Tefft, one of the nation's first professionally trained architects, is considered a master of Rundbogenstil and a leading American proponent of its use.

During his childhood, Tefft experienced poor health; unable to exert himself physically, he developed an appreciation of books.

Noting Tefft's talents for drawing and the other arts, Barnard convinced him to move to Providence and study architecture.

[4][3] At this time, Tefft exhibited a strong grasp of Rundbogenstil, amassing a large library of books on the style and advocating for its use.

Due to the beginning of an economic downturn, the only work that Tefft had in his office were the initial designs of Vassar College.