The 7 Most Iconic And Currently Active Pratt Institute Alumni You Need To Know In 2025
The Pratt Institute, nestled in the heart of Brooklyn, New York, has been a crucible for some of the world's most influential architects, designers, artists, and fashion icons for over a century. As of late December 2025, the institute's global footprint continues to expand, driven by a new generation of alumni who are not only winning major awards but are also redefining their respective industries with fresh, boundary-pushing work.
This article dives deep into the careers of the most famous and currently active graduates, moving beyond historical figures like William Van Alen (designer of the Chrysler Building) to spotlight the contemporary visionaries who are dominating the headlines, from the stages of Broadway to the skylines of global cities. Their recent achievements and ongoing projects confirm Pratt’s status as a powerhouse of creative talent.
Notable Pratt Institute Alumni: Biographies and Current Impact
Pratt’s influence spans every creative field, from the meticulous detail of graphic design to the large-scale vision of urban architecture. The following individuals represent the pinnacle of this diverse creative output, with their latest work setting the agenda for 2025 and beyond.
Emilio Sosa (BFA Fashion Design)
Emilio Sosa is a Dominican-American fashion and costume designer whose career has achieved a rare balance between high fashion and theatrical acclaim. A graduate of the Pratt Institute's Fashion Design program, Sosa has become one of the most powerful voices in the American theater community.
- Pratt Degree: BFA in Fashion Design.
- Current Role: Chair of the American Theatre Wing Board of Trustees (since 2021).
- Recent Work (2023-2024): Costume Designer for the critically acclaimed 2023 Broadway revival of Ossie Davis’s *Purlie Victorious*, which earned him significant praise. He also served as the Costume Designer for the Disney+ movie musical *Descendants: The Rise of Red* (2024).
- Awards & Recognition: Two-time Tony Award nominee for Costume Design. He is a key figure in promoting diversity and inclusion within the theater and fashion industries.
Pascale Sablan, FAIA (M.S. Architecture)
Pascale Sablan is a powerhouse in the world of architecture, renowned for her design work and her fierce advocacy for women and minorities in the built environment. Her career trajectory since graduating from Pratt’s School of Architecture has been meteoric, placing her at the forefront of global design leadership.
- Pratt Degree: Master of Science in Architecture.
- Current Role: CEO of the New York Studio at Adjaye Associates, one of the world's most innovative architectural firms.
- Advocacy: Founder and Executive Director of "Beyond the Built Environment," a non-profit organization focused on addressing the lack of diversity in architecture.
- Recent Awards: She is a recipient of the prestigious Whitney M. Young Jr. Award from the American Institute of Architects (AIA) in 2021, recognizing her social justice contributions. Her work has been recognized by the Architectural League as an Emerging Voice.
The Architects and Designers Shaping Global Skylines
Pratt Institute's School of Architecture has a long, storied history, producing legends who have defined the New York City skyline. Today, its alumni continue this tradition, designing major cultural institutions and residential complexes that are transforming urban landscapes worldwide. These graduates demonstrate a mastery of scale, from intimate museum spaces to massive mixed-use developments.
Annabelle Selldorf (B.Arch)
Annabelle Selldorf is a German-born architect who earned her Bachelor of Architecture from Pratt and founded her firm, Selldorf Architects, in New York in 1988. Her work is characterized by a minimalist, elegant aesthetic and a deep respect for context, particularly in cultural and institutional projects.
Her firm's recent work is incredibly high-profile. In Brooklyn, close to her alma mater, Selldorf Architects is building its first two towers at One Domino Square, a major development at the foot of the Williamsburg Bridge.
Culturally, she is leading the extensive renovation and enhancement project for The Frick Collection in New York City, a complex and highly anticipated effort to modernize the historic institution. Furthermore, Selldorf Architects was recently shortlisted to design a new wing for The National Gallery in London, confirming her status as a global architectural force.
Carlos Zapata (M.S. Architecture)
Another distinguished graduate of the School of Architecture, Carlos Zapata is known for his dramatic, highly sculptural designs that often incorporate fluid lines and innovative materials. His firm, Carlos Zapata Studio, has executed projects across the globe, including airports, commercial towers, and residential complexes.
Zapata's work is celebrated for its dynamic expression, often contrasting sharply with the traditional masonry buildings that grace the historic Pratt campus. His continued influence ensures that the principles of bold, contemporary design remain central to the Pratt legacy.
Legends of Art, Advertising, and Visual Culture
The School of Design and the School of Art at Pratt have launched careers that have fundamentally changed how we consume media and appreciate art. These graduates are responsible for some of the most enduring images and campaigns of the 20th and 21st centuries, demonstrating the power of graphic design and visual storytelling.
George Lois (Advertising Design)
George Lois, who passed away in 2022, remains an enduring icon whose influence is still felt deeply in the advertising and graphic design worlds. He was a titan of the "Creative Revolution" era of advertising in New York.
Lois is perhaps best known for the legendary 92 covers he designed for *Esquire* magazine in the 1960s, using powerful, often controversial imagery to capture the zeitgeist of the time. These covers are studied in design schools worldwide, including Pratt's own curriculum.
Even in his later years, Lois was a vocal critic of the digital age, arguing that technology was "helping to destroy creativity in advertising," a provocative stance that continues to spark debate among contemporary designers and art directors.
Martin Landau (Actor and Cartoonist)
Before becoming an Academy Award-winning actor, Martin Landau attended Pratt Institute, where he studied art and worked as a cartoonist for the *New York Daily News*.
This early foundation in visual arts and illustration provided a crucial creative background that informed his later career on screen. His transition from illustration to acting highlights the versatility and foundational strength of a Pratt education, proving that the skills learned in the School of Art are transferable to any creative discipline.
Other Rising Stars and Topical Entities
The impact of Pratt is not limited to these major figures. The institute's commitment to nurturing new talent means the list of influential entities is constantly growing. For instance, the fashion world is currently watching labels founded by Pratt alumni like Monse and SC103, which are pushing the boundaries of contemporary style.
The Pratt Institute Brooklyn campus itself remains a landmark of design, constantly evolving to support the next generation of industrial design, interior design, and fine arts students. Recent graduates like Renata Dominguez are already making waves in the design field, continuing the legacy established by giants like Annabelle Selldorf and George Lois. The collective work of these diverse alumni—from the structural elegance of Selldorf Architects to the theatrical flair of Emilio Sosa's costumes—solidifies Pratt's reputation as a premier global institution for creative excellence.
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