The Josias T. Joesler papers contain original architectural drawings, specifications, notes, and correspondence created by Josias T. Joesler between 1927-1956. Series I: Architectural drawings is part of the Arizona Architectural Archives collection transferred to Special Collections in 2011. Series I consists of drawings for various projects spanning the years 1927-1956 and comprises the bulk of the collection. Series II comprises project records for approximately 35 projects dated between 1937-1943 (bulk 1941).
Josias Thomas Joesler was born in Zürich, Switzerland, in 1895. In 1927, Joesler moved to Tucson, Arizona to work with developers John and Helen Murphey, a partnership that lasted for thirty years until his death in 1956. Joesler is described by architectural historians as having an eclectic approach, borrowing from historic and contemporary architectural sources and interpreting regional and local architectural forms endemic to the Sonoran Desert. Though he worked as a solo practitioner on occasion, it is estimated that Joesler designed over 400 projects with the Murpheys in Tucson, including commercial buildings, churches and residences.