FACTS YOU DIDN’T KNOW ABOUT JOHN STAUB
John Staub is a legendary figure.
Architect John Staub, center, was celebrated in a 1979 book by architect and author Howard Barnstone, right. David Courtwright, left, was a research associate on the book.
John Staub was, without a doubt, one of the greatest residential architects, and has become known for his traditionally-styled homes and mansions, particularly in Houston.
If you’re going to know 9 facts about an architect, make it John Staub:
1. He was a Knoxville, Tennessee native.
The University of Tennessee Logo
Staub earned a Bachelor of Mathematics degree from the University of Tennessee in 1913. He later received a Bachelor of Science in Architecture in 1915 and a Master of Science in 1916 from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
2. He began his career in the “Big Apple”.
New York City, New York
After obtaining his degrees, Staub worked in New York City for architect Harrie T. Lindeberg–a renowned designer of country homes for wealthy New Yorkers.
3. He enlisted in the U.S. Naval Reserve Flying Corps.
World War I Navy Recruiting Poster
He enlisted in the Naval Reserve during World War I.
4. He ran the Houston office of a well-known New York City architect, Harrie Lindeberg.
Harrie Lindeberg Architecture
He returned to work for Lindeberg in 1919. He was sent to Houston in 1921 to oversee the construction of several Lindeberg projects.
5. He became known as the architect of the (original) River Oaks Country Club.
River Oaks Country Club in 2017
Lindeberg helped connect Staub and his bride to Houston’s social scene. It wasn’t before long that Staub was asked to utilize his artistry and imagination when designing for the city’s most influential communities. He became known as the architect of the (original) River Oaks Country Club. The clubhouse was demolished in the 1960’s.
6. He gained fame from the Hogg Family.
A Hogg family portrait from 1891
Mike and Will Hogg with their friend Hugh Potter launched River Oaks, requesting Staub to design many of the homes.
7. He designed 2 homes a year in River Oaks, even during the Great Depression!
A home designed by John Staub in River Oaks
Staub was commissioned to develop the River Oaks community in 1927, designing 21 homes between 1930 and 1941.
8. He designed a home that was donated to the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston.
Ima Hogg’s Estate donated to MFAH
Ima Hogg donated her estate, Bayou Bend, to the Museum of Fine Arts in 1926. Miss Hogg wanted to make sure that the public could enjoy Staub’s work, too. Her estate is known for Staub’s design and overlooking Buffalo Bayou.
9. After many years, John Staub’s legacy continues—even at Lanson B. Jones & Company!
A John Staub home with gardens installed and maintained by Lanson B. Jones & Co.
According to the Houston Chronicle, “To live in a home designed by Staub — back when he was alive, as well as now — is to know you were in the middle of something special.”
Regardless if you’re a John Staub homeowner or not, it’s hard to not value his impact on Houston and its most influential communities.