Perkins, John Astin, 1907-1999

During the better part of the twentieth century, John Astin Perkins was considered "the decorator of choice" in Dallas and was credited with bringing New York Style to that city. With a career spanning 70 years, his work encompassed schools, clubs, office buildings, hotels, department stores, and homes both small and grand. He was also an architect (State of Texas Architecture License, 1937) and designed large residences, additions, and a collection of modest single-family homes.

John Astin Perkins was born on March 2, 1907 in McKinney, Texas to Frank Dudley Perkins and Daisy Astin Perkins. He attended the Terrill School, earning his diploma in 1924. He began his education in architecture at Yale University, where he received the prestigious Beaux-Arts award, graduating in 1928. He then attended University of Texas at Austin, receiving a B.S. in 1931 and studied interior design starting in 1931 at the New York School of Fine and Applied Arts (Parsons), receiving his diploma in 1933. He returned to Dallas during the Great Depression to seek work. He was always in private practice, although briefly he worked with Cooper.

Perkins blended his own colors and mixed periods, styles, and fabrics. "I always try to express the client's taste and personality in my work, to interpret and adapt their wishes, likes, and dislikes," noted Perkins in the Spring/Summer1977 issue of Texas Homes magazine (p. 36). Many of his designs were featured in Town & Country, House and Garden, Architectural Digest, House Beautiful, and Palm Beach Life . Perkins's colors were bright and were often applied to classic and traditional styles. His own Dallas home, designed in the French Country style, was the subject of many articles and photo essays. It housed an extensive collection of French antiques from the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. Perkins also designed rugs and furniture.

Perkins was active in Dallas society. He was a member of the American Society of Architects, Texas Society of Architects, Dallas Chamber of Commerce, a Bachelor Member of the Hesitation Club, and the University Club. Around Dallas, he was known not only as a top designer but also as a host of lavish parties and a wonderful dancer.

John Astin Perkins died on September 17, 1999 in Dallas, leaving behind an impressive and unique design legacy. "Someone told me… that my designs had been featured in Architectural Digest more often than anyone else's," Perkins reflected in Texas Homes. "I said there could be two reasons for that. Either I'm a top designer or I've simply been designing longer than anyone else." (p. 38)

From the guide to the John Astin Perkins collection 2002015., 1924-1994, (Alexander Architectural Archive, The University of Texas at Austin.)