8 Trailblazing Women Who Shaped Interior Design and Architecture
March is Women’s History Month, and what better way to celebrate than by honoring the women who have left their mark on interior design and architecture? In a field often dominated by men, these eight pioneers broke barriers, redefined spaces, and shaped the way we live, work, and experience design today. From grand hotels to modernist furniture, their influence is everywhere—whether we realize it or not.
1. Elsie de Wolfe (1865–1950) – The First Interior Designer
Before Elsie de Wolfe, interior decorating wasn’t considered a profession—it was just something wealthy women did for their own homes. She changed that. Known as the “mother of interior design,” she rejected the heavy, dark Victorian style in favor of light, airy, and elegant spaces. Think soft color palettes, mirrors, and a touch of Parisian charm. Her work at The Colony Club in New York set the standard for modern decorating, proving that a well-designed space could uplift and inspire.
2. Dorothy Draper (1889–1969) – The Queen of Bold Color
If you love a bold, maximalist moment, you can thank Dorothy Draper. She had an unapologetic approach to design, embracing oversized florals, vibrant hues, and dramatic contrasts long before it was trendy. Her work at The Greenbrier Hotel is a masterclass in theatrical, joyful interiors. She believed that design should be fun and fearless—an ethos we can all embrace in our own homes
3. Sister Parish (1910–1994) – The White House Visionary
Classic, cozy, and effortlessly layered—Sister Parish’s designs felt like a warm hug. She was the decorator behind Jacqueline Kennedy’s White House restoration, bringing in chintz, painted furniture, and that perfect mix of old and new. She understood that a home should feel lived-in and personal, not just picture-perfect.
4. Florence Knoll (1917–2019) – The Woman Who Designed the Modern Office
Ever walked into a sleek, modern office and thought, “This is so well-designed?” That’s Florence Knoll’s legacy. She revolutionized corporate interiors with clean lines, functional layouts, and furniture that balanced form with purpose. She didn’t just design furniture—she designed the way we work. In a world where aesthetics and function often clash, she proved they could coexist beautifully. with what I always tell my clients: your home should tell your story.
5. Ray Eames (1912–1988) – The Mastermind of Mid-Century Modern
Mid-century modern wouldn’t be what it is without Ray Eames. Though often overshadowed by her husband, Charles, Ray was equally responsible for the Eames aesthetic—think sculptural furniture, molded plywood chairs, and a seamless blend of comfort and design. Her work wasn’t just about beauty; it was about making good design accessible. In a world of fast furniture, I love that her pieces remain timeless investments.
6. Eileen Gray (1878–1976) – The Modernist Who Was Ahead of Her Time
Eileen Gray was designing sleek, minimalist furniture decades before modernism took off. Her iconic E-1027 table—a height-adjustable side table—was a stroke of genius in both form and function. She designed with real people in mind, creating pieces that felt effortless and intuitive. Even now, her work is a testament to the idea that great design is timeless.
7. Zaha Hadid (1950–2016) – The Visionary of the Future
Zaha Hadid didn’t just design buildings—she created sculptures that people could live and work in. Her futuristic, flowing forms challenged everything we thought architecture could be. From the Guangzhou Opera House to the London Aquatics Centre, her work was unapologetically bold. She proved that women could not only succeed in architecture but also completely redefine it.
8. Norma Merrick Sklarek (1926–2012) – The First Black Woman to Lead the Industry
A true trailblazer, Norma Merrick Sklarek was the first Black woman to become a licensed architect in the U.S.—at a time when women, especially women of color, weren’t even invited to the table. She led major projects like the Pacific Design Center and the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo, proving that talent and determination could break down barriers. Her story is a reminder that diversity in design matters—not just for representation, but for richer, more meaningful spaces.
These women weren’t just designers or architects—they were rule-breakers, innovators, and visionaries. They saw possibilities where others saw limits, and they reshaped the spaces we inhabit today.
At Authentik Home, I always encourage my clients to design with authenticity—because the best spaces aren’t just beautiful; they’re personal, functional, and full of soul. These women embodied that philosophy in different ways, whether through bold color, thoughtful simplicity, or groundbreaking innovation.
Here’s to the women who paved the way—and to those still shaping the future of design.