Women in Architecture design the world

In celebration of International Women’s Day, these 10 renowned women architects have made the world a better place through cutting-edge architecture and awe-striking designs, leaving a long-lasting impact that inspires aspiring designers and architects worldwide. 

1.
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Mitchelle Gorospe Ignacio (Merdeka 118). Mitchelle Ignacio is one of the individuals behind the design of the Merdeka 118, which stands as the second tallest skyscraper in the world. The Filipina architect was applauded for her hard work, dedication, and sacrifice as her architectural career thrived in Malaysia for over a decade. 

2.
VILLA Aurora by Sarah Canlas.
PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF VILLA AURORA, CAN PH

Sarah Canlas (Villa Aurora). Sarah Canlas, Greener & Partners’ architect and CAN’s creative director, designed the Villa Aurora Tuason Cloud 9 in Siargao. The cliffside villa provides: Comfort. An ocean view. It is an unforgettable island living experience. 

3.
HEARST Castle by Julia Morgan.
PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF HEARST CASTLE

Julia Morgan (Hearst Castle). Hearst Castle, standing mighty as a historic estate in California, was designed by American architect and engineer Julia Morgan. Hailed as the first woman to study architecture at the highly prestigious Ecole des Beaux-Art in Paris, France, and work as a professional architect in California, Morgan designed over 700 homes and structures. She was also the first woman to receive the AIA Gold Medal, the highest honor given by the American Institute of Architects, posthumously in 2014. 

4.
THE Heydar Aliyev Center by Zaha Hadid.
PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF the heydar aliyev center, zaha hadid

Zaha Hadid (The Heydar Aliyev Center). Zaha Hadid was known for her modern and futuristic style, which is evident in her lifetime of works. Apart from the famous Heydar Aliyev Center, the late Iraqi-British architect also designed the Riverside Museum in Scotland, the Guangzhou Opera House in China, the National Museum of the 21st Century Arts in Italy, and more. She also received multiple awards, including the Pritzker Prize in 2004, the Stirling Prize in 2010 and 2011, and the RIBA Gold Medal in 2016. 

5.
ST. Regis Chicago by Jeanne Gang.
PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF ST. REGIS CHICAGO, JEANNE GANG

Jeanne Gang (St. Regis Chicago). Jeanne Gang, an American architect and founder of Studio Gang, was highly recognized for the St. Regis Chicago, the tallest woman-designed building in the world. The 101-story skyscraper is a 5-star hotel with almost 400 world-class spaces and 150 luxurious guestrooms. She was hailed as Time Magazine’s World’s Most Influential Architect for her architectural projects in 2019. 

6.
The EDP Foundation’s Museum of Art, Architecture & Technology by Amanda Levete.
PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF edp fOUNDATION, AMANDA LEVETE

Amanda Levete (The EDP Foundation’s Museum of Art, Architecture & Technology. Amanda Leviste is a RIBA Stirling Prize-winning architect who is also the founder of the award-winning studio AL_A. One of her highly applauded works was the EDP Foundation’s Museum of Art, Architecture & Technology in Lisbon, which intertwines contemporary art, technology, and architecture. 

7.

Amale Andraos (Museum Garage). Amale Andraos is a New York-based designer who designed the Museum Garage in the Miami Design District. This ant-colony-inspired structure serves as an interactive space, offering an art space, library, and playground. In 2021, she received the AIA New York Architecture Merit Award. 

8.
HIMA by Mariam Kamara.
PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF hima, mariam kamara

 Mariam Kamara (HIKMA). Mariam Kamara is a renowned Nigerian architect behind the famous HIKMA: A Religious and Secular Complex in Niger. The structure was a mosque converted into a library, reintroducing Islamic principles. She won two Lafarge Holcim Awards in 2017 and the Prince Claus Prize in 2019 for her sustainable designs.

9.
SPLIT Machiya by Momoyo Kaijima.
PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF split machiya, momoyo kaijima

 Momoyo Kaijima (Split Machiya). Momoyo Jaijima is a Japanese architect and founder of Atelier Bow-wow. She has designed over 150 architectural projects in her career, one of which is the Split Machiya. The Split Machiya is an innovative design solution that maximizes space efficiency through two mirrored structures connected by a central courtyard. 

10.
LA Tallera Gallery by Frida Escobedo.
PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF LA TALLERA GALLERY, FRIDA ESCOBEDO

 Frida Escobedo (La Tallera gallery). Frida Escobedo is a Mexican architect who specializes in designing and restoring homes and urban spaces. She was the designer behind La Tallera Gallery, a former home by painter David Alfaro Siquieros that was transformed into a public gallery. The structure is considered one of the most prolific art spaces in Mexico.