New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-01-08
SHE BUILDS FINE HOUSES.
ELISE MERCUR WAGNER TELLS HOW
TO BECOME AN ARCHITECT
GOOD. PRACTICAL BUSINESS KNOWLEDGE AND
THEORETICAL TRAINING ABSOLUTELY
NECESSARY TO SUCCESS

THEORETICAL TRAINING ABSOLUTELY
NECESSARY TO SUCCESS.
I'm giving advice to any woman about to en-
brace architecture profession. after nine years
Of practical experience. | tempted to express
myself as did the old woman whose son was about
TO be hanged. and who said that she hoped it
would be lesson to him IT certainly will be
lesson 10 any woman architect. and hard lesson.
indeed. unless she IL possessed Of executive and
constructive ability, quick perceptions and thor
ough knowledge OF the principles and the history
and the progress of those arts which are closely
allied to architecture" SO spoke Elise Mercur
Wagner architect. to a Tribune reporter yesterday.
ITO find subject. by the way. not closely allied
to architecture" she continued. would prove TO be
search like unto that IF seeking needle In
haystsck.
Having entered the field myself less
unprepared for the conflict l realize douby the
nnumerable difficulties and discoura gements sure
to follow unless the previous training has been
thorough and comprehensive That have sur
vved the ordeal. and. like the prIzefghter though
somewhat dila pdated am still in the ring / at
tribute solely TO dosged determination to sur
mount obstacles-a trait inherited from some stub
born ancestor. Probably no profession open TO
women offers the same inducements regarding re-
muneration independence and enduring fame
that OF architecture but nevertheless from what
learn. few remain in the until their efforts
crowned with success From personal observation
and experience in my Office work | attribute this
largely the fact that they lack thorough office
training A good. practical business knowledge. in
addition 10 theoretical training. IL one OF the
essentials 10 success | could cite number Of in
stances where lack of this has proven fatal 70
architect. client and contractor.
However, despite the many difficulties TO be sur
mounted / am convinced that women are particu-
larry well adapted for this profession. and that the
prize IL well worth the strugglein the Sd tis fac
ton II gives c every artist who has buided better
than he knew. In the Independence it gives. in the
generous recognition IF brother architects. and last
but not least. in the all-around knowledge Il gives
OF human nature.
most in the minds OF many is often presented TO
me. and II Is this Can a woman climb ladder?
Can she properly superintend the work. Accord
ing Darwin, both male and female members Of
the profession are equally descended from race
Of climbers and assure my dear sisters that. n
properly clad in boomers and bicycle skirt going
up or down a ladder and watching for loose
boards when walking joists soon becomes mere
matter OF habit. Workmen become ustOmed 10
the novel sight. being gifted with large share
OF commOn-sense. and soon learn not to slight the
somewhat 'ungetatable' places When they under
stand that YOU have entered the Geld shoulder To
shoulder with man. have obliterated the question
OF entirely In your business relations. and that
your work as well their own. must stand It's
merit alone. they will treat you with Unfang
courtesy and considerations
WRITING THE SPECIFICATIONS.
Another point OF great importance and
which will make mar most OF the future rela-
lions with client or contractor ia TO be able
write the specifications I'm clear. concise and all
embracing form The most dscoura ging aspect
met with however. when work assumes such pro-
portions that the office rent Is assured VIII he the