James Cowan FAIA

The son of a Yakima Valley pharmacist, James Douglas Cowan FAIA (June 19, 1920-May 22, 1999) pursued architectural studies at the University of Washington and Yale University (cum laude 1947).  He served in the US Navy in World War II, and during a brief respite from his undersea duties in the war in the Pacific, married Ruth Moulton.
After the war, Jim settled his growing family in Yakima and went to work for architect John W. Maloney, eventually forming the partnership Cowan, Paddock, and Hollingberry, specializing in business and institutional projects.

During the 1960's, he served terms as President of both AIA Central Washington and AIA Washington State Chapter (1966).  In 1968 he moved to Seattle, where he served a stint as Executive Director of the Washington State Council of Architects (later known as AIA Washington Council).

He worked as an architect for The Richardson Associates, McKinley Architects, and Seafirst Bank, retiring in 1985. His former boss, colleague, and long-time friend David McKinley FAIA remarked Jim's contributions to the administration of architecture, particularly in its relationship with government agencies, supporting his nomination to the AIA College of Fellows (1977).

Reference:  James Cowan