Graham, Anderson, Probst & White

Graham, Anderson, Probst & White: Shaping the Skyline of Chicago 

One of the most iconic architecture firms in Chicago, Graham, Anderson, Probst & White was deeply instrumental in shaping the city’s architectural identity in the early 20th century. With Chicago emerging as a major American city after the Great Fire of 1871 and through the rapid industrial growth of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the city needed monumental buildings that could reflect its growing economic and cultural stature. Graham, Anderson, Probst & White responded to this need with buildings that were not only grand in scale but also steeped in classical beauty. 

The firm’s origins can be traced back to Daniel Burnham, one of Chicago’s most influential architects and urban planners. Following the 1893 World’s Fair, of which Burnham was the Director of Works, Burnham was forced to downsize and consolidate his operations, selecting Ernest Graham—a trusted protégé—as his sole partner. When, in 1908, work began to take a toll on Burnham physically, the office was put under the direction of Graham. And when Burnham passed away in 1912, the firm, D.H. Burnham & Co. was passed on to his two sons, Daniel Burnham Jr. and Hubert Burnham and Edward Graham, to become Graham Burnham and Co.  

However, this partnership was short lived. By 1917, the Burnham Brothers left to form their own firm and Graham brought William Peirce Anderson, Edward Probst, and Howard White in as partners, completing the team that would become Graham, Anderson, Probst and White.  

Ernest Graham (1868–1936)  

Perhaps the most significant figure in this group, Graham began his architectural career as a draftsman at Burnham and Root, then at D.H. Burnham and Co., where he quickly rose through the ranks. He was deeply involved in the planning and design of major projects like the 1893 World’s Fair in Chicago, a momentous event that influenced architecture across the United States. Following Burnham’s death, Graham took charge of the firm’s direction, bringing his understanding of large-scale classical projects to the forefront and solidifying the firm's legacy as the natural successor to Burnham’s grand vision for Chicago. 

William Peirce Anderson (1870–1924)  

A talented architect and a key figure in the firm, Anderson was known for his skill in structural design. He studied engineering and attained his degree at Harvard before receiving his degree in architecture at the Ecole des Beaux-Arts in Paris at the urging of Daniel Burnham. His technical expertise complemented Graham’s visionary leadership, ensuring that the firm’s projects were structurally sound and enduring. 

Edward Probst (1870–1942)  

Another key partner, Probst joined D.H. Burnham and Co. in 1901 and brought a deep knowledge of the design and construction processes. Like Anderson, Probst had a background in engineering, which helped the firm balance the grandeur of their projects with technical precision. He worked closely with Graham to execute some of the firm’s most significant commissions. Probst was the last remaining original partner at the firm until his death in 1942. 

Howard White (1870–1936) 

Born in Chicago, White was educated in the public school system and started his architectural career as a draftsman at D.H. Burnham and Co. in 1898.  White was known for his attention to detail and design, helping bring elegance and craftsmanship to the firm’s later projects. He died less than a month after his business partner Ernest Graham.  

Graham, Anderson, Probst and White’s contributions to Chicago’s built environment helped position the city as a leader in architectural innovation and civic beauty. Their work remains iconic, and their commitment to merging classical elegance with modern functionality has left an indelible mark on the city. From cultural institutions like the Field Museum and the Civic Opera House to commercial powerhouses like the Wrigley Building, Merchandise Mart, and the Old Post Office, their legacy endures not only in the city’s built environment but also in the hearts of Chicagoans who cherish the structures that make Chicago unique.