Which architect designed New York City's Chrysler Building?

William Van Alen designed New York City’s Chrysler Building.

Van Alen created the tower’s distinctive Art Deco appearance, including its famous stainless-steel crown with radiating triangular forms. The building was commissioned by automobile executive Walter Chrysler, who wanted a headquarters that reflected the style and energy of his company. Construction began in 1928, and the skyscraper was completed in 1930.

The Chrysler Building briefly became the world’s tallest building. Its height surpassed the nearby 40 Wall Street tower in 1930, but the Empire State Building overtook it the following year. A common mix-up is to credit H. Craig Severance, who worked on 40 Wall Street, or Raymond Hood, associated with the American Radiator Building and Rockefeller Center. Van Alen’s Chrysler Building remains one of Manhattan’s best-known Art Deco landmarks.