Ieoh Ming Pei, a Chinese-American architect, is perhaps one of the greatest architects of the 20th century. He designed some of the most beautiful interiors and exteriors not only in the United States but throughout the world. Pei has traveled extensively around the world in an effort to explore and expand his knowledge in architecture. Unlike most architects, he doesn't limit himself to one specific aspect of architecture, but has done everything from libraries and museums to low-income properties. Pei is the last living person in the modernist architectural style to have connections with the great early architects such as Le Corbusier, Mies can der Roke and Gropius. He has won numerous prestigious awards in recognition of all his magnificent work he has accomplished. At the ripe old age of 97, he continues to work and contribute to architecture in a big way today. Ieoh Ming Pei was born in China on April 26, 1917. From a young age Pei underwent a rigorous education, which eventually allowed him to come to America where he was accepted into many prestigious schools. He initially attended the University of Pennsylvania where he majored in architecture, but later decided to transfer to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. When he made the switch he changed his major to engineering, but after talking with his professors he decided to return to his initial major of architecture. Pei ended up graduating from MIT with a Bachelor of Architecture in 1940 at the young age of 17. After earning his initial degree, he decided to further his education and attend Harvard's Graduate School of Design. However, due to World War II, Pei decided to put her education on hold and joined the area...... middle of paper......and so that it could be complimented by her surroundings. Ieoh Ming Pei is one of the greatest architects today. He has contributed extensively to the architectural community and has been recognized for this great work. He has worked in several countries and created more than 70 buildings, which continue to challenge him as an architect. No other architect has achieved so much and over such a long period of time, which is why Pei was awarded the RIBA Royal Gold Medal, a lifetime achievement award recognizing his achievements in the field of architecture. Pei also received the Pritzker Prize, often called the Nobel Prize for architecture, in 1983. He was part of a generation of architects who brought to the world some of the most astonishing architectural forms and designs that helped shape modernism in what it was has become today.