Frank Lloyd Wright

Who he is: 

An American architect celebrated for “organic architecture,” Wright designed homes and public buildings closely connected to their surroundings. His work ranges from warm, low-slung prairie houses to bold public spaces, such as the Guggenheim Museum. Fallingwater, a house set above a real waterfall, is a signature example of how he fused structure, landscape, and daily life.

Why he matters: 

Wright showed that buildings can be practical, beautiful, and humane at the same time. He favored daylight, open spaces, and natural materials, so rooms felt calm and welcoming. He designed more than a thousand buildings and believed good design should improve everyday living. He proved that a sketch on paper can one day become a place where people actually live, learn, and play.