Tom Gist was a custom home designer/builder prominent in Tucson from the mid-1950’s through late 1970’s. His unique design aesthetic, along with a problem-solving approach to custom home design and superb building skills, created many superior examples of mid-century modern design with a Tucson flair. His homes of burnt adobe with Catalina view-facing window walls and sumptuous mahogany interior woodwork embodied Gist’s concept of “gracious natural living at its best”.

Many of the over 170 homes he designed and built were regularly featured in the Tucson Citizen, Better Homes and Gardens, and Sunset Magazine. The second home he built for himself and his wife Tish is listed on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP), and many more of his homes are contributing properties to Historic Districts throughout Tucson. A multiple property NRHP nomination is currently pending with the State of Arizona.

This book will follow Gist through his childhood and military career, and explore the development of his unique design and construction style. The evolution of Gist’s style and detailed building techniques will be illustrated through a combination of archival images, current photographs, interviews with clients and contemporaries. This book will serve as the ultimate reference for Gist’s work for current and future Tucsonans.