Mills, Robert (1781–1855)

US architect. The USA's first native-born professional architect, Mills designed the Washington Monument, Washington, DC (1848–84) and his humane and enlightened designs for hospitals were used nationwide for 40 years.

Born in Charleston, South Carolina, he trained with James Hoban and was a chief exponent of the Greek Revival style. He was South Carolina state engineer and architect (1820–30) and architect of public buildings in Washington, DC (1836–42).