George Poole

George Thomas Temple Poole was born in Rome on May 29, 1856 as the only child of Lieutenant-Colonel John George Temple, an engineer, and his wife Louisa Mary nee Poole.

He received his education at Winchester College and in 1876 was commissioned into the Hampshire Regiment’s militia. Upon leaving school he pursued articles in architecture, civil and mechanical engineering, working first in England before serving a brief tour in Ceylon (Sri Lanka) before becoming Superintendent of Public Works in Western Australia.

Early Life and Education

George Poole was born on May 29, 1856 in Rome, Italy as the only child of Lieutenant-Colonel John George Temple and Louisa Mary Temple (nee Poole).

He began his career as an engineer. His projects ranged from developing the McCormick reaper to designing aircraft engines.

He then joined the Baltimore Iron Commission, becoming one of the city’s most prominent industrialists. He designed and oversaw the construction of some of Baltimore’s iconic structures.

He was an acclaimed writer and historian, with his work appearing in publications such as the Washington Post and PopMatters, along with academic essay collections. He is best known for his book Monsters in America: Our Historical Obsession with the Hideous and Haunting; co-editing The Oxford Handbook of Edgar Allan Poe.

Professional Career

George Poole’s professional career included a long association with the Western Australian government as an architect. He was also a member of both Freemasons and Weld Club, as well as founding the Wilgie Sketching Club in 1889.

Poole served in South Africa during the Boer War as a member of the 1st New South Wales Mounted Rifles. Unfortunately, due to illness he was discharged after five months.

On his return home, he worked as an engineer in the public works department. In 1889 he was promoted to head of that division and later served as assistant engineer-in-chief and government architect.

As dean of the College of Architecture and Design at UT, Poole led the college to unprecedented heights of financial support, involvement, and engagement from professionals from numerous industries. He reimagined their advocacy board to foster vital connections between design education, professionals in related industries, as well as creating multiple nationally recognized experiential learning programs that integrated architectural practice with architectural education.

Achievements and Honors

George Poole is an accomplished design educator, architect and leader who has earned many distinctions throughout his career. He holds the distinction of Fellow of the American Institute of Architects as well as being an honorary member of the American Society of Landscape Architects, with multiple times being listed among DesignIntelligence’s 25 Most Admired Educators lists.

He founded the Western Australian Institute of Architects and served as its president for four terms. Additionally, he served on the trustee board of Perth Park (later King’s Park) where his designs included some iconic buildings.

He loved his family, church and community deeply and served them faithfully. Anointed as a preacher and teacher, he believed that with God anything is possible. Sadly, he will be greatly missed by his friends and cherished ones alike.

Personal Life

George Poole’s personal life was marked by travel and exploration. His passion for history and commitment to education – particularly that of African Americans – were unwavering.

He had an affinity for fine printing and rare books, leading him to collect a vast library collection which is currently housed at Lilly Library of Indiana University.

In his spare time, he enjoyed sketching and painting. A member of the Wilgie Sketching Club, he showcased local subjects such as flora and fauna through sketches.

He had an interest in politics, serving on the Claremont Municipal Council. He and his wife Hanna traveled widely; they also had one daughter. For a time they lived in Perth before moving to Darlington, a village on the Darling Ranges where he tragically passed away.

Net Worth

George Poole is an award-winning visual artist whose work draws heavily upon Surrealism.

He currently has a net worth of $1 million, the majority of which has been earned through his professional career.

His 2021-22 season was his best NBA season, leading the league in free throw percentage and helping the Warriors capture an NBA championship.

He has an average salary of $2.1 million this year, which is lower than other impact players on rookie deals. However, his performance has demonstrated that he deserves a max deal in the future.