Rolfe, Walter T., 1900-1967

Rolfe (1900-1967) taught at the University of Texas School of Architecture (1924-1946); practiced architecture in Houston and Beaumont, Tex. (1946-1967); won the Order of the Sun of Peru (1965) for "outstanding contribution to the furtherance of architectural education and practice in Peru."

From the description of Walter T. Rolfe papers, 1920-1967. (University of Texas Libraries). WorldCat record id: 28043717

Walter Thomas Rolfe was born on August 22, 1900 in Wetmore, Kansas. He grew up there and graduated from Wetmore High School in 1918. He received a bachelor of science degree in architecture from Kansas State College in 1922 and his masters in architectural design from MIT in 1923.

He started his teaching career as associate professor of architecture at Auburn University in 1923 where he met his future partner, Albert S. Golemon, who was one of his best students. Rolfe moved to North Dakota State College where he taught for four years before going to the University of Texas in 1924. He spent the next eighteen years at the University of Texas School of Architecture and was chair of the department from 1936 to 1946.

"In February of 1946, he and Albert Golemon... formed the nucleus of one of the largest and most experienced architectural firms in the Southwest [at that time].... A number of the Southwest's most modern hospitals, churches and schools were designed by them. They reflect individuality and functional efficiency. Golemon & Rolfe was one of the first architectural firms to research and recommended the compact type, year-round air conditioned school building for more efficient teacher and pupil performance; Walter Rolfe was greatly responsible for the concept. The idea was accepted and acclaimed nationally."*

Rolfe was representative from the AIA to the US Commission to UNESCO from 1953 to 1955 and was active in other committee work in the AIA. He had a heart attack in 1957 which reduced his participation in the activities of the firm to the role of consultant. "He was acclaimed as one of the best public speakers in the architectural profession. On may occasions he spoke at conventions of the various segments of the AIA, at the local, state and national level. He made numerous talks for the engineering profession and for service organizations."*

In 1965, Rolfe was awarded the Order of the Sun of Peru, for "outstanding contribution to the furtherance of architectural education and practice in Peru,"* through his having been the professional teacher of Peru's President Fernando Belaúnde Terry.

Rolfe was in Houston when he died of a heart attack in June 1967.

From the guide to the Walter T. Rolfe (1900-1967) Archival records, drawings and paintings, Architectural education; personal papers ROLFE Accession numbers: 1984006, 1986014, 2003005, 2007030., 1920-1967, (Alexander Architectural Archive, University of Texas Libraries, The University of Texas at Austin.)