Wendell Lovett FAIA

AIA Seattle Medal 1993

The 1993 recipient of the AIA Seattle Medal, Wendell Harper Lovett FAIA (1922-2016, BArch UW 1947, MArch MIT 1948) made a career-long and profound contribution to the modernist tradition known as "Northwest Contemporary."

Early in his career (1948-51) Wendell Lovett practiced with Bassetti & Morse, before establishing an independent practice in 1952.  His firm produced a portfolio of influential residential designs (many recognized in the AIA Seattle Honor Awards program beginning in the 1950s) including a condominium for Anne Gould Hauberg in Seattle, and Villa Simonyi and the Cutler/Girdler Residence in Medina.  His 1968 design for the AIA Seattle offices at 311-1/2 Occidental Avenue South received a Special Citation in the AIA Seattle Honor Awards.  National and international awards and publication extended the influence of the work.

Throughout his career, he also taught at the University of Washington, playing a role in establishing the design focus of the program and influencing several generations of students. In 1959-60, with a Fulbright grant, he taught at the Technical University of Stuttgart, with Professor Rolf Gutbrod.

References:
* In 2002 remarks to the AIA Seattle Fellows/Honors Council, "Cave and Meadow," he addressed his recent work and also reflected on the length and breadth of his canon and on the course of the profession as he has seen it over half a century.
* In 2004, the University of Washington Press published A Thriving Modernism: The Houses of Wendell Lovett and Arne Bystrom, by Grant Hildebrand and T. William Booth.
* In 2005, the University of Washington College of Architecture and Urban Planning recognized Wendell Lovett in the Roll of Honor, inscribing his name on the frieze in Architecture Hall Auditorium.
* 10/08/06: In The Seattle Times Pacific Northwest, Dean Stahl interviews Wendell Lovett in the home he designed for his family.
* 3/21/21:  Seattle P-I:  " "Wendell Lovett Modern Masterpiece on Puget Sound is one of only 16 of its kind"
* DoCoMoMoWeWA:  "Lovett, Wendell H."