Many people think the genesis of modern architecture was the Bauhaus, modernism, postmodernism, or—more recently—parametricism movements. However, modern architecture dates back to the late 1800s. And for all the credit that Gropius, Nakashima, and Lloyd Wright receive, they owe much to one man—Louis Henry Sullivan.

Hadid would go on to impart her colorful perspective through architecture in 46 completed projects in dozens of cities and receive international attention. Some of her most famous works include the Bergisel Ski Jump in Austria, Contemporary Art Center in Cincinnati, London Aquatics Centre, and the Guangzhou Opera House.

Thomas Church was a prolific designer who used landscape to mimic the architecture of the building. He completed over 2,000 residential projects along with almost a dozen public grounds.

Every story has a beginning, and every story has a hero. In the story of American landscape architecture, both the beginning and hero can be described in one name: Frederick Law Olmsted.

Seemingly born with a natural instinct for design, Harry Bertoia was an expert jeweler, printmaker, furniture designer, sculptor, and philosopher. As Knoll historian Brian Lutz noted, “Bertoia’s paintings were better than his sculptures. And his sculptures were better than his furniture. And his furniture was absolutely brilliant.”

Born in 1888, and with an interior design career spanning three decades, Frances Adler Elkins has been called “the first great California decorator.” Her interior design styles ranged from (and combined) art deco to country French, chinoiserie to modern. Even though she wasn’t especially known for including small or large planters in her designs, she was fond of carnations and often staged clients’ homes with them.

Born around the turn of the 20th century, and enduring such hardships like the Great Depression and being placed in a Japanese Internment Camp during World War II, George Nakashima eventually became one of the most influential woodworkers and modernist of our time and continues to have an influence on designers today.

Philippe Starck is perhaps the most well-known and influential modern designer of the 21st century. Starck has designed everything from his famous “ghost chair” to a $150 million yacht for Steve Jobs. And yet, in addition to his incredible designs, Starck continues to be one captivating character. To highlight this marvelous personality, we have put together a list of five things you may not know about this flamboyant designer. May this list inspire your creativity!

Few American designers have impacted modern design more than Charles and Ray Eames. Through unique technology and incredible forethought, this husband and wife duo helped define American Modernism, and their influence continues to impact designers today.