T. Roger (Thomas Roger) Smith

Born in Sheffield on July 14, 1830, Thomas Roger Smith trained in the office of architect Philip Hardwick before starting his own practice in 1855. He later worked in partnership with Arthur John Gale, and his son Ravenscroft Elsey Smith also joined the firm. For a short period in 1872, the future novelist Thomas Hardy was employed in his office.

Smith was deeply involved in the architectural profession. He was active in the Architectural Association, served in leadership roles there, became a fellow of the Royal Institute of British Architects, and in 1869 helped found The Architect. He also lectured widely and from 1880 until his death held the chair of architecture at University College London.

Alongside private practice, he served in a number of official posts, including as a district surveyor under the Metropolitan Board of Works. He is especially remembered for his writings on public buildings, style, and acoustics, and for his part in Victorian arguments about what architectural forms were suitable for the British Empire, especially in India. He died in London on March 11, 1903.