Hermann, Jack, 1917-1989

Biographical Note

Jack Hermann was born in Topeka, Kansas on September 23, 1917 to Danish immigrant parents. Raised in San Diego, he was active in the Sea Scouts, eventually reaching the rank of Eagle Scout. It was through the scouts that he developed his lifelong love of boats and sailing. He studied civil engineering at San Diego State University, general studies at the University of Washington, and architecture at the University of California at Berkeley. It was here that he met Winifred Nickerson, whom he married in 1942.

He apprenticed as a carpenter, surveyor, engineer and architect in California and Alaska. During World War II he designed and supervised construction of shipyards and military bases, followed by service in the U.S. Army Aviation Engineers. In 1946 the couple moved to Marin County where they began work on the family home in Kentfield.

Hermann established a partnership with San Francisco architect Bolton White was in 1948. Their practice, which expanded in 1958 to include Allen Steinau, and in 1961 to include Don Hatch was responsible for the design of hospitals, clinics, churches, offices, housing, post-offices, schools, stores, recreation centers, regional master plans, and open space. In 1960, Jack chaired the A.I.A. conference on Church Architecture in San Francisco.

Separating form the partnership in 1962, Jack set up office in Marin, where his practice continued with such projects as Ross General Hospital, Fairfield Intercommunity Hospital, Modesto Hospital, Pittsburg Community church, and housing. Closing his formal architectural practice in 1972, Jack and Winifred embarked on a series of personal projects. These began with the renovation of older buildings, utilizing a creative reuse of unusual materials in energy efficient and environmentally sound ways. Hermann died in an auto accident on September 5, 1989, while traveling near Dargaville in New Zealand at the age of 71.

Sources:

NCAIA membership record. Daughter of Hermann, Katharine Hermann's description. Biography included with collection.

From the guide to the Jack Hermann collection, 1947-1989, (Environmental Design Archives College of Environmental Design)