Norman M. Giller
Norman M. Giller | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1918 Jacksonville, Florida, U.S. |
| Died | April 18, 2008 Miami Beach, Florida, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Alma mater | University of Florida |
| Occupation | Architect |
| Practice | Norman M. Giller & Associates |
| Buildings | Carillon Hotel, Thunderbird Motel, Giller Building |
| Projects | Miami Modernism (MiMo) |
Norman Myer Giller (1918 – April 18, 2008) was an American architect known for his contributions to Miami Modern architecture (MiMo), a post-war architectural style that flourished in South Florida. Over his career, Giller’s work has influenced the architectural landscape of Miami Beach, with many structures recognized as historic landmarks.
Early life and education
[edit]Giller was born in 1918 in Jacksonville, Florida. He spent his early years in Miami Beach and Washington, D.C.. Before pursuing formal education in architecture, he worked for an architect in Washington and later joined the United States Navy in Key West. During World War II, he was transferred to the Army Corps of Engineers' offices in Jacksonville, where he assisted in designing military base buildings.[1] He obtained his degree in architecture from the University of Florida in 1945.[2]
Career
[edit]After World War II, Giller established his architectural firm in Miami Beach during a period of rapid urban development. He became a key figure in the Miami Modernism movement, known for its expressive, futuristic designs suited to South Florida’s climate.[3]
Notable works
[edit]- Carillon Hotel (1955) – One of Giller’s most iconic designs, the Carillon Hotel in Miami Beach exemplifies MiMo with its sleek lines, geometric patterns, and integration of indoor and outdoor spaces.[2]
- Ocean Palm Motel (1948) – The first motel in Miami Beach, pioneering a new era of hospitality architecture.[1]
- Thunderbird Motel (1950s) – A four-story motel that incorporated hotel-like features, contributing to the evolution of roadside accommodations.[3]
- Giller Building (1957) – Located at 975 West 41st Street, Miami Beach, this was Giller’s firm headquarters and an example of MiMo's distinct aesthetic. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2018.[2]
Publications
[edit]In 2007, Giller co-authored Designing the Good Life: Norman M. Giller and the Development of Miami Modernism with his daughter, Sarah Giller Nelson. The book explores his architectural philosophy and the rise of MiMo, featuring illustrations, photographs, and floor plans.[1] He authored two other books: “An Adventure in Architecture,” [4] an autobiography of his architectural career, and “A Century in America,” an in-depth documentation of his family roots. [5]
Death and legacy
[edit]Giller died on April 18, 2008, at his home in Miami Beach.[6][7] His work continues to shape Miami’s architectural identity, with many of his structures recognized as historic landmarks.[2]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ a b c Giller, Norman M.; Nelson, Sarah Giller (2007). Designing the Good Life: Norman M. Giller and the Development of Miami Modernism. University Press of Florida. ISBN 9780813030715.
- ^ a b c d "National Register of Historic Places Registration Form – Giller Building". National Park Service. Retrieved April 2, 2025.
- ^ a b "Ira Giller: Designing the Good Life". Miami Design Preservation League. Retrieved April 2, 2025.
- ^ Giller, Norman M. (1976). An Adventure in Architecture. Virgo Press.
- ^ Giller, Norman M. (1986). A Century in America. Virgo Press.
- ^ "Norman Giller Obituary". Miami Herald. April 20, 2008. Retrieved April 2, 2025.
- ^ "Giller, Norman M." Miami, Florida: The Miami Herald. April 22, 2008. p. 62. Retrieved April 2, 2025.
External links
[edit]
Media related to Norman M. Giller at Wikimedia Commons