1870-1936
Architect

Modern Architect.

Though he had no formal training in the field, Irving Gill became a pioneer of modern architecture. Unlike Victorian architects, Gill viewed a building's interior and the surrounding land as integral parts of the architecture. Aesthetically, he rejected the ornamentation and detail work of architectural historicism. He also cared about low-cost housing and about using the most modern materials in his buildings. Gill shared the concern of his fellow California architects, Charles Sumner and Henry Mather Greene, with craftsmanship; but unlike the Greene brothers, who designed intricate, handcrafted details for their buildings, Gill was led by his interest in craftsmanship into modernism — into simplifying his structures almost to the point of abstraction. Also influenced by the simple adobe forms of early California Spanish missions, he used new materials, especially reinforced concrete, to erect buildings with plain, clean surfaces and minimal ornamentation.

Early Life and Training.