17 Facts About Taylor Hardwick

Taylor Hardwick was an American architect, interior designer, filmmaker, and educator who designed hundreds of buildings throughout northeast Florida, predominantly in and near the city of Jacksonville.

Taylor Hardwick taught the study of Josef Albers color theory at Jacksonville University.

In 1959, Taylor Hardwick opened Jacksonville's first modern furniture showroom, The Atrium, and in 1962, he co-founded the Group Gallery, the first Contemporary art exhibition space in Jacksonville.

Taylor Hardwick then attended the University of Pennsylvania School of Design, where he received a bachelor's degree and Masters of Architecture in 1947.

The couple had two children: Marjory Wells, born in 1953; and Taylor Hardwick Junior, born in 1954.

In late 1968 the partnership was dissolved and Taylor Hardwick reverted to solo practice until his retirement in 2001.

Taylor Hardwick created dozens of commercial buildings, including the Fletcher Building in Riverside, now known as the Physicians Insurance Company.

Taylor Hardwick stated that he and his partner were always interested in innovating and consequently worked hard to avoid repeating themselves.

Mr Taylor Hardwick worked on the library building's design over a span of five years, and his comprehensive plan specified all interior furnishings, graphics and the use of innovative, free-standing book shelves.

Taylor Hardwick chose cheerful colors and limited the use of natural light.

The only elements Taylor Hardwick did not specify were the mosaic tile murals, which were designed by Ann Williams.

The enclosure for the pumps and controls was so large that Taylor Hardwick incorporated it as a feature rather than a visual annoyance.

Taylor Hardwick designed the retail sales building for Skinner Dairy products in 1958, which were the forerunners of today's convenience stores.

Taylor Hardwick retired in 2001, and worked on his memoirs at his home in Ponte Vedra Beach.

Taylor Hardwick spent time lobbying for the preservation of buildings he designed that are in danger of demolition; many of his creations have been torn down or revised.

Taylor Hardwick was unsuccessful in efforts to save the 1661 Riverside Avenue Medical Building, which was torn down to build condos in 2004.

Taylor Hardwick was named an Emeritus of the American Institute of Architects.