Legendary Architects: Inspiring Gen-Next and Beyond

Architecture reflects a region, culture, and people. Its several disciplines, such as biomimicry architecture, sustainable architecture, and vernacular architecture, exemplify it. Various cities have been the canvas for some of the best architects.

These iconic architects have contributed to developing memorable architectural gems across the world. Young architects seek inspiration from the extraordinary work of these legendary designers. This blog discusses at length about most famous architects of the world today.

10 Best Architects Transforming Architecture

Frank Gehry

Frank Gehry is one of the most popular architects in the world. The 1929-born Canadian-American architect is renowned for his deconstructivist and sculptural work. He is a master at creating aesthetically pleasing and functional structures by leveraging unconventional construction methods and materials. 

Opened in 1997, Guggenheim Museum One, Bilbao, Spain, is his most famous work. It highlights his prowess in contemporary design with its titanium facade having asymmetrical geometries and sweeping curves. Adequate natural light and dynamic layouts of the interior halls of the museum make it a visually striking place. Louis Vuitton Foundation is another architectural masterpiece by Frank Gehry, which showcases why he is considered one of the best architects.

Zaha Hadid

Zaha Hadid has left an everlasting mark on architecture and established herself as one of the best architects of all time. Born in 1950, she rose to prominence through her groundbreaking styles of architecture, which fuse leading-edge technology and organic forms. Her work demonstrates the future and boldness. 

Heydar Aliyev Center, Baku, Azerbaijan, exudes modernism through its fluid design and has caused a wave of parametric architecture across the globe. She took inspiration from nature to design this wave-like exterior of the building. Zaha Hadid also earned the coveted Pritzker Architecture Prize, making her the first woman to achieve this feat. Her other notable works are the Guangzhou Opera House and the London Aquatics Centre. 

Norman Foster

Norman Foster is one of the most prominent architects of all time. Incorporating innovation and sustainability in his futuristic architectural designs is his forte. He utilizes leading-edge technology and materials to create energy-efficient buildings. 

The Gherkin, London, United Kingdom, has provided him with worldwide recognition as the best architect for his exemplary work. This impressive structure adorns London’s skyline and reflects the British capital’s modernism. A distinguished cylindrical form and energy-efficient design have made this building a trailblazer in ecological design. The building has successfully reduced carbon footprints as it has natural ventilation and other eco-friendly elements.

Renzo Piano

Renzo Piano is one of the best architects in the world today. He has garnered accolades for setting up Renzo Piano Building Workshop — an architectural practice that strives to improve teamwork and investigation. Transparency, airiness, and eco-friendliness are the characteristics of his work. The Italian architect born in 1937 is the winner of the 1998 Pritzker Architecture Prize.

The Shard, London, UK, is an architectural marvel designed by Renzo Piano and is the highest building in the UK with 95 floors. Viewers find it a treat to see its pyramidal shape made of glass. This high-rise, completed in 2012, is the hub of a hotel, restaurants, apartments, a business center, and an observation deck that offers a 360-degree view of the city. Pompidou Cultural Center, California Academy of Sciences, and Kansai International Airport are other noteworthy works of this iconic architect.

Shigeru Ban

Shigeru Ban is one of the best architects who has earned global recognition. He was born in 1957 and is from Tokyo, Japan. The celebrated Japanese designer spearheads in use of innovative materials and puts in humanitarian efforts. 

The humanistic approach of Shigeru Ban for the Cardboard Cathedral has urged people to turn their heads and notice it. Cardboard Cathedral, Christchurch, New Zealand, is a globally recognized landmark. The Japanese maestro developed it after an earthquake destroyed the real cathedral in Christchurch. 

He has constructed this structure entirely using cardboard tubes and lumber, demonstrating his prowess and commitment to building through an ecological design. The most exquisite works of this renowned architect include the Japan Pavilion Expo 2000, Paper Temporary Studio, Haesley Nine Bridges Golf Club House, and Tamedia Office Building.

Tadao Ando

Tadao Ando is a celebrity architect known for his unique approach of harnessing natural materials and light strategically to create minimalist designs. His groundbreaking work conveys simplicity through the use of concrete materials and spatial relationships. Born in 1914 in Osaka, Japan, this one of the best architects strives to create harmony between his structures and the surrounding environment.

One of the best works of Tadao Ando’s is The Church of the Light. Situated in Ibaraki, Japan, it offers a glimpse of Ando’s mastery in using minimal resources to create spiritual spaces. This church, which was completed in 1989, showcases the interaction of light and shadow in the chapel. Tadao used a cross-shaped incision in the church’s wall to allow light to enter the premises. Other memorable works of Ando are the Chichu Art Museum, the Benesse Oval House, and the 4×4 House.

Santiago Calatrava

Santiago Calatrava is a world-renowned architect for his state-of-the-art designs while integrating technical ideas. Calatrava excels in creating designs that exude elegance and are expressive of the surroundings. The genius architect born in 1951 in Valencia, Spain, excels in combining organic aesthetic appeal with utility. 

One of the most prominent works of Santiago is the City of Arts and Sciences in Valencia, Spain. Built from 1996 to 2009, this cultural complex is a testament to Calatrava’s unique approach to creating outstanding structures fusing contemporary design with organic forms. Santiago, one of the best architects, is also applauded for his visually striking creations of the Athens Olympic Park, L’Hemisferic, the Prince Felipe Museum of Sciences, and the Milwaukee Art Museum. 

Bjarke Ingels

Bjarke Ingels is a young architect gaining a reputation among the great architects. The boldness and imaginativeness emanating from these modern works speak volumes about his noteworthy skills. His next-gen ideas showcasing playfulness and environment-consciousness leave the viewers awe-struck. 

Native to Denmark, Bjarke was born in 1974 and founded his firm Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG), in 2005. This firm has garnered global attention for its extraordinary architecture and urban planning projects. Bjarke is considered one of the best architects promoting sustainability today due to his designs are integrated with sustainability principles and dynamic forms. 

Having won prestigious awards such as RIBA and AIA for various projects, Ingels was also included in the list of the most influential people of 2016 by Time Magazine. Most praiseworthy projects done by Bjarke are VI? 57 West, Denmark Pavilion – Shanghai Expo, VM Houses, Lego House, and 79&Park.

Francis Kere 

Francis Kere is an African architect born in 1965 in Burkina Faso. He has earned a place in the list of the best architects in 2025 due to promoting an unusual type of architecture that emphasizes traditional techniques, locally available materials, and sustainable design principles. This modern architect is ambitious to improve the lives of lower-class communities by creating structures that suit their culture. 

Kere believes that architecture is a tremendous tool for development. He uses his style of architecture to provide functional spaces, leading to their empowerment. Creating environment-friendly structures, aligning with the requirements of the local climate, is his passion. 

Pritzker Architecture Prize and Aga Khan Award for Architecture are some of the coveted awards that define the illustrious career of Francis. He has left his mark on the world through his famous works such as Serpentine Pavilion – Kensington Gardens, Xylem Pavilion – Fishtail, Gando Primary School, and Lycée Schorge Secondary School.

Jeanne Gang

Another visionary architect on our list of best architects is Jeanne Gang. Born in 1964 in Illinois, USA, Gang has cemented her place among the best architects by promoting community engagement, functionality, and sustainability in her fabulous works. 

Jeanne Gang aces in incorporating natural and social elements in her architectural masterpieces. Distinctive use of energy-efficient materials and consideration of the environment are the key factors separating Gang’s remarkable work from others. 

The founder of Studio Gang, an architectural firm, Gang has won multiple awards and accolades. A mention in the prestigious list of Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People and a MacArthur Fellowship are some of them. Her widely recognized architectural projects include Aqua Tower, Tom Lee Park, Eleanor Boathouse at Park 571, and Richard Gilder Center for Science, Education, and Innovation.

Final Thoughts

These star architects have transformed architecture today and have paved the way for designs that demonstrate advancement and also focus on sustainability. Aspiring architects seek inspiration from their unprecedented works and are learning to ensure a better future. These best architects will continue to build new unforgettable structures and inspire numerous young minds. 

FAQs

Q 1: Who are India’s No. 1 architects?

Ans: India has some of the best architects in the world, such as BV Doshi, Bimal Patel, Raj Rewal, Sameep Padora, and Rahul Mehrotra. 

Q 2: Which country is famous for studying architecture?

Ans: To study architecture, one can consider applying to universities in countries such as Italy, Japan, Canada, the USA, China, Germany, France, the Netherlands, and Spain. 

Q3: Which country pays architects the most?

Ans: Here are some of the countries where architects can earn higher salaries:

• Switzerland.
• Luxembourg.
• United States.
• Denmark.
• Ireland.

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