Paul Thiry FAIA

AIA Seattle Medal 1984

Among Washington's most illustrious architects of his generation, Paul Thiry FAIA (1904-1993, UW BArch 1928) exerted a major influence in the emergence of the "Northwest style" of architecture as an early proponent of modernist design, while also advancing urban ideals.  As principal architect of the 1962 Seattle World's Fair, Thiry helped craft the ongoing legacy of the Seattle Center and manifested his commitment to effective city planning.  His urban advocacy included his service on key local and regional planning bodies, and as an appointee of President Kennedy to the US Capitol Planning Commission and the President's Council on Pennsylvania Avenue.

His wide-ranging and much-honored work over a career spanning nearly 50 years includes signature residential projects in and beyond Seattle, Seattle Center Coliseum, the Frye Art Museum, and the Museum of History & Industry in Seattle (Montlake), the Washington State Library on Olympia's Capitol Mall, numerous churches located throughout Washington, campus plans and buildings at the University of Washington, Washington State University, and Western Washington University, and planning for Montana's Libby Dam and other large public projects throughout the United States.

Augmenting extensive publication and exhibition of his design and planning work, Thiry expressed his thoughts and opinions on a range of subjects in writing published in local and national newspapers, journals, and books and in numerous speaking engagements.

President John F. Kennedy appointed Paul Thiry to the National Capitol Planning Commission in 1963, and Jacqueline Kennedy appointed him  to the Kennedy Library Commission in 1964.

Thiry's local AIA leadership, as President of AIA Washington Chapter (later renamed AIA Seattle) 1951-53 led to his work with the national AIA organization as Chancellor of the AIA's prestigious College of Fellows.  In 1984 AIA Seattle honored Paul Thiry, along with Paul Hayden Kirk (1914-1995), as the first recipient of its highest honor, the AIA Seattle Medal.

Reference:  Paul Thiry, HistoryLink