American architecture and design entered a golden age around 1900 as skyscrapers began to soar to unthinkable heights and interior decorating became a legitimate career choice for men and women alike. Along the way, several Americans emerged as influential, putting their signature stamp on rooms and buildings that are still being referenced in design work today. Yes, I’m talking the Franks—Lloyd Wright and Gehry to be exact, but there are also a few lesser-known design pros that made my list of greats as well as some early decorators that paved the way for the Kelly Wearstlers, Bunny Williamses and Daryl Carters of the world. Check out these ten talents and consider making a trip to see their groundbreaking work in person.
Frank Gehry, Architect
Why He Matters: Frank Gehry is a bit of an outlier on this list because he’s Canadian-born but American-trained, hailing from the University of Southern California and the Harvard Graduate School of Design. He opened his own firm in 1962 after apprenticing in Paris and definitely brought a European sensibility to his work. In addition to designing several museums, concert halls, homes and university buildings across the country over the course of his lifetime, he’s also done plenty of international work, too.
Cass Gilbert, Architect
Why He Matters: Despite designing a bunch of prominent public buildings, including the state capitols of Minnesota, West Virginia, and Arkansas, Cass Gilbert has somewhat under-the-radar status when it comes to American architecture. While he mainly worked in the Neoclassical style at the dawn of the 20th century, Gilbert embraced modern features such as indoor swimming pools and elevators, even in his historic-look Gothic Revival designs.
Notable Work: Gilbert designed the SCOTUS building in Washington, D.C., and helped create the plans for the George Washington Bridge. But his most famous project is probably the Woolworth Building in Lower Manhattan, which was commissioned by dime store chain and finished in 1913. At the time, the Woolworth was the tallest skyscraper and surely influenced later structures like the Chrysler Building, which soared above it some 16 years later. The facade features gargoyles and terra-cotta, and the interior boasts a fancy lobby and modern steel framing. You can still take a look at his handiwork—luckily the Woolworth survived the 9/11 attacks despite being very close to Ground Zero.