Anna M. Halpin

Dates of Birth and Death

Birthplace

Education

• Southern Illinois University
• University of Illinois School of Architecture (graduated 1948)

Years of practice

Professional organizations

• Joined AIA in 1962
• Became AIA fellow in 1976

Keywords

Biography

Early life and education

Born July 24, 1923 in Murphysboro, Illinois to John and Anna Halpin.  She began her education as the Southern Illinois University before moving on to the University of Illinois’ School of Architecture, from where she graduated in 1948.

Career in Architecture

Halpin is one of the earliest advocates in the women in architecture movement; at an AIA convention in 1973 she presented the Resolution on Women in Architecture, a document she co-authored while serving on the AIA New York Chapter’s Equal Opportunities Committee.  Post-graduation from the University of Illinois’ School of Architecture, Halpin traveled out to San Francisco to kick-start her career in architecture.  In 1953, she moved to New York City, serving on the board of AIA’s New York Chapter.  In 1979, she was the first women speaker at the commencement of that year’s graduating class of the School of Architecture at her alma mater.  She ultimately retired as the Manager of Sweet’s Division of McGraw-Hill Information Systems Company in New York; ten years later, she moved to Oklahoma City where she passed away on May 9, 2011.

Press and Awards

• Nineteenth woman to receive fellowship into the American Institute of Architects (1976)

Institutional Affiliations

American Institute of Architects – (Member: 1962); (Fellow: 1976)