William P. Preston was born in Philadelphia, the son of David and Harriet (Hoskins) Preston. After graduating from Central Manual Training School, he entered the University of Pennsylvania where he received his B.S. in Architecture in 1900. He appears on the Rankin & Kellogg payroll in February, 1901, and he lists himself in Philadelphia city directories for one year (1902), with an office at 511 South 9th Street, an address which was formerly given as his residence. According to information found in the University of Pennsylvania Archives, by November 1901 Preston had left Philadelphia and was employed as a draftsman by J. L. O'Connor in Austin, TX. By 1930 he was established in the office of Preston & Curtis, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where he was residing at the time of his death.

Written by Sandra L. Tatman.