While yes, 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, have been known to dabble in building furniture, as well.
Today we’ll be switching gears a bit to focus on 10 of the best-known 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. Fallingwater in Pennsylvania and the Guggenheim Museum in New York City are among his most iconic works, showcasing 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 shaped modern architecture. His emphasis on functionalism, urban planning, and the use of new materials like reinforced concrete can be seen in the Villa Savoye and Unité d’Habitation. His vision of cities and living spaces influenced the development of modern urbanism.
3. Zaha Hadid (1950-2016)
Zaha Hadid was a trailblazer in the world of architecture, known for her flowing, curvilinear designs and futuristic forms. The Heydar Aliyev Center in Azerbaijan and the London Aquatics Centre are just a few examples of her groundbreaking work. Her daring, non-linear architectural style earned her global recognition 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 artfully combined sharp geometric designs with glass and steel. His Louvre Pyramid in Paris stands as a beacon of his sleek, 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)
A major proponent of the minimalist style, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe’s mantra “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 aesthetic of modern urban landscapes.
6. Antoni Gaudí (1852-1926)
Antoni Gaudí’s distinctive works in Barcelona, especially the Sagrada Família, have become synonymous with Catalan Modernism. His whimsical, organic forms and vibrant color palettes have made his architectural style truly unique, with buildings like Casa Batlló and Park Güell showcasing his innovative use of materials and imagination.
7. Renzo Piano (1937-)
Renzo Piano is an Italian architect celebrated for his ability to seamlessly integrate transparency, light, and environmental sustainability in his designs. His most famous work, the Centre Georges Pompidou, revolutionized the concept of inside-out architecture. Piano’s later projects, like 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, fluid style. His structures often evoke the grace and movement of living organisms. The Milwaukee Art Museum and the World Trade Center Transportation Hub in New York stand as examples of his ability to merge aesthetics with structural innovation.
9. George Nakashima (1905-1990)
Though not a traditional architect, George Nakashima’s influence on architectural design comes from his mastery of woodworking and his dedication to craftsmanship. Known for creating finely crafted furniture that celebrates the natural beauty of wood, Nakashima’s work emphasizes simplicity, nature, and harmony— ideals that architects embrace in designing built environments. His Conoid House and studio are revered examples of how his craftsmanship extended into architectural design, where he seamlessly blended Japanese and American woodworking traditions.
10. Gustav Stickley (1858-1942)
Gustav Stickley was a leader in the American Arts and Crafts movement, which profoundly influenced architecture and interior design in the early 20th century. His furniture designs emphasized simplicity, practicality, and honesty in construction, values that also shaped his architectural ideas. Stickley’s promotion of “Craftsman” homes—affordable, hand-crafted bungalows—had a major impact on residential architecture. His legacy lives on through The Craftsman Magazine and the many homes still revered for their functional beauty and craftsmanship.
For architects specific to Vermont, be sure to check out our post on the Best Vermont Architects. Or, take a look at our collection of solid wood furniture.