David M. Childs, Architect of One World Trade Center, Dies at 83

American architect David M. Childs, FAIA, Chairman of SOM - Skidmore Owings & Merrill, died on 26 March in Pelham, N.Y.

David M. Childs was an architect who reshaped the New York City skyline by designing the tallest building in the Americas - a gleaming new One World Trade Center, built to replace the Twin Towers lost on 9/11.
One World Trade Center, ©James Ewing. Courtesy of SOM

As Chairman Emeritus of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), he led the design of numerous landmark projects throughout his career. His architectural journey began with an impressive academic background, having studied at Deerfield Academy, Yale College, and the Yale School of Art and Architecture.

Childs joined SOM’s Washington, D.C. office in 1971, after serving as Design Director for the Pennsylvania Avenue Commission under Nathaniel Owings and Daniel P. Moynihan.

In 1984, he moved to SOM’s New York office, where he became Senior Design Partner, overseeing some of the city’s most transformative projects. Beyond his work at SOM, he was appointed Chairman of the National Capital Planning Commission and the Commission of Fine Arts, both prestigious presidential appointments.

Throughout his career, Childs was responsible for designing some of the most iconic buildings in the United States.

In Washington, D.C., he contributed to the Washington Mall master plan, designed Constitution Gardens, and worked on the headquarters for National Geographic. He also played a key role in the Dulles Airport expansion and designed several luxury hotels.
Washington Mall and Constitution Gardens, ©Timothy Hursley. Courtesy of SOM

His influence was even more profound in New York City, where David M. Childs played a major role in shaping the skyline of New York City and beyond.
Aerial vew, ©Iwan Baan. Courtesy of SOM

He was the architect behind One World Trade Center (Freedom Tower), the tallest building in North America, and 7 World Trade Center, the first tower rebuilt after 9/11. His other major projects included the Time Warner Center at Columbus Circle, the renovation of Lever House, 35 Hudson Yards, the New York Mercantile Exchange, and the JFK International Arrivals Building.

35 Hudson Yards, ph. Dave Burk, ©SOM

JFK International Airport - International Arrivals Building, Terminal 4, © Jeff Goldberg | Esto. Courtesy of SOM

Beyond the U.S., Childs contributed to major international projects such as Tokyo Midtown, Lester B. Pearson Airport in Toronto, Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv, and West Ferry Circus in London. He was also involved in large-scale urban master planning, including a central district in London.

Pearson International Airport - Terminal 1, © Timothy Hursley. Courtesy of SOM
Ben Gurion International Airport - International Terminal Complex, © Alan Karchmer. Courtesy of SOM

In addition to his architectural achievements, Childs was deeply engaged in the design community. He served as Chairman of the National Building Museum, a trustee of MoMA, and Chairman of the American Academy in Rome. He was frequently invited to jury design competitions, lecture at top architecture schools, and participate in international conferences.

David M. Childs’ legacy is one of innovation and influence. His work continues to shape modern cities, particularly through his leadership in the redevelopment of Ground Zero and other major urban transformations. His impact on architecture remains enduring, as his designs blend modernist principles with historical influences, leaving an indelible mark on skylines around the world.

One World Trade Center, ©James Kastner. Courtesy of SOM