Stephen Rowland Pierce facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Stephen Rowland Pierce

Stephen Rowland Pierce (1896–1966) was a talented British architect. He was also a town planning consultant. This means he helped design buildings and plan how cities should grow. He worked with Charles Holloway James on many large public buildings. One of their most famous designs is the City Hall in Norwich.

Becoming an Architect

Stephen Pierce was born in 1896. He became a very skilled architect. In 1921, he won a special award. It was called the British Prix de Rome in Architecture. This award let him study at the British School at Rome. Later, he became a member of the Architecture group there.

He earned important titles in architecture. He became an A.R.I.B.A. in 1929. Then he became an F.R.I.B.A. in 1938. These titles show he was a highly respected architect. He also helped judge competitions for the R.I.B.A. (Royal Institute of British Architects). From 1936 to 1942, he taught architecture. He was the director of architectural studies at the Hastings School of Art.

Designing Famous Buildings

One of Stephen Pierce's most important projects was the City Hall in Norwich. He designed it with Charles Holloway James. They won a competition to get this job. Their designs were shown at the Royal Academy in 1933 and 1934.

The City Hall was finished in 1938. King George VI officially opened it in October of that year. The building stands in a great spot above the market place. Many people say it is one of the best civic buildings in the country. It looks grand and has interesting details. Its style shows it was built between the two World Wars.

Pierce also helped design other important public buildings. These include the County Hall, Hertford (built in 1939). He also worked on the Slough Town Hall (finished in 1937).

Helping Plan Cities

From 1941 to 1942, Stephen Pierce taught at Manchester University. He was a lecturer at their School of Architecture. He also worked as a town planning consultant. This means he gave advice on how to plan cities. He helped many towns, including Malta, Norwich, Leamington Spa, and Southampton.

He was an important member of the R.I.B.A. He served on its Council. He was also a Vice-President from 1951 to 1955. He was also the vice-chairman of the Architecture group at the British School at Rome.

Personal Life

In 1930, Stephen Pierce got married. He married Betty Scott. She was also an architect. Her father was Roderick Mackenzie Scott.