Coote, Robert James, 1931-

Robert James Coote was born on November 26, 1931 in Charlotte, North Carolina. He was raised in Boston, Massachusetts, 1931-1936, and in Maryland near Washington, D.C. He attended St. Albans High School in Washington, D.C.

In 1948-1953, Coote attended Haverford College in Haverford, Pennsylvania earning a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Philosophy. He became interested in architecture during his sophomore year. In the summers while attending college, he participated in the U.S. Navy’s Reserve Officer Candidate program, received his commission upon graduation and served on the 7th fleet staff as a communications officer from 1953-1955. His two year tour allowed him to study architecture and philosophy in Japan. It was during this period that he became fascinated with the grace and beauty of Japanese design, which greatly influenced his eclectic style and sense of color in later years. He completed his final four years of Naval Reserve commitment attached to units in Washington D.C.

...