John Rattenbury

John Rattenbury (1928-2021) was a significant figure in American architecture, known for his close association with Frank Lloyd Wright and his contributions to carrying Wright’s vision forward.

Rattenbury’s architectural journey began in 1950 when he joined the Taliesin Fellowship, where he apprenticed under Wright. This deep immersion in Wright’s principles of organic architecture profoundly shaped Rattenbury’s design philosophy. He learned to create structures that harmonized with their natural surroundings, emphasizing the integration of buildings with their sites.

Following Wright’s death, Rattenbury played a key role in Taliesin Architects, where he worked on several of Wright’s uncompleted projects and developed his own designs. He was involved with notable projects, including the Norman Lykes House in Phoenix, Arizona.

Rattenbury designed residential properties and was featured in Life magazine in 1997. His designs often echoed Wright’s style while incorporating his own unique approach to organic architecture. He aimed to make good design accessible.

Rattenbury’s legacy includes a dedication to Wright’s principles and a body of work that reflects a deep respect for the natural environment. His contributions helped to preserve and extend the influence of organic architecture in the latter half of the 20th century.