WILLIAM KESSLER

While not as well known as some of the architectural stars of his era, William Kessler's bold and exciting architecture is being rediscovered and celebrated – garnering new stature in many circles.

Born in 1924 in Reading, Pennsylvania, William Kessler attended the Chicago Institute of Design (The "New Bauhaus"), graduating with a BA in architecture in 1948. He continued his studies at Harvard University's architecture program, under the direction of Bauhaus founder Walter Gropius . After graduation from Harvard, he was recruited by the architect Minoru Yamasaki and moved to Michigan to work at Yamasaki's firm. (In the 1960s, Minoru Yamasaki would be chosen to design the World Trade Center's Twin Towers in New York.)

Following a successful tenure with Yamasaki, Kessler and fellow architect Phil Meathe departed to form their own firm, Meathe, Kessler and Associates. In 1959, Kessler designed a house for himself and his family in Gross Pointe Park, Michigan, which has since been added to the National Register of Historic Places.

Meathe, Kessler and Associates was dissolved in 1968, and Kessler established his own eponymous firm. Working mostly in Michigan and surrounding parts of the Midwest United States, Kessler created an array of thoughtfully designed single family houses, public housing, college and university buildings, and hospitals. Combined, they are the impressive legacy of a prolific, innovative talent whose work continues to delight and inspire to this day.