O'Neil Ford

O'Neil Ford. (December 3, 1905 – July 20, 1982). , In the mid-20th century, a North Texas native became a leading architect of the American Southwest. O’Neil Ford was born in Pink Hill and went to school in Sherman (both Grayson Co.), where the arts and crafts curriculum inspired his entire family. Following the death of his father, the Fords moved to Denton. O’Neil learned drafting, woodworking, and architectural drawing at North Texas State Teachers College and earned an architectural certificate by mail from the International Correspondence School of Scranton (Pa.). At the College of Industrial Arts he read the school library’s architectural journals, and on the construction site of Denton Presbyterian Church O’Neil met Dallas architect David Williams, who became his mentor., In partnership with others since 1932, Ford designed several significant projects, including Little Chapel in the Woods in Denton, restoration of La Villita in San Antonio, major portions of the campuses of Trinity University (San Antonio) and Skidmore College (Saratoga Springs, N.Y.), and the Tower of the Americas for the Hemisfair in San Antonio. He integrated architectural designs with their settings by collaborating with craftsmen and artists, and was active in historic preservation and environmental causes. Ford designed municipal buildings, churches, libraries and homes during his career. He designed additions to Denton’s Emily Fowler Library in 1969 and 1981, incorporating a courtyard and interior finishes handcrafted by his family. Ford was named a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects in 1960 and appointed by President Lyndon Johnson to serve on the National Council for the Arts. His legacy lives on in the artistic blends of natural materials, clean lines, and open spaces in his designs.