Serge Chermayeff

Serge Chermayeff
Born	Sergei Ivanovich Issakovich 8 October 1900 Grozny, Russian Empire
Died	8 May 1996 Wellfleet, Massachusetts
Nationality	Russian-British
Occupation	Architect

Serge Ivan Chermayeff (born Sergei Ivanovich Issakovich;Russian: Сергей Ива́нович Иссако́вич; 8 October 1900 – 8 May 1996) was a Russian-born British architect, industrial designer, writer, and co-founder of several architectural societies, including the American Society of Planners and Architects.

He was born into a rich Jewish family in Grozny, Russian Empire (currently Chechen Republic), but moved to England at an early age; there, he received his education at Peterborough Lodge Preparatory School (1910-1913), the Royal Drawing Society School (1910-1913) and the Harrow School (1914-1917). From 1922 to 1925, he received training at various schools in Germany, Austria, France and the Netherlands. During this period, he supported himself as a journalist for the Amalgamated Press (1918-1923) before becoming chief designer (1924-1927) at E. Williams, a decorating firm.

In 1928, he became a British citizen. That year he and the French designer Paul Follot were placed in charge of the decorative arts department of Waring & Gillow. After practicing architecture for three years, he and the German architect Erich Mendelsohn briefly partnered in 1933 to form their own architectural firm. They created some very important works in the British modernist movement, notably the De La Warr Pavilion in Bexhill, East Sussex, Cohen House, London, and Shrubs Wood (formerly Nimmo House) in Chalfont St Giles, Buckinghamshire. He was also responsible for Shann House in Rugby, Warwickshire, and Gilbey House, an office and factory complex in Camden for gin distillers Gilbey's. These are all now Listed Buildings, being designated Grade I (De La Warr), Grade II* (Cohen House, Shann House, and Shrubs Wood) and Grade II (Gilbey House) respectively. They were members of the MARS Group.

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