Rick Buckley FAIA

Richard "Rick" Buckley FAIA In presenting the nomination of Rick Buckley (1953-2005), his sponsor William J. Bain Jr. noted: "Projects designed by Rick Buckley (BArch magna cum laude University of Washington 1980; MArch University of Pennsylvania 1982) explore new ideas and challenge assumptions about building types through a thoughtful analysis of social and cultural issues. His diverse body of work encourages us to question, understand, and define our contemporary society. Every day, thousands of people experience buildings designed or shaped by Rick Buckley. His high-profile NBBJ projects have redefined people's long-held perceptions of building types -- from corporate headquarters to campuses to hospitals."

Under his design stewardship, NBBJ's projects received recognition in AIA Honor Awards, Business Week/Architectural Record, and more than 100 local AIA, IIDA, BOMA, and other industry awards. He helped shape the culture of a firm of some 600 people, operating out of five US and two overseas offices. An industry survey ranged NBBJ among the "Top Ten Most Admired Firms," citing the widely-emulated model developed by Rick Buckley for "transformational design." Leading design publications have featured Buckley's work, most recently Reebok's World Headquarters, Telenor World Headquarters, and the World Trade Center design charrette (featured in USA Today May 2002).

A memorial statement published shortly after Rick's death January 1, 2005 noted: "His colleagues admire this design innovator for NBBJ's local and international portfolio of significant commercial projects, complex laboratories, historic renovation, theaters, galleries, luxury hotels and resorts -- including Market Place Towers, Lakeside Middle School, Microsoft Pinehurst and Building 26, Pacific Place, Paramount Theater, Reebok World HQ, and Sun Mountain Lodge. Rick also involved himself productively in education, as a member of the UW Department of Architecture's Professionals Council and as a popular and innovative teacher."

The Jury of Fellows recognized the national significance of Rick Buckley's endeavors to advance the profession in the area of design.