Robert Smith (architect)

Robert Smith (1722 – February 11, 1777) was a Scottish-born American architect who was based in Philadelphia. Smith's work includes buildings such as Carpenters' Hall, St. Peter's Church, and the steeple on Christ Church. These structures constituted the greater part of the city's early skyline. Other works include Nassau Hall at Princeton University and the Public Hospital in Williamsburg, Virginia. He worked exclusively in the Georgian style.

Smith was born in Dalkeith Parish, Midlothian, Scotland, into a family that included many masons. As a young man he apprenticed in the building trades, and emigrated to America, either directly from Scotland or via London it is unknown, in late 1748.

Smith quickly became a member of the Carpenters' Company of Philadelphia, and is considered by many to be the foremost master-builder, or carpenter-architect, of the Colonial Period. In fact, Robert Smith, has been called "America's most important 18th Century architect." He also served as the Master Carpenter on Carpenters' Hall, overseeing its design and construction from 1770-1774.

Working from published architectural sketchbooks or models of the past, a master-builder would adapt his designs to the building needs and materials of the colonial city. A famous client of Smith's was Benjamin Franklin. While living abroad, Franklin wrote a letter to his wife Deborah in which he complained that Smith was taking too long to complete their house.

Other notable projects on which Smith worked in and around Philadelphia include the steeple of Christ Church, Nassau Hall at Princeton University and St. Peter's Church.

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