Annabelle Selldorf (born 1960) is a German-born architect and founding principal of Selldorf Architects, a New York City-based architecture practice. She is a fellow of the American Institute of Architects (FAIA) and the recipient of the 2016 AIANY Medal of Honor. Her projects include the Sunset Park Material Recovery Facility, Neue Galerie New York, The Rubell Museum, a renovation of the Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute, David Zwirner's 20th Street Gallery, The Mwabwindo School, 21 East 12th Street, 200 11th Avenue, 10 Bond Street, and several buildings for the LUMA Foundation's new contemporary art center in Arles, France. Other notable projects include an expansion of the Frick Collection, the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, Hauser & Wirth's new gallery on 22nd street in Chelsea, a new greenhouse and renovation of the historic greenhouse at Dumbarton Oaks, and an Interpretation Center at the Qianlong Garden in the Forbidden City in Beijing, China. Early life and education Selldorf was born on July 5, 1960, in Cologne, Germany. While growing up, she was inspired heavily by both her father, Herbert Selldorf, and his subtle architectural approach as well as modernist tradition. At the age of 12, Selldorf's father purchased a house in Cologne, Germany, making tiny adjustments to the lighting, furniture, and wall color that formed the foundation for her own architectural approach. Selldorf also found inspiration in Ludwig Mies Van Der Rohe's designs, citing his 1930 Tugendhat House in Brno, Czech Republic as typifying a balance of daily living and design. Selldorf moved to New York City in 1980. She received her Bachelor of Architecture degree from Pratt Institute in New York and worked briefly for architect Richard Gluckman, then earned a Master of Architecture degree from Syracuse University in Florence, Italy. Career Selldorf Architects Selldorf explains in an article for Architectural Digest that she did not want to be an architect growing up. Her father was an architect, and he eventually recommended she work for a contractor. This experience sparked her interest to pursue the profession. As she moved into more traditional workspaces, many of her projects involved balancing both interior design and architectural endeavors for private and residential clients. Selldorf founded her first independent practice in 1988, which today employs upwards of 65 employees. Her company is present in four continents. Selldorf is a sought after architect in the art world, designing a plethora of gallery spaces, museums,