Phillip L. Jacobson FAIA

AIA Seattle Medal 1994:  Phillip L. Jacobson FAIA

In presenting the nomination, Honors Nominating Chair David Wright FAIA cited the influence of Phil Jacobson's lifetime achievements, "particularly the distinction of a career combining teaching with practice in a uniquely successful way.  As well, his work abroad as an emissary for the profession has contributed to the establishment of an international community of architects, with ever-increasing meaning for the future of global architecture."

Phil Jacobson FAIA (1928-2025) (WSU 1952) provided nearly four decades of service to the profession and society, combining an active and effective teaching career with principal leadership of TRA, an anchor among Seattle design firms until the mid-1990s.  He came to TRA in 1955, and soon joined the firm's leadership.  As TRA's design director 1970-1992, he oversaw design efforts, both domestic and international, that resulted in more than 130 design awards and publication in more than 80 design journals worldwide.

An internationalist throughout his career, he undertook graduate studies in architecture and planning as a Fulbright Scholar at the University of Liverpool 1952-53, and in 1968-69 held a Fulbright-Hayes Senior Research Fellowship at the Finnish Institute of Technology, Helsinki, where he received the MArch degree.  He served on the faculty of the University of Washington College of Architecture and Urban Planning beginning in 1962, with a variety of highly influential teaching and administrative responsibilities.  He co-chaired the AIA Northwest Region Conference in 1976, which included an architects tour to Helsinki.  He has lectured at universities and organizations in Japan, Denmark, Sweden, and Australia, among other national and international venues.   In 1985, Finnish President Mauno Koivisto conferred upon Phil Jacobson the honor of Knight of the Order of the White Rose; and in 1993 the Finnish Association of Architects bestowed upon him the SAFA Silver Award, recognizing his contribution to architecture in Finland and the US.

His professional service includes a term on the AIA Seattle Board of Directors 1970-72, as President of AIA Washington State Council of Architects 1965-66, as President of the AIA Seattle Senior Council 1984-85, and on the Board of Trustees of the AIA Seattle Foundation 1985-1991 -- as well as other national and local committee work, design awards juries, and speaking engagements.  The AIA College of Fellows inducted him in 1973.

Public service includes terms on the Boards of Trustees of Pilchuck Glass School, the Northwest Trek Foundation, the Northwest Institute for Architecture and Urban Studies in Italy, Northwest Seaport, the City of Seattle Landmarks Preservation Board, and the Seattle Planning and Redevelopment Council.

Phil Jacobson also expresses his design talent in both photography and the making of jewelry, and enjoys sailing with his wife Effie and other family and friends.

References:
*Grant Hildebrand, Elegant Explorations:  The Designs of Phillip Jacobson
* "Ode to a Tea Set"