Thomas H. Locraft

Thomas Hall Locraft was born November 13, 1903, in Washington, D.C. to Bernard Francis Locraft and Marie (DeLacy) Locraft. He was educated at Central High School and at the Catholic University of America (CAU), graduating from the latter in 1926. In 1928 he was recipient of the Paris Prize of the Beaux-Arts Institute of Design, which enabled him to study at the École des Beaux-Arts. Upon his return to the United States in 1931 he was awarded a PhD in architecture from CAU, and thereafter began teaching in the CAU architecture department. Before, during and after his education he worked for architects James Berrall, Jules Henri de Sibour, Frederic B. Pyle and Waddy B. Wood before joining Murphy & Olmsted, the practice of Frederick V. Murphy, head of CAU architecture. In 1937 Murphy's partner died, and in 1938 a new partnership, Murphy & Locraft, was formed. During their partnership Locraft introduced elements of modern architecture into their projects, including the Iglesia Cristo Rey in Manizales, Colombia, completed in 1950. Murphy retired from practice in 1954, and Locraft continued the firm as Murphy & Locraft in partnership with Paul A. Goettelmann, maintaining its focus on Catholic architecture.[1][2] In 1957 the firm became Thomas H. Locraft & Associates with the promotion of several other employees. When Locraft died that same year, it became Thomas H. Locraft Associates with Goettelmann at the head.[3]

Locraft began teaching in the Catholic University School of Architecture and Planning, then under Murphy's direction. When Murphy retired from his position in 1949, Locraft was appointed as his successor. He remained in this position until his death, and was succeeded by Goettelmann, his partner and former student.[4]

Locraft joined the American Institute of Architects in 1936 as a member of the Washington chapter. He served as chapter president for 1944–45 and was elected a Fellow in 1952.[5]

Locraft was married in 1932 to Jane Harkness Elgas in New York City. They had four children: three sons and one daughter. One son, Matthew Elgas Locraft, also became an architect and was a long-time associate of Collins & Kronstadt of Silver Spring.[6] Locraft died August 31, 1959, at the age of 55.