Portraits in Design

Portraits in Design takes a biographical look at the iconic designers whose past work has had a lasting impact on our contemporary built world. But who were these significant designers? How were they influenced by the culture of their day? And, in turn, how did they influence the built world? Portraits in Design delves into the life stories of important architects, landscape architects, and planners to better understand how their personal lives had an influence on their professional careers.

The Museum inaugurates the series this spring with lectures on Frederick Law Olmsted, whose name is practically synonymous with the profession of landscape architecture; Daniel H. Burnham, arguably the father of the city planning movement in the United States; and John Russell Pope, considered one of America’s leading classicists of the early 20th century.

Handouts are available for each of the lectures. Each will contain important biographical information on the lives of each designer, as well as examples of work that can be visited in the Washington metropolitan area (when possible). These biographies are intended for students, professionals, and the general public as a learning aid, refresher, or entry point to understanding our built environment.