Built to Inspire
The Chrysler Building
“A Race to the Sky”
In the late 1920s, the skyline of New York City became the battleground for the tallest building in the world. At the center of this race was Walter P. Chrysler, who sought to make a bold statement of American industry and ambition. Designed by architect William Van Alen, the Chrysler Building was a masterpiece of Art Deco design, featuring intricate detailing and its now-iconic stainless-steel crown. In a dramatic last-minute move, Chrysler secretly installed the building’s spire in just 90 minutes, securing the title of the world’s tallest building—only to be surpassed months later by the Empire State Building. Today, it remains one of New York’s most beloved architectural icons, a symbol of the Roaring Twenties’ ambition, elegance, and innovation.
The Empire State Building
“A Monument to Resilience”
Built in the shadow of the Great Depression, the Empire State Building stands as a testament to American perseverance and engineering. Developed by John J. Raskob, it was designed with one goal: to be the tallest building in the world. In an incredible feat of construction, it rose at a rate of four and a half floors per week, finishing in just 410 days—a speed unheard of even today. The building’s steel frame, limestone façade, and striking Art Deco design made it an instant icon. Despite opening during an economic crisis, earning it the nickname “The Empty State Building” due to low initial occupancy, it eventually became one of the most famous structures in the world. Its observation deck remains one of New York’s top attractions, and its legacy as a symbol of ambition and endurance endures.
Burj Khalifa
“Pushing the Limits of Engineering”
n 2010, Dubai changed the game with the unveiling of the Burj Khalifa, a building that didn’t just break records—it shattered them. Designed by Adrian Smith and developed by Emaar Properties, the tower stands at 2,717 feet, making it the tallest structure ever built. Inspired by Islamic architecture and the desert flower Hymenocallis, its unique Y-shaped design provides both stability and beauty. The construction required groundbreaking techniques, including high-performance concrete that could withstand Dubai’s extreme temperatures. The Burj Khalifa isn’t just a skyscraper—it’s a symbol of human ambition, a marvel of engineering, and a defining landmark of the modern world.
Great Buildings & The Visionaries Behind Them
Honoring Masterpieces & The Minds That Built Them
Some buildings are more than structures—they are statements of vision, power, and artistry. They don’t just stand tall; they define skylines, shape history, and inspire generations.
At THOMAS®, we recognize these masterpieces—not just for their beauty, but for the visionaries who built them. The architects, engineers, and developers behind these structures weren’t just builders; they were artists, pioneers, and risk-takers who saw what others couldn’t.
Buildings That Changed the World
From the soaring Art Deco elegance of the Chrysler Building to the engineering marvel of the Burj Khalifa, great buildings are more than real estate—they are symbols of human ambition and innovation.
• The Chrysler Building (1930) – An icon of the New York skyline, built in the race for the world’s tallest tower.
• The Empire State Building (1931) – A feat of speed and efficiency, rising to completion in just over a year.
• The Burj Khalifa (2010) – Pushing the limits of engineering as the tallest building on Earth.
• The Louvre Pyramid (1989) – A bold fusion of modernity and history, reshaping the world’s most famous museum.
These structures, and countless others, were not inevitable. They required visionaries willing to take risks, defy expectations, and build the extraordinary.
The Builders Behind the Masterpieces
Buildings don’t build themselves. Behind every steel frame and glass façade is a visionary leader—an architect, a developer, an investor, a designer—who saw potential before anyone else did.
These builders are the ones who turn ideas into icons. They don’t settle for ordinary; they create landmarks that redefine cities. Their work isn’t just about construction—it’s about legacy.
At THOMAS®, we honor these builders, architects, and creators. We tell their stories, capture their vision, and ensure that the greatness of their work is recognized, remembered, and celebrated.
Because great buildings deserve more than just admiration.
They deserve recognition.
THOMAS® | Recognizing the Greatness in Architecture.