J. Donald Bowman FAIA

J. Donald Bowman FAIA (1933-2024), BArch U of Oklahoma 1957 / elevated to the College of Fellows 1989

Don Bowman's commitment to design and construction began early, influenced by his father's management of large construction projects throughout the US.  He studied under Bruce Goff at the University of Oklahoma, taking advantage of Goff's emphasis on design process. 

Following graduation, he located his professional practice in a smaller urban community so as to have maximum design influence on the rapidly growing area around him.  As Seattle's "Eastside" flourished, Don played a pivotal role, both in establishing high building design standards and participating on urban design planning committees for the City of Bellevue. 

With the Bellevue-based firm of Mithun Bowman Emrich and later with Mithun Partners, Don's projects include The Salish at Snoqualmie, Renton's Fairwood Library, Pacific First Plaza in Bellevue, and Kirkland's Moss Bay Commons.  He promoted quality affordable housing design, including national presentations at builders' conferences and designs for demonstration projects in Argentina, Spain, and Japan.