French-Lebanese architect Lina Ghotmeh has been named to the prestigious TIME100 Next 2025 list, earning recognition as one of the world's most influential rising stars across various disciplines. The annual ranking highlights emerging leaders and innovators who are expected to shape the future, and Ghotmeh stands as the sole architect featured on this year's list, underscoring the significant role of design voices in a selection that typically spans entertainment, politics, science, and business.
Ghotmeh's inclusion was particularly notable as her TIME profile was written by renowned Danish architect Bjarke Ingels, who praised her unique ability to combine historical awareness with forward-looking experimentation. Known for her sensitive approach to context and materiality, Ghotmeh has built an impressive international portfolio that successfully bridges tradition and modernity, establishing her as a distinctive voice in contemporary architecture.
Through her practice, Lina Ghotmeh Architecture, she has been exploring the intersection of material innovation, cultural memory, and human-scale experiences. Her notable works include the Bahrain Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, titled "Anatomy of a Dhow," which reflects her deep understanding of cultural heritage. The Serpentine Pavilion 2023 in London showcased her innovative approach with its glulam structure designed around the theme of communal gathering, while the Hermès Workshop in Normandy demonstrates her ability to create functional spaces that honor craftsmanship traditions.
Currently, Ghotmeh is leading several significant cultural projects that further cement her reputation as an architect of international standing. These include the comprehensive renovation of the British Museum's Western Range galleries, a project that requires delicate balance between preservation and modernization. She is also designing the permanent Qatar Pavilion at the Venice Biennale, which will serve as a lasting representation of Qatari culture and architecture on the global stage.
Since its inception in 1999, the TIME100 has consistently highlighted individuals who shape global culture and influence the world each year. The magazine launched TIME100 Next in 2019 specifically to recognize rising figures expected to leave lasting impacts across various fields. Architects and designers have periodically appeared on both lists, reflecting the discipline's growing relevance in addressing contemporary cultural, social, and environmental challenges that face society today.
Over the years, the TIME100 selections have included prominent architectural figures such as Zaha Hadid, who was selected in 2010 for her parametric designs and transformative influence on the field. Other notable architects featured include Wang Shu (2013), recognized for synthesizing modern architecture with traditional Chinese craftsmanship; Bjarke Ingels (2016) for BIG's playful yet pragmatic approach; David Adjaye (2017) for civic and cultural works engaging with history and identity; and Elizabeth Diller (2018) for reshaping cultural and public architecture.
More recent selections have highlighted diverse voices in architecture, including Jeanne Gang (2019) for her environmentally engaged and socially inclusive design approach; Francis Kéré (2022) for his community-centered and climate-responsive architecture; and Marina Tabassum and Lesley Lokko (both 2024) for their contextually responsive work and contributions to architectural education and cultural discourse respectively. Ma Yansong was selected for TIME100 in 2025, recognized for his visionary approach that reimagines the relationship between built environments and nature.
Recently, Lina Ghotmeh Architecture has shared images of the AlUla Immersive Living project, an ambitious proposal for a dwelling envisioned to emerge organically from the desert landscape of Saudi Arabia. This project exemplifies her philosophy of creating architecture that responds to its natural environment while providing innovative living solutions. The studio has also unveiled plans to transform a historic residence in Bukhara, Uzbekistan, into a vibrant 21st-century cultural destination, further demonstrating Ghotmeh's commitment to contextual and innovative architecture that respects historical significance while meeting contemporary needs.
Ghotmeh's recognition on the TIME100 Next 2025 list highlights the increasingly significant role architects play in shaping cultural, social, and environmental narratives in today's world. Her work represents a new generation of architects who understand that successful design must address not only aesthetic and functional requirements but also broader societal challenges, making architecture a powerful tool for positive change and cultural expression.
