Speer was born in Mannheim in 1905 to a wealthy middle class family. In 1918 the family moved to Heidlberg, where in 1923 Speer attended university. He studied engineering and mathematics, and in 1928 he graduated with honors. He soon made his name as an architect and designed homes for the finest German stars. Among those he built for was the rising politician Adolf Hitler. The two became good friends and in 1931 Speer joined Hitler's NVP.