The American Institute of Building Design (AIBD) is a professional association that promotes the highest standards of excellence in residential building design. AIBD offers a variety of resources to its members, including continuing education, networking opportunities, and marketing assistance. AIBD is a valuable resource for anyone interested in a career in residential building design. If you want to improve your skills, network with other professionals, and stay up-to-date on the latest trends, AIBD is the perfect organization for you.
The Most Famous Least Known American Architect [Midweek Vibe]
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Today is the anniversary of Thomas Ustick Walter's birthday. Born in Philadelphia in 1804, Walter worked for his father as a bricklayer and later learned architecture as an apprentice under William Strickland (a former pupil of Benjamin Henry Latrobe). He grappled with core questions, from blending history with personal style to leveraging new materials. He delved into the evolving role of communication tech, the dynamics between engineers, builders, and architects, and the interplay of technical expertise and creative vision. His design for Founders Hall at Girard College for Orphans (1832) was his most important early commission. Before that, there was Spruce Street Baptist Church (Philadelphia, PA), First Presbyterian Church of West Chester, and Bank of Chester County (West Chester, PA). He was one of the founders and second President of the American Institute of Architects. Still not ringing any bells? This may help. He was the fourth Architect of the Capitol and was responsible for adding the north (Senate) and south (House) wings and the central cast-iron dome, which is predominantly the current appearance of the U.S. Capitol building (the most famous of Walter's constructions). As the Architect of the Capitol, Walter is credited for designing the East and West wings of the Old Patent Office Building, now the Smithsonian American Art Museum. As well as the preliminary design of the expansion of the Treasury Building and the expansion of the General Post Office, among other projects. After his Washington career ended in 1865, Walter retired briefly before financial reversals forced him back to work. That trend hasn't changed. Has it? He was the Chief Assistant to the Architect of Philadelphia City Hall from 1873 until his death in 1887. Walter labored for a half-century, working side-by-side with the masons whose traditions he respected and who was willing to go toe-to-toe against engineers whose incursions he resented. How this titan has fallen through the cracks is truly a mystery. Today is his birthday. We should have cake. -The A-Team |
American Institute of Building Design (AIBD)
The American Institute of Building Design (AIBD) is a professional association that promotes the highest standards of excellence in residential building design. AIBD offers a variety of resources to its members, including continuing education, networking opportunities, and marketing assistance. AIBD is a valuable resource for anyone interested in a career in residential building design. If you want to improve your skills, network with other professionals, and stay up-to-date on the latest trends, AIBD is the perfect organization for you.
Hello Reader, Only 50 attendees will receive this exclusive bonus… What if I told you that securing your spot at the most anticipated design conference of the year could also land you a FREE copy of the industry’s most coveted sketching guide, Sketch Like an Architect by David Drazil? Here’s why this Diamond Jubilee event is different from any conference you’ve attended… AIBD is celebrating 75 years of excellence in residential building design, and we're pulling out all the stops for their...
Hello Reader, Are You Ready to Join the Elite Circle of America’s Most Celebrated Residential Designers? The American Residential Design Awards (ARDA) has been the gold standard of excellence in our industry. While thousands of professionals create beautiful homes, only a select few earn the recognition that truly sets them apart from the competition. The Most Prestigious Award in Residential Design is Within Your Reach The American Residential Design Awards isn’t just another competition....
AIBD was contacted about a former member who once lived in Pacific Palisades, California. The inquiry came from a homeowner who had tragically lost their house in THE fire and was seeking more information about its designer. As it turns out, the home was personally owned by a former AIBD chapter chairman, and what the A-Team uncovered about one of his projects is fascinating. I thought you might find it interesting, too. First, let me start with this. For nearly 30 of AIBD's 75-year history,...