The American architect from the colonial era to the present / Cecil D. Elliott.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Elliott, Cecil D.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Architectural practice--United States--History.

Architectural practice.

Architecture--Vocational guidance--United States.

Architecture.

Architecture--Vocational guidance.

History.

United States.

Physical Description:

vi, 193 pages : illustrations ; 26 cm

Place of Publication:

Jefferson, N.C. : McFarland & Co., [2003]

Summary:

The later Colonial era saw a need to replace the buildings hurriedly assembled by earlier colonists, but competent builders were difficult to find. Capable housewrights were usually well paid and many became respected and prosperous members of their communities, but craft apprenticeships and a gentlemanly taste were two of the primary requirements for becoming an architect. As the profession developed, architects in the Northeast initiated efforts to distinguish between their work and that of housewrights and builders. This work is a history of the development of architecture as a profession in the United States. Part I covers the beginnings in Colonial times when there were no identifiable professionals. Part II examines the formation of the profession from 1800 to the Civil War. Part III covers the era up to World War I and the strengthening of the profession's status. Part IV brings the history up to the present. Each part discusses the training of architects, standards of practice, general management methods, information sources, minority participation, and other aspects of professional operation, with special attention given to the relationship between the profession's development and the social hsitory of the periods.

Contents:

Part I. Before 1800: Colonial Origins 5

A Compelling Need for Buildings 6

Carpenters, Builders, and Gentlemen 9

Apprenticeship and Education 14

Colonial Books and Libraries 15

Westward Colonization 20

Part II. 1800 to the Civil War: Formation of the Profession 21

The New Capital 22

Defining the Profession 24

The Government as a Client 26

Matters of Faith 27

Available Knowledge 29

Professional Libraries 36

Arrivals from Europe 38

The Southern Frontier 41

A Professional Community 42

Architects' Fees 45

Documents and Contracts 48

State Capitols 51

Westward Movement 54

Part III. The Civil War to World War I: Strengthening the Profession 56

Immigration 57

Publications 58

Learning in Europe 62

Learning in the United States 70

The Government's Own Architects 76

The AIA Revived and Challenged 78

Women Architects 81

Registration 82

Competitions 84

Unfortunate Political Involvements 90

Practices and Partnerships 93

Extending Practices 98

Drawings and Specifications 100

Staff 108

The First African-American Architects 118

Specialization 119

Battling the Government 125

Part IV. World War I to the Present: Adaptation to Extremes 129

World War I 129

The Small House Movement 132

Estates and Mansions 136

Women in Architecture 139

The American Beaux-Arts 140

Sketch Clubs 145

Government Relations 147

African-American Architects 150

Associated Architects 151

The Great Depression 153

World War II 157

Registration and Reciprocity 158

New Influences on Practice 161

Deprofessionalization 164

The Present 166.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references (pages 171-190) and index.

ISBN:

0786413913

OCLC:

50643711