Horace Trumbauer

Horace Trumbauer was a prominent American architect of the Gilded Age, known for designing residential manors for the wealthy. Later in his career he also designed hotels, office buildings, and much of the campus of Duke University. Trumbauers massive palaces flattered the egos of his robber baron clients, but were dismissed by his professional peers. His work made him a wealthy man, but his buildings rarely received positive critical recognition. Today, however, he is hailed as one of Americas premier architects, with his buildings drawing critical acclaim even to this day.

Trumbauer was born in Philadelphia, the son of a salesman. He completed a 6year apprenticeship with G. W. and W. D. Hewitt, and opened his own architectural office at age 21. He did some work for developers Wendell and Smith, designing homes for middleclass planned communities, including the Overbrook Farms and Wayne Estate developments.

Source: Wikipedia