Einar Sveinsson (16 November 1906 – 12 March 1973) was an Icelandic architect. He was the City Architect of Reykjavík between 1934 and 1973, and widely considered to have played a key role in shaping the appearance of Reykjavík in the mid-20th century.^[1][2][3][4]

Einar was the first Icelander to study architecture in Germany, doing so at the Technische Universität Darmstadt between 1927 and 1932.^[4] He completed his degree in 1932.^[4] Einar was influenced by the Bauhaus style and introduced functionalist architecture to Iceland.^[5][4]

Some of his notable works include Laugarnesskóli, Melaskóli, Langholtsskóli, Heilsuverndarstöð Reykjavíkur, Borgarspítalinn, Vogaskóli, Laugardalslaug, and the bus terminal at Snorrabraut 56, which he co-designed with Ágúst Pálsson.^[6][2][1] Melaskóli was considered so exquisite in its early years that foreign dignitaries were often brought to the building for meetings.^[1][2] He is widely considered to excel at crafting interiors.^[1][7]

At the time, he was criticized for the cost of many of his buildings. His buildings have, however, lasted long without renovation and thus proved quite cost-effective in the long-term.^[1]