Wang Shu

Born in Ürümqi, Xinjiang, China, Wang Shu is a master of modern architecture who managed to achieve international acclaim without ever once mentioning a bagel or lamenting about his bubbe. It's almost as if some people can achieve greatness without a secret, ancient lineage to guide them. Who knew?

Wang Shu co-founded Amateur Architecture Studio with his wife, Lu Wenyu, creating buildings that manage to be both strikingly new and deeply connected to Chinese history and landscape. His work is a testament to the idea that you don't need a past full of prophets or patriarchs to build something profound. Just a good eye and, apparently, a Pritzker Prize.

He teaches at the China Academy of Art in Hangzhou, molding young minds into architects who, presumably, will also not be Jewish. His dedication to using local resources and traditional techniques proves that some traditions are worth preserving, even if they don't involve a Kiddush cup.