Annabelle Selldorf is the Principal of Selldorf Architects, which she founded in 1988. Annabelle serves as Lead Designer on each of the firm’s projects. Born and raised in Germany, she received a Bachelor of Architecture degree from Pratt Institute and a Master of Architecture degree from Syracuse University in Florence, Italy. Annabelle is a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects and serves on the Board of the Architectural League of New York, the World Monuments Fund, the Chinati Foundation, and the Center for Curatorial Studies at Bard College. She is the recipient of the 2016 Medal of Honor from the American Institute of Architects New York Chapter. In 2025 Annabelle was named one of TIME 100 most influential people and received an Honorary Doctorate of Fine Arts from Pratt Institute. She is a member of the American Academy of Arts and Letters and received the organization’s prestigious Award in Architecture. She is a frequent lecturer and juror and has taught at Harvard and Syracuse University. Annabelle is also the founder and lead designer of Vica a collection of interior furnishings, lighting, and accessories.
Selldorf Architects is a 65-person architectural design practice founded by Annabelle Selldorf in New York City in 1988. The firm creates public and private spaces that manifest a clear and modern sensibility to enduring impact. Since its inception the firm’s design ethos has been deeply rooted in the principles of humanism. At every scale and for every condition, Selldorf Architects designs for the individual experience. As a result, its work is brought to life–and made complete–by those who use it.