The Delineator: Work in the office of James T. Steen

Designed by architect James T Steen,

 the Pittsburgh Central YMCA published

 in the American Architect and Building News

 February 10, 1883

E. G. W. Dietrich, del. indicating his

authorship of the drawing  

From the fall of 1882 until the fall of 1883, E. G. W. Dietrich worked in the Pittsburgh office of architect James T. Steen (1844-1923).  Originally from Wellsburg, WV, Steen moved to Pittsburgh and formed a partnership with architect James W. Drum from 1864-1874.  Steen must have recognized Dietrich's amazing talent for drawing making him the delineator for presentation drawings during the year Dietrich worked for Steen.  It was common for architects to have a highly skilled delineator create the detailed presentation drawings shown to clients and published in the architectural periodicals.  Over the years, even as Dietrich became a very successful architect, he still took pride and pleasure in delineating his own presentation drawings.  With careful examination, one one can even find Dietrich's signature as delineator in both of these published drawings for projects designed by Steen!      

Steen's house for Charles R. Dallas in Pittsburgh
 published in the American Architect and
Building News on November 11, 1882

E. G. W. Dietrich's signature hidden in the grass