Esther Frances Born (née Baum; May 31, 1902 – May 2, 1987) was an American architect, author and architectural photographer who lived and worked in the San Francisco Bay Area, New York, and Mexico.

[1][2] With her husband, Ernest Born, she wrote The New Architecture in Mexico, which also includes an article on the painting and sculpture by Justino Fernández.

She also worked for architect Henry H. Gutterson until she traveled for a year in Europe to study languages and history of art.

[citation needed] Through the friendship with their neighbors, Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera, the Borns became interested in Mexico.

[9] Esther photographed historic and modern architecture, landscapes and people, and Ernest assisted her with the collection of data and the layout.

[3] The book contained architectural photos, essays, an article on the painting and sculpture by Justino Fernández, and portraits of Mexican architects Juan O'Gorman and José Villagrán García.

[12][13] Back in San Francisco, the Borns established their architecture and design studio downtown on Montgomery Street.

[1] He participated in many civic activities including service on the San Francisco Art Commission and taught architecture at the University of California from 1951 to 1958 and 1962 to 1974.