Lavone Dickensheets Andrews
Lavone Dickensheets Andrews, was an American architect, recognized for her contributions to residential architecture, office buildings, schools, and health facilities. Andrews was among the pioneering women in architecture, known for her innovative designs and dedication to the preservation of historical structures. She primarily worked in Houston, Texas.
Early life and education
Born on September 18, 1912, in Beaumont, Texas, Andrews was the daughter of Lavone and Charles Dickensheets. Her father was a journalist. She attended Miss Hamlin's School for Girls in San Francisco, and the Marlborough School in Los Angeles before she graduated in 1929 from Beverly Hills High School.She pursued her education in architecture at Rice Institute, where she obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1933, and a Bachelor of Science degree in architecture in 1934. She apprenticed with architect, John F. Staub.
Career
Andrews began her career working with prominent architects in the Southwest from 1934 to 1937 before opening her own office in Houston in 1938. Andrews also became a licensed architect in Texas in 1938. She had interest in residential architecture, but later expanded to design schools, health facilities, and office buildings.Her career was distinguished by her association with Anderson, Clayton & Company, a leading cotton firm, where she served from 1941 to 1951. Later, she ventured into the oil and gas industry, becoming vice president of Ancon Oil & Gas in 1957, a position she held until 1994, and served as its president from 1992 to 1994.