Architect, born in Co Kilkenny, Ireland. Emigrating to the USA (1785), he designed the state capitol in Columbia, SC (17901). After a competition to design public buildings in Federal City, the new capital of the USA, he designed the White House (17921801) and rebuilt it after the destruction in the War of 1812. He served as supervisor over the construction of the US Capitol (17931803) and designed the State and War Department offices.
1762 - December 8, 1831) was an Irish architect, best known for designing the White House in Washington, D.C.. He lived for most of his professional life in a red brick house on the White House lawn with his wife, 10 children and nine slaves.He was born in Desart, near Callan, County Kilkenny, Ireland and lived on the estate of the Earl of Desart at Cuffesgrange, Co Kilkenny where he learnt carpentry skills. He designed the South Carolina statehouse before winning the competition to design the presidential mansion in 1792, later known as the The White House.
The White House
His design was based on Leinster House in Dublin. After the British burned the White House in 1812, he supervised the reconstruction work. The modern White House has a tennis court, cinema, jogging track and swimming pool.
The first occupants on November 1, 1800, were President John Adams and his wife.
The building was damaged in the War of Independence and Hoban was involved in its restoration.
Other projects
He was also one of the supervising architects who served on the Capitol carrying out the design of Dr. William Thornton. He also designed Rossenarra House near the village of Kilmoganny in Kilkenny, Ireland in 1824.
James Hoban's drawing of the White House. - The White House Historical Association
Ireland commemmoration
A memorial arbour is being designed to honour James Hoban near his birth place and is expected to be completed by 2008. A major exhibition on his life is to take place at the White House Visitor Centre.
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