Thomas, Roy L.

Born in San Marcos, Roy Leonidas Thomas attended both Southwestern University in Georgetown and the school of engineering at the University of Texas. He left school in 1908 to work in the construction field. In 1909 Thomas took a job as a draftsman with Endress and Walsh, Austin, and worked on the firm's behalf in San Benito. During this time he invented a ratchet pipe cutter for which he obtained a patent.

In 1911, Thomas began his own practice in Austin, specializing in the construction of residences. During World War I, he served as an architectural draftsman. After military service, he returned to Austin and permanently established his office at his home at 2812 Hemphill Park.

In the late 1930s, however, the focus of his practice shifted away from houses and toward churches, schools, and offices. During the 1930s and 1940s he worked as fee architect for the Federal Housing Administration. He also served in World War II as a construction supervisor of a magnesium plant for the International Mineral and Chemical Corporation.

After the war, he and his son, William, opened a partnership in Austin. Thomas died in 1968.

Some of Thomas' more memorable designs are the Bohn House (1938) and the Texas Hotel (now the Stephen F. Austin Hotel) (1924).

From the guide to the Roy L. Thomas Photographs and Drawings AR. 2009. 036., 1915-circa 1950s, (Austin History Center, Austin Public Library, )