Samuel McIntire

Happy Birthday Samuel McIntire! The American architect was born in 1757, in Salem, Massachusetts and began as a wood carver, evolving into an architect. He is the most well known designer of Federal-style buildings, simple, distinguished structures, usually 3 stories high with flat or low roofs hidden by cornices and balustrades. McIntire’s forms are simple with restrained ornamentation. The interiors are refined with carved moldings, mantles, and high ceilings. Most rooms are rectangular, sometimes with oval ends, bays and niches. Pictured below is the Pierce-Nichols Home.

Federal-style-Type of architecture developed by Samuel McIntire, greatly influenced by the Palladian method of Roman architecture which followed strict mathematical guidelines. McIntire was further predisposed to the patriotic spirit of the period, including stars, eagles and his personal addition: sheaves of wheat.