John Corneby Wilson Austin, AIA was a British-born American architect who became one of Los Angeles' most prominent civic leaders and designers of landmark buildings. Born in Bodicote, Oxfordshire, England, Austin apprenticed under architect Williams S. Barwick before immigrating to the United States in 1891. After working as a draftsman in Philadelphia and San Francisco, he settled in Los Angeles in 1895, where he would spend the remainder of his career.
Beyond architecture, Austin was deeply involved in civic affairs, serving as President of the Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce in 1930, advocating for public works projects during the Great Depression, and coordinating federal unemployment relief efforts across ten Southern California counties. He held numerous leadership positions including President of the State Board of Architectural Examiners, member of the National Labor Board, and President of the Southern California Historical Society.
AWARDS
First Achievement Award from Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce (1949)
Commendation scroll from Los Angeles Mayor Samuel Yorty (1963) for distinguished architectural service
NOTABLE WORKS
Los Angeles City Hall (1928), Los Angeles – LAHCM #150, with John Parkinson and Albert C. Martin Sr.
Griffith Observatory (1933-1935), Griffith Park, Los Angeles – NRHP, LAHCM #168, with Frederick M. Ashley
Shrine Auditorium (1920-1926), Los Angeles – NRHP
Memorial Branch Library (1929-1930), Los Angeles – NRHP
LEGACY
President of Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce (1930)
President of State Board of Architectural Examiners
Member of National Labor Board of Southern California