Don Miles FAIA

In nominating Don C. Miles (1942-2021) (BArch UW 1966) to the AIA College of Fellows, Robert Frasca FAIA offered these observations of Don Miles's way of advancing the profession of architecture and urban design:
"Ultimately, urban design is the art of causing desirable behavior, using physical design as the vehicle. This art may be applied through (1) the development of research and education which influences the projects of others; (2) through collaboration with other designers; or (3) through the direct intervention of a design leader. Don Miles is an accomplished architect and urban designer who has utilized all three approaches to contribute to the development of many successful urban design projects in Seattle and elsewhere throughout the US.

"Beginning with his role [in the 1970s and '80s] as co-founder of Project for Public Spaces, followed by his tenure with the office of Midtown Planning and Development in New York, in private practice as Don Miles Associates, and currently with Zimmer Gunsul Frasca Partnership, Don Miles has demonstrated a commitment to the principle that environments designed to serve the needs of those who use them are meaningful and valuable."

The AIA College of Fellows honored him with advancement in 1992, recognizing his achievements to advance the practice of urban design.

References:
* Queen Anne Historical Society, "Don Miles, Urban Designer"
* Donald Clifford Miles (UW Pacific Coast Architecture Data Base) 

Written by Don Miles FAIA: 
* "How stewardship benefits Seattle's streets" (DJC 2008)
* "Angkor:  A Theoretical System of Urban Development" (Ekistics Feb. 1972)