, organic forms and vibrant colour palettes made his architectural style truly unique, with buildings such as the Casa Batlló and Park Güell showcasing his innovative use of materials and imagination.
7. Renzo Piano (1937-)
Renzo Piano is an Italian architect known for his ability to seamlessly integrate transparency, light, and environmental sustainability into his designs. His most famous work, the Centre Georges Pompidou, revolutionized the concept of architecture from the inside out. Piano’s later projects, such as the Shard in London, maintain his reputation for innovative and sustainable design.
8. Santiago Calatrava (1951-)
Santiago Calatrava’s designs blend architecture and engineering in a harmonious and fluid manner. His structures often evoke the grace and movement of living beings. The Milwaukee Art Museum and the World Trade Center Transportation Hub in New York are examples of his ability to combine aesthetics with structural ingenuity.
9. George Nakashima (1905-1990)
Although not a traditional architect, George Nakashima’s influence on architectural design comes from his mastery of woodworking and dedication to craftsmanship. Nakashima is known for creating finely crafted furniture that celebrates the natural beauty of wood, and his work emphasizes simplicity, naturalness, and harmony—ideals that architects embrace in designing built environments. His Conoid home and studio are respected examples of how his craftsmanship extends to architectural design, seamlessly blending Japanese and American woodworking traditions.
10. Gustav Stickley (1858-1942)
Gustav Stickley was a pioneer of the American Arts and Crafts movement, which profoundly influenced architecture and interior design in the early 20th century. His furniture designs emphasized simplicity, functionality, and honesty in construction, values that also shaped his architectural ideas. Stickley’s promotion of “Craftsman” homes—small, affordable, hand-built houses—had a major impact on residential architecture. His legacy lives on through Craftsman magazine and the many homes that are still respected for their functional beauty and craftsmanship.
For Vermont architects, be sure to check out our post on the best architects in Vermont. Or take a look at Solid wood furniture set.
