The Karl Kamrath Library is a collection of architectural books assembled by prominent Houston architect Karl Kamrath (1911-1988). After graduating from the University of Texas, Kamrath worked in Chicago for Pereira and Pereira, the Interior Studios of Marshall Field and Company, and the Architectural Decorating Company before opening an architectural firm with Fred MacKie in 1937. MacKie and Kamrath helped introduce modernist architectural design to the Houston area. After meeting Frank Lloyd Wright in 1946, Kamrath committed himself to following Wright's principles of organic and Usonian architecture.
The library was accessioned in 1987 as part of the Karl Kamrath collection in the Alexander Architectural Archives. The primary subject of the Karl Kamrath Library is 20th century organic and Usonian architecture, featuring a significant number of books written by and about Frank Lloyd Wright. Many of these publications contain personal notes from the authors to Kamrath, including Alden B. Dow, William Dudok, and Olgivanna Lloyd Wright, Frank Lloyd Wright’s wife. The Karl Kamrath Library also contains materials on Japanese architecture, landscape and garden design, American historic landmarks, and many major 20th century publications considered imperative to the study of modern architectural history.
