Helen French (architect) facts for kids

Helen Douglass French (born in 1900, died in 1994) was an American architect. An architect designs buildings. She often worked with her husband, landscape architect Prentiss French. A landscape architect designs outdoor spaces like parks and gardens.

Early Life and Education

Helen Douglass was born in Arlington, Massachusetts, in 1900. She studied architecture at the Cambridge School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture in Massachusetts. In 1921, she earned her degree.

Her Career as an Architect

After finishing her studies, Helen worked at different architecture firms in Boston. She then traveled to Europe to learn more about architecture. She even studied at the famous École des Beaux-Arts in France. She returned to the United States in 1927.

Working with Her Husband

In 1927, Helen married Prentiss French. They opened their own architecture business together. Their first offices were in Boston and Stockbridge, Massachusetts. In 1932, they moved their business to Sarasota, Florida. There, they worked with another architect named Clarence Martin for ten years.

Later, the couple moved to San Francisco. This was during World War II, and Prentiss worked for the United States Army Corps of Engineers. In 1946, Helen received her architecture license for California. In San Francisco, they mostly designed homes. They shared an office until the 1960s. They worked on projects across Northern California, sometimes together and sometimes on their own.

Community Involvement

Helen French was also active in her community. She was a member of several important groups. These included the American Institute of Architects Northern California Chapter. This group supports architects. She also joined the SPUR, the San Francisco Bay Area Planning and Urban Research Association. This group helps plan cities.

Helen was also part of the Outdoor Arts Club of Mill Valley and the Marin Art and Garden Center. She served as secretary for the Mill Valley Parks and Recreation Commission. This commission helps manage local parks.

Helen French passed away in 1994. Her work and her husband's work are kept at the University of California, Berkeley.

See also

In Spanish: Helen French para niños