Louis Skidmore was born in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, and graduated from MIT's Department of Architecture in 1924. A Rotch Traveling Fellow from 1926-1929, he went on to form a partnership with John Merrill, who graduated from MIT in 1919. Two years later, Nathaniel Owings joined the firm. Another MIT graduate, Gordon Bunshaft, joined SOM's New York office in 1937, becoming a partner in 1949. Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) was know for its business-like office structure that stressed personal achievement and team work. In addition to an innovative expression of skyscraper structure, first seen in their design for the Lever House in 1952, Skidmore, Owings & Merrill is also recognized for their innovations with the corporate office park. Today, the firm is still considered a progressive, ground-breaking company.