tudy its fine works of art. Sullivan returned to Chicago in 1875, where he worked several draftsman positions over the next five years. After this period, John Edelman introduced him to Dankmar Adler. The two formed a partnership in 1881 that would last fourteen years. Sullivan handled the design of their architecture, while Adler oversaw the engineering and acoustic areas of the firm. Louis had two main protegees over the course of his career. Frank Lloyd Wright was his chief draftsman until 1893, when George Grant Elmslie took over the position until 1909. Infact, Elmslie had an influential hand in Sullivan’s work during the last years of the operation. After the turn of the century however, Sullivan became destitute with few commissions. Prior to his death in 1924, he wrote A System of Architectural Ornament. In the book, he illustrates “natural world” theme apparent in his work. In a relatively short amount of time, Sullivan achieved many strides in American architecture. His works were based on the Romantic Movement of the time, and his most common building ornaments depicted flowers. He constructed diverse types of structures including residences, office buildings, banks, warehouses, factories, theaters, libraries, and an auditorium. Louis was always one to incorporate the latest technological advances into his work. He was the first to utilize steel framework in his construction of the Insurance Building of Chicago in 1884. It was this structure that paved the way for modern-day skyscrapers. He was also one of the first to utilize the electric elevator, and incorporate it seamlessly into his masonry. Sullivan did not just design great buildings he influenced history. Sullivan was one of the first architects to build “skyscrapers”. When people look at our major city’s now that is all they see from a distance. Louis stayed away from past styles of architecture that he cons...
