The beginning of the Ball State University College of Architecture & Planning

Until the College of Architecture and Planning was established at Ball State University in 1965, Indiana students who wanted to become architects had to leave the state because none of the state schools offered an architecture program. The board of directors of the Indiana Society of Architects keenly felt this lack of educational opportunity affected their profession negatively and began planning to discuss the matter at the State Legislature in January 1961.

This article dates from October 9, 1960, shows the Indiana Society of Architects meeting at the Tavern Hotel in New Albany, Indiana, to plan their proposal. The agenda reads:

1. Establishment of a school of architecture in Indiana.
2. Revision of architect registration laws in Indiana.

Architects in attendance include Fran Schroeder, Wayne Weber, Alfred Porteous, Walter Scholer, Jr., Jim Walker, Harry Hunter, Ralph Knapp, R. J. Schultz, and Don Gibson. Fran Schroeder, from whose collection this article can be found, is shown seated, the third person from the left.

Researching an Architect

Need help researching an architect? The American Institute of Architects maintains an online database of historic architects (determined as AIA members before 1978) that can assist you in your serarch. http://communities.aia.org/sites/hdoaa/wiki/Wiki%20Pages/Home.aspx

Here is what you will find in the AIA Historical Directory:

• Names of all national-level AIA members up to 1978
• Years of membership until 1978
• Does NOT include members who joined fewer than 30 years ago
• References to their entries in biographical directories (example: Jamieson Parker)
• Full text of the 3 editions of American Architects Directory
• Digitized files from the AIA Archives (example: Francis Abreu and note Related Records link to Abreu & Robinson with other digitized files)
• What might be in their AIA Archives file, if it isn’t digitized yet—you can request it to be scanned if the person is deceased
• Links to architects’ papers and drawings in other archives (example: Irving F. Morrow)
• Names of non-member architects who appear in directories or other archives
• Names of firms that appear in directories, in other archives, or in the AIA Archives
• Does NOT include lists of buildings