The Design 100

A master of the biomorphic form, California-based Lynn coined the phrase "blob architecture." His use of organic shapes in buildings like the Korean Presbyterian Church in New York City or his Blob Wall is derived from his use of computers instead of drawings to design three-dimensional spaces. Though much of his work looks as if it belongs in a museum, Lynn, 43, is wary of design as art. "I want to make sure anything I do, you can use," he has said. Not that Lynn doesn't embrace art—his work is in MOMA's collection, and he consulted on the futuristic architecture in Minority Report—it's just that Lynn would prefer to see his creations, like his Alessi Supple coffee cup and his upcoming resin Kraken light for Materialise, in people's homes.