George Washington Maher was an early 20th century American architect. He is considered part of the Prairie School style and was known for blending traditional architecture with the Arts & Crafts style.

George's family moved to Chicago in the 1880’s, and in 1887, he joined the office of architect Joseph L. Silsbee as a draftsman. There he worked with F. L. Wright & G. G. Elmslie. In late 1888, Maher started his own practice. His early work during the 1890s reflected the influence of Silsbee and H.H. Richardson as well as Louis Sullivan and others of the Chicago School. Where he lived in Kenilworth, IL, he designed 40 homes in town.

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One of his most important designs is the John Farson House in Oak Park, IL (commissioned in 1897; aka Pleasant Home). In this house, he synthesized his own version of what would ultimately come to be called the Prairie School style of architecture. One of the earliest Prairie style buildings, its design concept proved to be extremely influential in its time and was widely copied throughout the Midwest.

As part of his design philosophy, Maher developed what he called Motif-Rhythm theory in an attempt to produce a design unity throughout the building and its interior. By the time of his death he had designed over 270 projects; from houses to parks to public buildings.

He committed suicide on September 12, 1926, after several years of declining health, including hospitalization for depression in 1924–25.