DAVID TIRRELL
Interviewed by Marilyn Geary
May 6, 2004
 David Tirrell |
David Tirrell studied architecture with Walter Gropius at the Harvard School of Design. In 1958, he moved to San Francisco to join the architectural firm of Wurster, Bernardi & Emmons and in 1964 he accepted a position with Aaron G. Green & Associates where he remained until 1978.
At the time he joined Aaron Green, construction bids were beginning to arrive for the Marin County Hall of Justice. Tirrell’s role was to research and develop design data for specific areas of that building and to analyze bid results. Once a construction firm was selected, Tirrell reviewed shop drawings, administered the contract, and worked closely with the County inspector at the building site. Tirrell was also involved in the Marin Veterans’ Memorial Auditorium, where he worked on design and development of the retractable seating in the performing arts area. In addition, he was Green’s designated on-site visitor, insuring that construction was going according to plan. In the excerpts that follow, Tirrell discusses his work on the Hall of Justice and provides insight into the genius of Aaron Green. CLICK ON THE LINKS BELOW TO ASK DAVID TIRRELL A QUESTION  1. When constructing the Hall of Justice, what kind of special solutions were required so as to respect the integrity of the large hill at the North end of the site? 2. What was it like to work with Aaron Green? 3. What set Mr. Green apart from other architects? |
COPYRIGHT 2003, Anne T. Kent California Room, Marin County Free Library
