Mercer Island architect Henry Steinhardt FAIA (November 15, 1920 - April 13, 2001) graduated from Harvard College and the Harvard Graduate School of Design. His widow, Helene Fleck Steinhardt, noted that Henry took his direction to become an architect as a student at Philips Academy Andover, where he heard Frank Lloyd Wright speak. His teachers and mentors included Josef Albers, Marcel Breuer, and Walter Gropius.
Henry worked with various firms and in his own practice, concentrating on urban design. He retired from active practice in 1978.
Robert Nixon FAIA provided this memory of his late colleague: "Henry Steinhardt was a talented and acclaimed architect whose work received national attention for design quality and a sensitive approach to city development and renewal.
"Henry was also a photographer of considerable skill. His work appears in national publications, particularly those related to environmental preservation. His photographs are in a number of private and public collections.
"I feel honored to have participated with Henry and with Larry Waldron FAIA in the "Photos by 3 Architects" show at AIA Seattle Gallery. Henry Steinhardt was a good friend. He will be missed."
Don Miles FAIA added these notes: "I will remember Henry Steinhardt as a member of the Capitol Campus Design Advisory Committee when ZGF was preparing the Master Plan for the Capitol of the State of Washington. Henry was always supportive. His positive criticism was wrapped in an abundance of good humor and topped off with a smile."
The AIA College of Fellows inducted Henry Steinhardt in 1979.