John Linn Scott was born in Franklin, Texas on April 26, 1917. The son of educators, he spent school years in East Texas and summers in Austin during his formative years.
After graduating from high school in Buffalo, Texas, Scott entered the University of Texas at Austin in the summer of 1934. Pursuing a course of study in architecture, he was deeply influenced by Werner Dornberger, Goldwyn Goldsmith, and Robert Leon White. His progress under their direction was rapid and he passed the professional exam to become a Registered Architect in 1938 before completing his schooling. In 1939, Scott entered into partnership with engineer Elmer Shingle to form Shingle and Scott. He started the firm of John Linn Scott, Architect in 1940 before receiving his Bachelor of Science in Architectural Engineering from the university on August 25, 1941.
After serving as a lieutenant in the Navy during World War II, Scott returned to Austin to build up his practice with the help of his wife, Elmira Sauberon Scott, who served as an architect and office manager for the firm. In 1949, he was remarried to Jean Smith Elvins.
The firm was recognized as John Linn Scott and Associates in 1952 and became an influential force in Texas architecture in the following years. Institutional architecture was the firm's specialty, with a focus on schools, hospitals, and state office projects. Following pragmatic design criteria was the byword and the emphasis on utility and function in these projects is indicative of the general architectural trends on the 1950s and 1960s.
Scott formed strong professional and political ties throughout his career and maintained an active role in civic affairs. His death of cancer on August 3, 1970 saddened many in Texas and distinguished leaders such as Governor John Connally, Representative Jake Pickle, and Mayor Roy Butler served among his honorary pall bearers.
From the guide to the John Linn Scott and Associates Records and Drawings AR. 2009. 033., 1943-1974, (Austin History Center, Austin Public Library, )
