ArchitectureHistorical ContextThe profession of architecture was in a transitional period at the time the Ruffinis began their careers.� Prior to 1875, there was no real distinction made by most Americans between the term architect and builder, although "architect" did connote higher status. The individuals who practiced architectural design were called master builders or master craftsmen.�After 1830, master builders did begin to refer to themselves as architects.They made this distinction in view of their possession of superior design skills as opposed to those of builders.
The first permanent professional organization dedicated to the architectural profession, the American Institute of Architects (AIA) was established in New York City in 1857, with very few members through the end of the century. And it was not until 1889 that Illinois became the first state to mandate professional licensing.�Historically, this meant that the Ruffinis and their contemporaries struggled to establish themselves professionally as a distinct group possessing specialized knowledge and skills.� The Ruffinis were among the first generation of professional architects in the United States.�They trained through the system of apprenticeship to a master builder.�The generation preceding theirs was composed of master builders or craftsmen with no formal training.�The generation following the Ruffinis attended college to receive formal education in architecture.�The University of Texas in Austin was the first university in Texas to offer a degree in architecture, beginning in 1902.�Texas A & M University and Rice University [then known as the Rice Institute] began their degree programs shortly after, in 1905. Architecture in TexasA significant historical factor influenced the development of the architectural profession in Texas.�During the 1870s and 1880s the State Legislature appropriated funds to build new institutions and to enlarge others statewide.�These buildings included expensive facilities such as prisons, asylums, and universities.�An architect could earn large fees for this work and also enhance his reputation, which would make it easier for him to acquire county or private work. Against this framework, Ernst and Oscar had to work to establish their reputations as professionals.�They were in direct competition with builders, as evidenced in their business and personal correspondence.�Versatility was a key characteristic necessary to establish and maintain a successful practice in Texas.�Each brother was able to diversify his business through his ability to design a number of building types, including public buildings, churches, opera houses, stores, office buildings, banks, lodge halls, and schools. Ernst played a role in the design or construction of a total of four institutions built by the State of Texas - the East Texas State Penitentiary (1879), the Temporary Capitol (1882), the Main Building of the University of Texas at Austin (1882-89), and the Asylum for the Insane (1883-1884).� Although Oscar did not design or execute a state building personally, he did assist his brother from 1878 to 1884 to prepare drawings and specifications for several of Ernst's projects. Architectural TrainingThe Ruffinis, like their contemporaries, were educated in their profession by following the apprenticeship system.�That is, they did not attend college to receive their training, but worked for a period of time with a master builder, or craftsman, to learn their trade.�This training generally lasted several years, and usually began at the age of 14.�
During that time, an apprentice learned skills considered essential for an architect.� The main skill to be acquired was drafting.� An apprentice learned how to draft or draw plans, elevations, and numerous details of construction and ornament under the direct supervision of the architect or master builder. He learned to write specifications by copying specs prepared by the master by hand.� This enabled him to understand the terms used in design, building, and construction, and the practical skill of detailing all of the materials to be used in the construction of a building. Another essential skill for an apprentice was the ability to draw and paint.� The method of training used was to examine and draw existing structures of all types - residences, commercial buildings, churches, and institutional buildings. This way, an apprentice became familiar with the architectural styles in vogue as well as developing a skill he would use in his profession.� Usually, the apprentice practiced this skill on a Saturday, a regular workday in nineteenth century America. As a final step to becoming an architect, the individual worked for other professional architects or master builders. At this stage of his professional development, he would be called a "journeyman" architect.� This phase of architectural training lasted several years.� At the end of that time, the new professional architect would generally go into practice for himself. Architectural firms of two or more individuals were the exception at this period of American history. Architectural TermsThis section includes architectural vocabulary/terms used in the section on "Comparison of architectural styles" to provide readers of the exhibition with a clearer understanding of the architectural building elements being discussed.
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Page last modified: June 17, 2011