Diller and Scofidio were the original partners in the company. They established it in 1979. Renfro joined the company in 1997 and eventually became a partner in 2004 - thus, + Renfro. Diller earned her bachelor’s degree in architecture at Cooper Union School of Architecture. She also taught architecture at Princeton University. Scofidio also studied at Cooper Union School of Architecture and earned his master’s degree in architecture at Columbia University. Scofidio is Professor Emeritus of Architecture at Cooper Union School of Architecture. Renfro is an alumnus of Rice University. He has also earned his master’s degree in architecture at Columbia University. He is a visiting professor of architecture at Rice University and Columbia University.
The MacArthur Foundation recognized the work of Diller Scofidio + Renfro with the “genius” award for its projects from 1999 to 2004. In its press statement, MacArthur Foundation stated that Diller Scofidio + Renfro has “created an alternative form of architectural practice that unites design, performance, and electronic media with the cultural and architectural theory and criticism. Its work explores how space functions in our culture and illustrates that architecture, when understood as the physical manifestation of social relationships, is everywhere, not just in buildings.”
Among the most notable projects of Diller Scofidio + Renfro included the redevelopment of the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts in New York, the redesigning of the Alice Tully Hall, the renovation and expansion of the Juilliard School, the expansion of the School of American Ballet, the renovation of the lobby of the New York State Theater, the Hypar Pavilion Lawn and Restaurant, the President’s Bridge, and the Information Landscape.