Bergen Brooklyn. Render by Frida Escobedo Studio
Frida Escobedo is not just an architect, she is a force that transforms spaces and challenges the way we live and interact with contemporary architecture. Her name is behind Centre Pompidou and Metropolitan Museum of Art (MET) renovations.
Her firm designed some of the most innovative projects of recent years, seamlessly blending minimalism, sustainability, and a deep respect for history and local culture. Her creations are not merely buildings, they are experiences that redefine how we perceive the spaces around us. If you have yet to discover her work, it’s time to understand why Frida has become one of the most influential voices in global architecture.
Milestones and Accolades
Her talent has led her to achieve remarkable milestones in architecture. In 2018, she became the youngest architect to design the prestigious Serpentine Pavilion in London. A few years later, she was chosen to lead the renovation of the east wing of the Metropolitan Museum of Art (MET) in New York, one of the institution’s most significant projects, becoming the first and the youngest woman to take on this challenge. Her studio was also selected to co-lead the renovation of the iconic Centre Pompidou 2030 in France, alongside the Moreau Kusunoki firm, solidifying her name among the greats of contemporary architecture.
Frida has received numerous prestigious awards, including the Architectural League of New York’s Young Architects Forum Award (2009), the BIAU Prize (2014), the Architectural Review Emerging Architecture Award (2016), and the Architectural League Emerging Voices Award (2017). In 2019, she was recognized as an International Fellow of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), and more recently, she received the 2024 Charlotte Perriand Award from the Créateurs Design Association & Awards.
Signature Projects: Where History Meets Innovation
Among her most remarkable works is La Tallera in Mexico, a renovation of the former studio of renowned artist David Alfaro Siqueiros. Frida transformed the space into a dynamic center for art and culture, blending historical elements with a contemporary approach. The use of sliding concrete and glass panels created an innovative and rhythmic connection between interior and exterior spaces, highlighting her ability to design interactive and flexible environments.
Upcoming: Bergen Brooklyn Residence
Currently, one of Frida’s most anticipated projects is the Bergen Brooklyn Residence, set to open in 2025 in Brooklyn, New York. The residential building reflects her unique architectural identity, balancing modernity and functionality while paying homage to the neighborhood’s industrial past. With authentic materials and dynamic geometries, the construction seamlessly integrates with the urban environment, reinforcing her innovative approach, this project stands out not just for its singular aesthetic but also for its complexity. In this project, IAC played a crucial role in technical collaboration with the facade contractor Lino Construction, providing all the shop drawings for the façade components, more than 10 thousand pieces!
Academic Influence and Experimental Design
Beyond her architectural practice, Frida Escobedo has a strong connection to academia. She has taught at prestigious institutions such as Harvard, leading her to develop experimental projects that challenge traditional notions of urban space. Her ephemeral installations and pavilions explore innovative concepts, inviting reflection on time, memory, and the interaction between people and architecture.
Legacy and Impact
Frida Escobedo continues to push the boundaries of contemporary architecture, bringing innovation and meaning to every structure she creates. Her influence on the global stage grows with each new project, and her legacy is already established as a reference for future generations of architects.