Robert
Mills (August 12, 1781 – March 3, 1855), most famously known for
designing the Washington Monument, is sometimes called the first native
born American to become a professional architect, though Charles
Bulfinch perhaps has a clearer claim to this honor. Mills studied in
Charleston, South Carolina as a student of Irish-born architect James
Hoban—who later designed the White House, which became the official home
of US presidents. Both Hoban and Mills were Freemasons.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Mills_%28architect%29
(Lodge Unknown)