5 most famous female architects in the world — and their works (photos)

Some female architects are known for not only creating iconic, recognizable buildings, but also for influencing the development of architecture and its role in urbanism, sustainability, and culture.

Here are five of the most famous female architects recognized for their pioneering contributions to architecture:

1. Zaha Hadid (1950–2016)

Zaha Hadid is famous for being the first woman to win the Pritzker Architecture Prize (2004), the world’s most prestigious award for architecture, which is awarded based on innovative work.

Hadid’s bold, futuristic designs often featured sweeping curves and flowing lines, transforming cityscapes around the world.

Iconic Works:

London Aquatics Centre

Guangzhou Opera House

2. Kazuyo Sejima (b. 1956)

Kazuyo Sejima is known for co-founding SANAA, a Japanese architecture firm behind many minimalist and light-filled projects.

Sejima, along with her partner Ryue Nishizawa, won the Pritzker Prize in 2010 for their minimalist, clean, and often transparent structures.

Iconic Works:

Louvre-Lens Museum in France

New Museum in New York City

21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art in Kanazawa, Japan

3. Denise Scott Brown (b. 1931)

Denise Scott Brown is known for her contributions to architectural theory and urban planning, and for co-authoring Learning from Las Vegas.

Iconic Works:

Sainsbury Wing of the National Gallery in London, with partner Robert Venturi

4. Jeanne Gang (b. 1964)

Jeanne Gang is known for her innovative approach to architecture: her work combines functionality and bold solutions with sustainability, ecology and respect for the environment.

Iconic Works:

Aqua Tower in Chicago

Vista Tower, currently the tallest building designed by a woman

5. Elizabeth Diller (b. 1954)

Elizabeth Diller is known as the co-founder of Diller Scofidio + Renfro, pushing the boundaries of architecture with innovative cultural projects. Diller is known for mixing architecture, art and urbanism.

Iconic Works:

High Line in New York

The renovation of Lincoln Center

The Broad Museum in Los Angeles