F.E. and Oscar Ruffini


The Ruffini brothers, Frederick and Oscar received their architectural training in Ohio. Frederick settled in Austin, Texas in 1877 beginning a two year partnership with Jasper N. Preston. Oscar worked in Indiana with Francis Dee where he gained a knowledge of modern engineering methods. Frederick's practice was quite successful and he was known for his public and commercial buildings which included a number of Texas courthouses. Some of Frederick's best designs include the Millet Opera House, the Hancock Building on West Pecan Street, Texas School for the Deaf and The Old Main Building of the University of Texas, his most significant project. Oscar joined Frederick in practice in 1883. In this same year Oscar spent six months in the office of Elijah Myers, the architect chosen to design the Texas Capitol. Returning to Austin, Oscar assisted Frederick with the plans for the main building of the University of Texas. After his brother's death in 1885, Oscar began his own practice in San Angelo. Oscar was also known for his public and commercial buildings throughout west Texas. His projects included courthouses in Concho, Mills, Sutton, Sterling and Crockett counties. Oscar died in San Angelo in 1957. The Ruffini collection includes hand written specifications, letterbooks, photographs and drawings. Other records may be found at Texas Tech University, the Austin History Center and the Texas State Library.

Old Main University of Texas at Austin, nd Ink on linen Specifications for the erection and completion of a city hall and school building for the city of Rockdale, Tex.
Copyright 1999. The Alexander Architectural Archive. The University of Texas at Austin. All images are in collections of the Alexander Architectural Archive. Images are either copyrighted by the University of Texas at Austin or are used in accordance with fair use laws. The exhibit (and the images therein) is provided for educational purposes only. Any unauthorized use or duplication is strictly prohibited.