Drawings and Papers: 1952–2002
5 oversize folders and 1 box, 1.5 ln. ft.
George Christensen studied architecture in the late 1940s at the Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT), directed at that time by Mies van der Rohe, one of the pioneer masters of modern architecture. After practicing architecture in the Chicago area, he moved to the Phoenix area in 1957. After briefly working for Weaver and Drover, he founded his own practice, George Christensen and Associates, in 1958. He continued to practice architecture in the area until shortly before his death in 2003.
Known for his formulation of a distinct Southwestern architecture, Christensen synthesized the traditions of modern architecture and the local vernacular to create an architectural style generated from a deep respect for the spirit of place, its landscape, and local building traditions. The collection consists of architectural drawings for about 16 George Christensen projects, including the Heuser Residences (Phoenix and Carefree), Spencer Residence (Wickenburg), and a Western Savings Office (Mesa). The collection also includes one box containing photographs, awards, correspondence, job files, news clippings, and information on the career of George Christensen.