Alberta Pfeiffer facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Alberta Pfeiffer
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Alberta Raffl, 1924
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Alberta Raffl
September 17, 1899 |
| Died | August 5, 1994 (aged 94) |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | architect |
| Years active | 1923-1977 |
| Known for | First female to win the academic excellence medal of the American Institute of Architects |
| Spouse(s) | Homer Pfeiffer (married in 1930) |
Alberta Raffl Pfeiffer (born September 17, 1899 – died August 5, 1994) was a pioneering American architect. She was one of the first women to become an architect in Illinois. She also made history as the first woman to win a special medal for being an excellent student from the American Institute of Architects.
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Early Life and Education
Alberta Raffl was born on September 17, 1899. Her hometown was Red Bud, Illinois. Her parents were Albert L. and Johanna Raffl.
In 1919, Alberta started studying architecture. She was one of the first women to attend the University of Illinois School of Architecture. She worked very hard and graduated in 1923.
A Special Award
When she graduated, Alberta received a special award. It was the school medal for academic excellence. This medal came from the American Institute of Architects (AIA). She was the first woman ever to win this award. The AIA gave these medals each year. They honored the best architecture student at certain schools.
After college, Alberta started her career. She worked as a draftsman in Chicago. A draftsman creates detailed drawings for buildings.
Moving to New York
In 1924, Alberta entered a design contest. It was for an orphanage. She also got a chance to teach architecture. She taught at the University of Illinois.
She earned her master's degree in 1925. Then, she moved to New York City. There, she worked for a famous architect named Harrie T. Lindeberg. For six years, she helped design large country homes. Some of her drawings were even in a book. The book was called Domestic Architecture of H.T. Lindeberg.
Marriage and Joint Practice
In 1930, Alberta married Homer Fay Pfeiffer. They got married in Rome, Italy. Homer was also an architect. He had won a special award called the Rome Prize.
The next year, Homer got a job teaching at Yale University. So, Alberta and Homer moved to Connecticut. They bought an old farm in Hadlyme. It was built in 1789. They worked together to fix it up.
Starting a Business
In 1933, they opened their own architecture business. They worked from their home. Most of their projects were designing houses. By 1940, they had completed about 70 designs.
When Homer joined the navy, Alberta started her own business. She became known for her unique style. She often designed homes that looked like English country homes. She also loved to use bay windows in her designs.
Before she retired in 1977, Alberta designed many buildings. She completed over 170 residential designs. Most of these were in Connecticut. She also designed two ranches in Arizona. Plus, she designed a bank and a church.
Community Involvement
Alberta Pfeiffer was also very active in her community. She volunteered for over 25 years. She worked with the Connecticut Mental Health Association. She also helped at Norwich State Hospital.
She served on the school board in Lyme. She was also on the planning and zoning board. From 1969 to 1971, she worked as a justice of the peace. This person helps with legal matters.
Alberta was also the editor of a magazine. It was called Connecticut Craftsman. This was the official magazine for the Connecticut Society of Craftsmen. She was a member of this group. She also served on the board of the Democratic town committee.
Later Life
Alberta Pfeiffer passed away on August 5, 1994. She died in Hadlyme, Connecticut.
See Also
In Spanish: Alberta Pfeiffer para niños
