12 Most Inspiring Architects of All Time

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Architecture throughout history can first be attributed to the Greek and Roman‚ structures. Greek temples provided a template of perfection which later influenced modern architects throughout history. Romans built with a flair and abundance that laid out the foundation in which the Renaissance age reinvented. Classical columns, bridges and buildings inspire architects for centuries to come as each person creates their own new vision. In my opinion, the following influential architects have all contributed their own ideas to create some of the most astounding buildings to grace countries throughout the world.

1. Filippo Brunelleschi (1377-1446)

Brunelleschi can be considered the father of Renaissance architecture. His creations of such buildings as the Cathedral of Florence were unprecedented for his times. During the middle ages, the idea of representing how light passes through an object in art was a new concept. Historians believe Brunelleschi is one of the first artists to implement this new idea called linear perspective. Later architects found his book, The Rules of Perspective, a great foundation of which to implement their own ability.

2. Andrea Palladio (1508-1580)

The ancient architecture of the Romans and Greeks gave Palladio inspiration. He penned the book, The Four Books of Architecture, which has inspired architects worldwide. The Palladian style is still in use throughout Europe and America because of the heavy use of classical design. He also trademarked an arched window which he aptly named the Palladian window.

3. Colen Campbell (1676-1729)

Campbell turned his back on the traditional Baroque style England was familiar with and created his own style. Historians call Campbell the father of the Georgian style of architecture. Georgian is a combination of Palladian, Gothic and Chinoiserie design. The combination of such vastly different schools of architecture provided a unique set of designs. The homes, abbeys and castles Campbell designed can be seen throughout England. He also wrote a book, the British Architect, which lists the different designs found in his own and his fellow peer‚ buildings.

4. Daniel H. Burnham (1846-1912)

The planning and development of Chicago, Cleveland, San Francisco, Manila and Baguio have all seen the impact of Burnham. He and his partner, John Wellborn Root, designed the Masonic Temple Building in Chicago. At 22 stories, the building held the record for being the tallest in Chicago before its demolition. Burnham also created the 1893 Chicago World‚ Fair, and many architects then would copy the model for other exhibitions.

5. Louis Henry Sullivan (1856-1924)

Sullivan took skyscrapers to new heights with the innovative use of steel. The steel took the pressure away from load bearing walls, and the buildings took on a lighter appearance. The use of these new materials made Sullivan ‚the father of modern skyscrapers. His quote, ‚form ever follows function can still be heard in modern times and exhibits the power of his creations.

6. Frank Lloyd Wright (1867-1959)

Wright took into account the needs of his client and the nature surrounding the property instead of following classic architecture. Wright preferred using organic architecture, which allows a building to blend quietly into the surrounding landscape. His design, Falling Water, rests over an existing stream and the home appears to have water pouring from its foundation. Wright can be attributed to the influence of many architects who embrace nature into their designs.

7. Le Corbusier (1887-1965)

Le Corbusier stripped elaborate ornamentation away from his designs and refined the notion of purism in architecture. His creations did not lack for beauty as he instead added uncomplicated designs onto his buildings. His influence on urban planning allowed beauty and nature all while making the home, ‚a machine for living in. His belief in a home that works for its inhabitants changed the outlook of urban living.

8. Ludwig Mies van der Rohe (1886-1969)

Mies took advantage of modern materials and provided a ‚less is more philosophy. His light designs were remarkably different from the ancient architecture, and the spacious buildings drew people in because of their beauty. Mies intended to place his own generation‚ mark upon the world just as his classical predecessors had done. His philosophy allowed later architects to shape their buildings with simplicity.

9. Albert Kahn (1869-1942)

During the industrial era, Kahn redesigned factories to keep the employees healthy and safe. His ventilation and construction designs were in high demand by the late 1930′s. His resume includes over 2000 structures, and many of the Detroit factories can be credited to Kahn. Though Kahn‚ main influence involved factories, he also showed his moxie with the designs of office buildings, homes and conservatories.

10. Louis Kahn (1901-1974)

Louis Kahn was of no relation to Albert Kahn, and their architectural designs were also quite different. Kahn used light and space to create favorable dwellings no matter how large the actual buildings were. He also paid attention to the functionality of the rooms within a building and many called him poetic and philosophical when viewing his creations. Kahn worked intimately with his team and influenced the modern architects after him to do so also.

11. Phillip Johnson (1906-2005)

Johnson’s glasswork was more innovative than his predecessors. Johnson shunned the former steel and glass designs of his predecessors and created a more subtle appearance for buildings. He designed and lived in the legendary Glass House. The home uses nature as its interior design, with only the bathroom having walls. Johnson was partners with John Burgee for many of these projects.

12. Ieoh Ming Pei (1917-)

The John F. Kennedy Library and the renovation of the Louvre are both attributes to Pei. Pei made a point of analyzing the man-made and natural surrounding structures to consolidate his creations. This allowed the buildings to complement their surroundings in a pleasant and coordinated manner. His influence on cubist, modernist architecture is unique and beautiful.

As the renaissance men embodied and perfected classical architecture, their students also did the same. Architects throughout the ages built their ideas upon each other to create a structure more daring, innovative or useful than the one before them. The 12 most influential architects found new methods and materials such as steel or metal that have become as innovative and inspiring as their classical predecessors. Many of their structures or parts of their structures are used in steel or metal buildings of today for both commercial and residential use.

Bill Ross

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Bill Ross’s strong background and depth of knowledge about SEO has helped him become a valued SEO evangelist, coach, and strategic SEO lead at Critical Mass for companies such as Nissan, Infiniti, Moen, and TE Connectivity. Bill is currently the Associate Director of SEO at Critical Mass Chicago, a full service digital agency. In his downtime he does SEO for his own clients at Linchpin SEO, a small business SEO, content, and design agency.