The style of architecture during Postmodernism is also a deliberate opposite to the formalism abundant in the Modernist architecture.  Postmodern architecture is laden with interesting lines and curves, and sometimes includes elaborate ornamentation, which is all an attempt to mirror the postmodern desire to focus on the surface of things.  Formulaic design was no longer so sought after and a more exuberant architectural style began to sweep over cities.

Postmodern architecture relies on a uniquely represented exterior, often carrying over onto the interior of the building, because of the desire to create an aesthetically pleasing surface which was such a repetitious Postmodernist value.  Some elements commonly found in postmodern architecture include irony and surprise, contradiction, and self-mockery, and definitely an element of originality.

Michael Graves is a popular postmodern architect who created many very original buildings; two of his well known designs are the Portland Building in Portland, Oregon, and the Humana Building in Louisville, Kentucky.

Robert Venturi and Denise Scott Brown, a husband and wife team, are also famous for their collaborative work in postmodern architecture.  Their style is often considered kitschy, but they are known to design with a style that exaggerates or stylizes cultural icons.  An example of this is the bank building in Celebration, Florida, which gives the impression of a '50s style diner.

Charles Moore designed the Piazza d’Italia for New Orleans, Louisiana.  The Piazza d’Italia is an outdoor, commercial space whose style was aimed to mimic Italian architecture.  The finished space looks much like many different facades of Italian buildings squished together in a limited space.  Many angles, shapes, and colors are incorporated in this work, providing for a perfect representation of postmodern architecture.