AD100: Discover The Hall of Hame Interior Designers of 2023 (Part II)

Welcome to the 2023 edition of the AD100 list, which celebrates the crÃ¨me de la crÃ¨me of interior design talent. Whether it's about creating jaw-dropping interiors that feel livable or balancing modern aesthetics with timeless charm, these designers are the go-to names for anyone seeking to elevate their space. Get ready to dive into the Hall of Fame of interior design and discover the creative minds that are shaping our living spaces today!

Alexa Hampton

AD100: Discover The Hall of Hame Interior Designers of 2023 (Part II) — Â© Steve Freihon

Since taking over her father's legacy in 1999, Alexa Hampton has gracefully transformed Mark Hampton 's opulent interiors into contemporary masterpieces. With a keen eye for detail, she preserves the timeless essence of her father's work while infusing it with fresh energy. From designing her own family home to reimagining New York apartments with a modern twist, Alexa consistently delivers interiors that are both elegant and functional. Her signature style shines through in high-profile projects like the luxurious interiors of New York's iconic The Pierre hotel.

Annabelle Selldorf

Born in Germany but based in New York, Annabelle Selldorf has revolutionized how the art world perceives architecture as an integral part of their craft. Her visionary designs for galleries such as Hauser & Wirth and David Zwirner blur the lines between commercial and cultural spaces. Meanwhile, her museum projects, including the Neue Galerie in New York City and the upcoming renovation of the Frick Collection , showcase her remarkable ability to reinterpret complex historical spaces. Through her work, Selldorf has become a leading figure in contemporary architecture, blending tradition with innovation.

Bunny Williams

Known as the "doyenne" of American traditional design, Bunny Williams has remained relevant for over four decades thanks to her influence on how people perceive design. Her boutiques, including the famous garden shop Treillage (co-founded with her husband, antiques dealer John Rosselli ), along with her showrooms and product lines, make the elegance of patrician design feel approachable and inviting. Bunny's work bridges the gap between classic and contemporary, offering timeless pieces that resonate with both collectors and everyday enthusiasts alike.

Daniel Romualdez

Originally from Manila but now based in New York, Daniel Romualdez specializes in designing homes, offices, and commercial spaces for clients in the upper echelons of American society. Clients like Aerin Lauder and Lauren Santo Domingo trust him to bring their visions to life, often in locations steeped in style clichÃ©s like the Hamptons or Nantucket. Before founding his practice in 1993, Romualdez honed his skills under esteemed mentors Thierry Despont and Robert A.M. Stern .

Diller Scofidio + Renfro

Founded in 1981 by Elizabeth Diller and Ricardo Scofidio , Diller Scofidio + Renfro has left an indelible mark on how the public views art and culture in the 21st century. Without their contributions, New York City might not be the vibrant hub it is today. Their iconic projects, including MoMA , Alice Tully Hall , Lincoln Center , and especially The High Line , have transformed urban landscapes and inspired countless others. The addition of Charles Renfro and Benjamin Gilmartin further solidified their reputation as visionaries who redefine cities.

Frank Gehry

Few architects enjoy the kind of household recognition that Frank Gehry does in the realm of modern architecture . Born in Canada, Gehry moved to the United States and established his studio, now known as Gehry Partners , in the 1960s. His architectural marvels, such as the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles, the Stata Center at MIT, and the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain, exemplify his groundbreaking approach that seamlessly blends sculpture and functionality.

Jamie Drake

After founding his design firm just three days after graduating from Parsons School of Design in 1978, Jamie Drake quickly gained recognition for his glamorous approach to interior design. Based in New York , Drake's portfolio includes numerous residential projects that exude sophistication and charm. His use of bold colors during a time when neutral mid-century modern was gaining popularity helped attract high-profile clients like Michael Bloomberg , who hired him to renovate Manhattan's historic Gracie Mansion .

Juan Pablo Molyneux

As the epitome of traditional design , Juan Pablo Molyneux , originally from Chile but now with offices in New York and Paris , brings an unparalleled level of expertise to his projects. Whether it's his own Parisian home or a chic Pebble Beach estate, every detail reflects his mastery in blending eras , color schemes , and materials . His clients range from royalty to celebrities like Cristiano Ronaldo , and his signature bold, checkered marble floors have become a hallmark of his work.

Lee F. Mindel

Co-founder of SheltonMindel in New York, Lee F. Mindel is celebrated for creating modern yet habitable spaces that feel both minimalist and inviting. Trained at Harvard, Mindel's architectural prowess extends beyond interiors to include distinctive residences , workplaces , and other standalone projects that harmoniously blend classic and modern elements. His playful shapes, informed by deep knowledge of design history, add a touch of whimsy to his designs.

Mica Ertegun

Born in Romania and now residing in New York , Mica Ertegun is a designer and philanthropist whose work caters to an exclusive clientele. Through her intertwined public life with her late husband, Ahmet Ertegun , co-founder of Atlantic Records , she has developed a keen understanding of her clients' needs. Her preferred aesthetic leans toward subtle hues and luxurious materials, creating spaces that are refined without being ostentatious.

Michael S. Smith

Michael S. Smith has achieved the pinnacle of success in the interior design world due to his deep understanding of American cultural and political establishments . He gained widespread recognition for renovating the White House during the Obama administration, alongside projects for clients like Cindy Crawford and Steven Spielberg . His work also extends to prestigious locations abroad, such as the American ambassadorâ€™s residence in Madrid.

Peter Marino

Peter Marino stands out as one of the few architects who has significantly impacted the worlds of fashion , luxury , and interior design . His firm has grown to become a cornerstone of global design, with projects ranging from domestic interiors and hotels to retail flagships and exhibitions . His innovative approach continues to shape the luxury landscape across the globe.

Robert A.M. Stern

Robert A.M. Stern has been a pivotal figure in American architecture for over five decades, excelling as both an educator and an architect . Before founding his own practice in 1977, he served as the curator of the Architectural League of New York.

Stephen Sills

Stephen Sills ' interiors embody a sophisticated take on modern luxury , tailored to each client's unique tastes and surroundings. His designs are serene and meticulously crafted, drawing inspiration from iconic structures like the Taj Mahal and Monticello . Among his notable projects are renovations of the Chevalier Restaurant , two residences within the Baccarat Hotel in New York City, and beach houses in Naples, Florida, and Southampton, New York.

Thierry Despont

Thierry Despont , an architect , artist , and interior designer based in New York City , studied at Harvard University and the Ã‰cole Nationale SupÃ©rieure des Beaux-Arts in Paris. Despite his many achievements, he remains remarkably low-key.

Toshiko Mori

Toshiko Mori 's illustrious career spans both public and private projects, large and small, highlighting her emphasis on creativity and a sense of place in her architectural practice. Originally from Kobe, Japan , Mori studied design at the Cooper Union in New York before becoming a renowned architect and academic. She was the first tenured female professor at Harvard Universityâ€™s Graduate School of Design, appointed in 1995.

William Sofield

For over 20 years, William Sofield 's work has defined modern luxury with a restrained , mature , and smoldering, masculine edge . A native of New Jersey, Sofield attended Princeton before joining Ralph Lauren . In the early 1990s, he co-founded Aero Studios with Thomas Oâ€™Brien , and later established his own firm, Studio Sofield , in 1996. His clients include luminaries like Tom Ford and Joel Silver , as well as brands such as Coach and YSL .