Female architects have played a major role in shaping city skylines, bringing fresh ideas to residential buildings, cultural institutions, and public spaces. Their contributions have helped shape the industry, even as they worked in a field long dominated by men. In recognition of International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month, here are five architects whose work has left a lasting mark on New York City and beyond.
Zaha Hadid
Zaha Hadid was known for pushing the boundaries of architecture with her bold, futuristic designs. The first woman to win the Pritzker Architecture Prize, she became famous for her curving, fluid structures that defied traditional form. In New York, she designed 520 West 28th Street, a striking condominium along the High Line that stands out for its sculptural design. Though much of her work is spread across the globe, her influence in the city is undeniable.
Natalie de Blois
A key figure in mid-century modernism, Natalie de Blois was behind some of New York’s most recognizable office buildings while working at Skidmore, Owings & Merrill. She played a major role in designing Lever House and the Pepsi-Cola Building, both of which helped define the sleek, glass-walled aesthetic of corporate architecture. Despite leading high-profile projects, she was often overshadowed by her male colleagues—an experience that fueled her advocacy for women in the field. She co-founded Chicago Women in Architecture, helping to open doors for future generations.
Elizabeth Diller
Few architects have reshaped public space in New York quite like Elizabeth Diller. A founding partner of Diller Scofidio + Renfro, she played a leading role in transforming the High Line from an abandoned railway into one of the city’s most celebrated urban parks. She also led the design of The Shed at Hudson Yards, a cultural space with a retractable shell that expands and contracts depending on the event inside. Her work challenges traditional ideas of what architecture should be, blending buildings, urban spaces, and the arts.
Annabelle Selldorf
Annabelle Selldorf is known for her quiet, refined approach to design. As the founder of Selldorf Architects, she has worked on projects ranging from high-end residential buildings to major cultural institutions. In New York, she designed 42 Crosby Street in SoHo, a sleek residential building with cast-iron detailing, and led the expansion of the Frick Collection, carefully updating one of the city’s most beloved museums while preserving its historic charm. Her work focuses on proportion, natural light, and a sense of timelessness.
Deborah Berke
Deborah Berke’s architecture is intentional, minimalist, and deeply considered. As the founder of TenBerke and the first female dean of the Yale School of Architecture, she has designed buildings that balance modernism with warmth. In New York, she led the conversion of 70 Pine Street, turning a historic Art Deco skyscraper into a residential tower. She was also chosen to design The Women’s Building, a project that aimed to transform a former prison into a space for women-led organizations. Her work is known for its understated design, thoughtful material choices, and lasting impact.
These architects have left their mark in ways both visible and subtle. Their work has shaped the way people experience cities, proving that great design isn’t just about buildings—it’s about the lives lived within them.
