G. M. Eliel Saarinen was a Finnish-American architect and designer, born on August 20, 1873, in Rantasalmi, Finland. He is best known for his innovative designs and contributions to modern architecture, particularly in the United States. Saarinen's work includes notable buildings such as the TWA Flight Center at John F. Kennedy International Airport and the Dulles International Airport terminal. Saarinen was also a prominent figure in the Art Deco movement and played a significant role in the development of Midwestern architecture. He founded the Saarinen family of architects, which includes his son, Eero Saarinen, who continued his legacy in modern design. Eliel Saarinen passed away on July 1, 1950.