Arne Bystrom FAIA

AIA Seattle Medal 1998

In presenting the nomination to the AIA Seattle Board of Directors of Arne Bystrom FAIA (1927-2017) (UW BArch 1951) to receive the AIA Seattle Medal, Honors Committee Chair Mark Hinshaw FAIA offered this statement, drawn from an impressive assembly of testimonials, by 1996 Medallist John Morse FAIA:

"The life and work of Arne Bystrom, a Seattle native of Scandinavian heritage, express clear and important ideals for Northwest architecture:  his consistent design philosophy, the inspired structures he creates, and his dedication to excellence in practice and service express integrity.  The work he has created throughout his lifetime makes unsentimental use of the ruggedness, natural materials, and unique environment of the Northwest, applied with bold scale and rhythm -- all wrapped together to inspire happy living and confidence.

"Over the decades, his projects - most often residences featuring the masterful handling of wood -- have garnered local, national, and international awards.  Publications ranging from Progressive Architecture to Sunset and Popular Science have featured his projects.

"Frequently the subject of study and emulation, his work appeared recently in an exhibit at Seattle's Nordic Heritage Museum ('To Dwell with Nature, The Residential Architecture of Arne Bystrom') and became the subject of a Masters of Architecture thesis by Are Oyasaeter, at the University of Washington.  His Pike Place office, generally regarded as a jewel box, has provided a nurturing nest for ideas that drive commitment to community service -- both for Arne himself and for others sharing his concern for grace in human habitation at all scales, from room to region."

Arne served as AIA Seattle President in 1984.   He took a lead role in the establishment of the Pike Place Market Historical Commission, and for many years worked from an office located in the Market.

References:
*DoCoMoMoWeWA:  Carl A. Bystrom
*Grant Hildebrand & T. William Booth, A Thriving Modernism:  The Houses of Wendell Lovett and Arne Bystrom (UW Press 2004)