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Finding Aid for the Edla Muir papers, circa 1917-1986
0000160
0000160
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Description
The Edla Muir papers span 43.79 linear feet and date from circa 1917 to 1986. The collection consists of architectural drawings,
photographic prints and manuscript material organized by project documenting the construction and finished product for many
of her architectural projects in Southern California and Washington state. The collection also includes reference material
including photographic prints and magazine clippings and articles which document different architectural styles as well as
personal material including articles and clippings, correspondence and photographic prints.
Background
Edla Muir, also known by her married name, Edla Muir Lambie, was born in San Francisco, California on January 23, 1906. At
the age of 13, Muir worked summers and weekends in the architectural firm of John Byers. When she graduated from Inglewood
High School in 1923, she worked as an office assistant for Byers until 1926, when she was promoted to draftswomen and designer.
In 1934, after receiving her architectural license, Byers and Muir formed a partnership, renaming the firm John Byers and
Edla Muir, Associated Architects. When the firm dissolved in 1942, Muir became the principle of her own firm in West Los Angeles.
Muir focused on designing modern private homes and her designs were featured in
Sunset magazine,
Architectural Digest, and other publications, as representative of the modern California home. She also designed some public and commercial buildings,
such as a supermarket and the City Hall in Ellensburg, Washington, and a corporate office in Mexico City. Her firm Edla Muir,
Architect continued from 1946 until 1971, the year she died at the age of 65.
Extent
43.79 Linear feet
(7 half record storage boxes, 1 oversize storage box and 9 flat file drawers)
Availability
Open for use by qualified researchers.