Architectural Digest just listed their choices for the top 20 Designers of all time. This is some list, with the World’s greatest represented in exclusivity. This list does not contain one single living designer which is interesting to note. The designers chosen were chose based on being the most unique, gifted and talented designers with an appreciative eye.

Who is your favorite designer, did they not make Architectural Digest’s cut? Share below by commenting on this post!

“Confidence defined these designers. Their willingness to take aesthetic risks set them apart from their peers.”

January 2010 issue of Architectural Digest


  • Jay Spectre (1929-1992)
  • Donald Deskey (1894-1989)
  • Robert Denning & Vincent Fourcade  (1927-2005) (1934-1992)
  • Geoffrey Bennison (1921-1984)
  • Angelo Donghia (1935-1985)
  • John Dickinson (1920-1982)
  • Kalef Alaton (1940-1989)
  • Mark Hampton (1940-1998)
  • Henri Samuel (1901-1993)
  • Naomi Leff (1939-2005)
  • Val Arnold (1927-1991)
  • Jed Johnson (1948-1996)
  • T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings (1905-1976)
  • Anthony Hail (1925-2006)
  • Ted Graber (1920-2000)
  • Valerian Rybar (1919-1990)
  • Michael Taylor (1927-1986)
  • Renzo Mongiardino (1916-1998)
  • Jean-Michel Frank (1895-1941)
  • Arthur Elrod (1925-1974)