Geller, Abraham W. (American architect, 1912-1995)

Abraham William Geller (1912-1995) was born in Romania and emigrated to New York City in 1920. After graduating from Brooklyn Technical High School, he studied architecture first at Cornell University from 1932-1936 and then at New York University, from which he graduated in 1938. Geller served in the United States Army from 1942 to 1945. Geller's early training included positions at the firms of William Lescaze, Shreve Lamb & Harmon and Gropius & Breuer. In 1946 he partnered with George Nemeny and Basil Yurchenko to form Nemeny and Geller Associates. In 1950 he opened his own practice, Abraham W. Geller & Associates, Architects and Planners, the firm for which he would remain the principal architect throughout his career. He was also joined by his wife, Marion Geller, an interior designer, in his office. Geller and his firms won numerous awards and professional honors. Geller was named a fellow of the American Institute of Architects in 1972, and in 1985 he was awarded the Medal of Honor from the New York Chapter of the American Institute of Architects' highest professional honor. Introducing a retrospective exhibit of his own work in 1995 Geller observed "It is obvious from the work exhibited here that I am not a specialist. Further, I do not believe that the practice of architecture requires specialization. I believe that each project has its own unique logic, requires careful research, and has a possible solution that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing." Geller died in 1995 in New York City, at the age of 83.

From the description of Abraham W. Geller architectural records and papers, 1915-1999 (bulk 1940-1990s). (Columbia University In the City of New York). WorldCat record id: 493899321