Edward M. Y. Tsoi (1916-2005)

Name

Tsoi, Edward M. Y. (Edward Mung-Yok)

Variant Names

Tsoi, Mung-Yok

Personal Information

Birth/Death:    b. 02 Feb. 1916 - d. 17 Dec. 2005
Occupation:    American architect
Location:    New Orleans, LA

AIA Affiliation

Member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) 1948-decease

Biographical Sources

American Architects Directories:
Biographical listing in 1956 American Architects Directory
Repeat of 1956 biographical listing in 1962 American Architects Directory
Address listed in 1970 American Architects Directory

Biographical Note:
      Contributed by Southeastern Architectural Archive, Tulane University Libraries. Edward Mung-Yok Tsoi (born Mung-Yok Tsoi in Swatow, China 1916 – † Baton Rouge, La. 2005) studied civil engineering at St. John's University in Shanghai, China before receiving his undergraduate and graduate degrees in architecture from the University of Michigan (B.S. 1938; M.S. 1939). Tsoi began his career as a draftsman: first, in the offices of Garry & Sheffey (Bluefield, West Virgina); then for Max J. Heinberg (Alexandria, Louisiana); and for A. Hays Town (Baton Rouge, Louisiana). As the United States became increasingly involved in World War II, Tsoi obtained engineering jobs, first for the U.S. Engineers at Harding Field (Baton Rouge); then for the Consolidated Vultee Aircraft Corporation (New Orleans, Louisiana). After the war, he worked for New Orleans architect William R. Burk, first as a draftsman, then as an architect and engineer. By 1952, Tsoi established his private practice, securing commissions from the Orleans Parish School Board and the First Methodist Church of Picayune, Mississippi. His professional career spanned four decades. He designed and renovated public schools, developed commercial properties for the Schwegmann supermarket chain, and created plans for religious institutions and residential property owners. In 1984, he participated in the Louisiana World Exhibition, for which he contributed the Korean pavilion.

Related Records

Archival Holdings

The American Institute of Architects Archives
      Membership file contains membership application, request for emeritus (retired) status, death notice.

Southeastern Architectural Archive, Tulane University Libraries
      Collection 186. Edward M. Y. Tsoi Office Records.
      This collection comprises the office records of New Orleans architect Edward Mung-Yok Tsoi. These include project drawings for residential, commercial, and institutional buildings primarily located in the New Orleans metropolitan area. They document the years of his private practice, dating from the early 1950s to 1984. Most project drawings date from 1952-1972, and many represent renovations to existing structures. The majority of project drawings are associated with the New Orleans area Schwegmann grocery store chain. Other notable projects include the Lakeview Presbyterian Church (1957;58), the Chinese Presbyterian Mission (1951;52), and renovations to the historic McDonogh No. 6 School (1952). Please note that the collection does not include office documents other than architectural drawings, nor does it include Tsoi's plans for the Korean pavilion at the 1984 Louisiana World Exhibition.
For more information, visit http://seaa.tulane.edu

Publications