Annabelle M. Selldorf
Annabelle Selldorf is the principal of Selldorf Architects, a 70-person architectural design practice that she founded in New York City in 1988. The firm creates public and private spaces that manifest a clear and modern sensibility to enduring impact. Selldorf Architects has worked on public and private projects that range from museums and libraries to a recycling facility, and at scales from the construction of new buildings to the restoration of historic interiors and exhibition design. Cultural and institutional clients include the Frick Collection, Hispanic Society Museum & Library, Dumbarton Oaks, Clark Art Institute, Neue Galerie New York, Swiss Institute, Luma Arles, and the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego. Ms. Selldorf is a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and serves on the board of the Architectural League of New York, the World Monuments Fund, the Chinati Foundation, and the Center for Curatorial Studies at Bard College. She has taught at Harvard University's Graduate School of Design. Additionally, Ms. Selldorf is a member of the American Academy of Arts and Letters and in 2014 was the recipient of its prestigious Award in Architecture. In 2016 she received the AIA New York Medal of Honor. She currently serves on The Cultural Landscape Foundation’s Stewardship Council.
Statement: I believe that the Oberlander Prize will play a critical role in raising the awareness and visibility of landscape design and of landscape architects practicing today. From improving the quality of public life in our cities to enhancing the long-term sustainability of the environment, these essential and important contributions—and their creators—have often been overlooked. The new Oberlander Prize will not only bring attention and focus to the field, it will also provide critical support to the individual designers in their ongoing pursuit of excellence. I was delighted to hear that this prize would be named for Cornelia Hahn Oberlander, someone whose work I have long admired and who has served as an inspiration for so many. It is a fitting tribute for this wonderful new initiative.