Edward M. Burke FAIA

Edward M. Burke FAIA (1930-2012; BArch UW 1959), in partnership with Leon Bridges and later as President of The Burke Associates, Architects & Planners Inc. of Seattle, pioneered planning concepts which radically impacted public transportation policies.

Architectural accomplishments include his purchase and redevelopment of Seattle's Kobe Park Building, containing the abandoned Nippon Kan Theatre (its historic curtain later incorporated into the Tateuchi Theatre at the Wing Luke Museum of the Asian Pacific American Experience). The restoration effort -- and his coauthorship with his wife Elizabeth Burke of Seattle's Nippon Kan: The discovery of Seattle's other history, from which Ed offered a reading recorded for Seattle Channel at The Wing May 19, 2012 -- drew attention to an underappreciated segment of regional social history, providing a source of cultural pride to Japanese Americans.  Ed Burke's leadership of the Washington State Japan-America Society saw the growth of effort for international understanding.  In 1991, the Emperor of Japan conferred on Ed Burke the Order of the Sacred Treasure, Gold Rays with Rosette, honoring his life's work.

Ed Burke served as AIA Seattle President in 1971.  Norman Johnston FAIA sponsored his nomination to the AIA College of Fellows, resulting in his induction in 1992, among 123 architects in the nation advanced that year, and investiture in ceremonies conducted at the AIA Convention in Boston.