George Clayton Pearl was born in central Texas in 1923. He lived on his parent’s farm until moving to Austin, Texas in 1940 to study architecture at the University of Texas. His schooling was interrupted by WWII, where he served until he was released after an injury. He then returned to the University of Texas to finish his bachelors in Architecture. Upon graduation, Pearl joined the architecture firm of Ferguson, Stevens and Associates (later known as SMPC Architects) in Albuquerque where he worked until his retirement in 1989. After retirement, Pearl continued to work on numerous preservation and new building projects. Pearl was also a prolific painter, sketcher and photographer, using his skill with camera and pen to record many of New Mexico’s historic buildings.
George Clayton Pearl was one of Albuquerque’s most prolific architects. Pearl was responsible for new building design in New Mexico and beyond, pulling from regional influences and motifs throughout his career. While working for SMPC Architects, Pearl became the chief designer, known for his artistic skill. During this time, Pearl worked on several major projects in Albuquerque, including the Public Library, Presbyterian Hospital and multiple buildings on the University of New Mexico campus, including the renovation of John Gaw Meem’s Zimmerman Library. George Pearl was also a proponent of preservation and revitalization, working tirelessly to place historic buildings on the National and New Mexico State registers.
George Pearl’s career as an architect spanned more than 50 years. During his career and after, he received countless honors and awards. He also worked closely with the School of Architecture and Planning at the University of New Mexico, giving his guidance and knowledge to the staff and students. In honor of Pearl and the many gifts he left the state of New Mexico, the School of Architecture and Planning named the new architecture building after him. George Pearl Hall, designed by Antoine Predock, will be completed in 2007.
George Pearl died in Albuquerque in August of 2003.
From the guide to the George Pearl Oversized Drawings, Artwork and Files, 1900-2002, (University of New Mexico Center for Southwest Research)
