In Memoriam: Chien-Chung (Didi) Pei MArch ’72
The GSD remembers Chien-Chung (Didi) Pei MArch ’72 who passed away on December 13th, 2023 at the age of 77. Didi was a distingished member of the architectural community. His architectural firm, PEI Architects, “dedicated to design excellence in the creation of architecture that serves and enriches people and their environments” was founded in 1992 with his brother, Li Chung (Sandi) Pei MArch ’76. They both learned the craft of architecture from their father, world-renounded architect, I.M. Pei MArch ’46.
From PEI Architects on Didi Pei:
As 2023 draws to a close, our hearts are heavy with the loss of a remarkable leader and mentor, Chien Chung Pei, affectionately known as “Didi” to his family and friends. A distinguished architect, Didi’s journey began with academic excellence, graduating cum laude in Physics from Harvard College in 1968 and later attaining a Master’s Degree in Architecture from Harvard’s Graduate School of Design in 1972.
Steeped in the legacy of his father, the renowned architect I.M. Pei, Didi grew up immersed in the foundational principles of visionary design, unwavering commitment, and the highest professional standards. These early influences shaped his approach to architecture, guiding him in the creation of significant and enduring structures. Today, as we reflect on the passing of this extraordinary individual, we honor not only his impressive career but also the profound impact he had on the world of architecture and those fortunate enough to be touched by his wisdom and guidance.
Didi Pei blended science, art, and culture to create architectural landmarks that surpass physical form, leaving lasting imprints, serving function, and enhancing surroundings with beauty, purpose and standing the test of time. Through hands on involvement in all his design projects Didi embodied the core ideology of the firm he and his brother, Li Chung Pei, created, PEI Architects – “Respect for the past and responsiveness to the present in the pursuit of enduring architecture.”
Here you can read more about Didi Pei’s life and legacy.
posted January, 2024
Steven Bloomfield MArch ’72/MCP ’73 firm recognized for work on Peters Cartridge Factory
Steven Bloomfield MArch ’72/MCP ’73 and his firm, Bloomfield/Schon, were recognized by the State of Ohio for their renovation and repurposing of the Peters Cartridge Factory into a mixed-use community. This is the firm’s fifth major historic renovation project. The Peters Cartridge Factory was built in 1918 with the original purpose being to make cartridges and armaments but is now a unique apartment building with 134 units “that offer urban living in the suburbs with lifestyle amenities.”
Visit the Peter Cartridge Factory Website for more.
posted December, 2021
Wing Chao MArch ’72 Honored as Disney Legend
Wing Chao MArch ’72 will be honored as a Disney Legend at the annual Disney Expo in August (2019). “The Disney Legends Award is the highest honor we can bestow,” said Bob Iger, Disney Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “It’s a recognition of talent, a celebration of achievement, and an expression of profound gratitude to the remarkable men and women who have made an indelible mark on our company and our creative legacy.”
Chao has worked at Disney for the past 37 years, playing a vital role in designing and developing projects worth more than $12 billion. He served as vice chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts for Asia Pacific Development as well as executive vice president of Walt Disney Imagineering, where he oversaw master planning, architecture, and design.
Established in 1987, the Walt Disney Company has since celebrated 289 Disney Legends. Chao is one of eleven 2019 inductees, alongside Robert Downey Jr., Jon Favreau, James Earl Jones, Bette Midler, Kenny Ortega, Barnette Ricci, Robin Roberts, Diane Sawyer, Ming-Na Wen, and Hans Zimmer.
Photo courtesy of Disney.
posted June, 2019
Joseph E. Brown MLAUD ’72 Receives 2019 LAF Medal from Landscape Architecture Foundation
Joseph E. Brown, FASLA, MLAUD ’72 is the 2019 winner of the LAF Medal from the Landscape Architecture Foundation. The annual award is conferred to a landscape architect for “distinguished work over a career in applying the principles of sustainability to landscapes,” according to the LAF website.
“Professionally, Brown had a significant influence on the discipline of landscape architecture,” writes LAF in its announcement. “As CEO of EDAW, he guided the firm to international prominence and brought landscape architecture to global audiences and scales. When the firm was acquired by AECOM in 2005, his continued leadership brought a landscape architecture perspective to the international multidisciplinary firm thereby providing virtually limitless opportunities to shape the world’s landscapes. Brown’s influence on land stewardship and sustainability has had a profoundly positive impact throughout the world.”
Image courtesy of LAF.
posted March, 2019
In Memoriam: Dick Clark III MArch ’72
Dick Clark III MArch ’72 of Austin, TX, passed away on August 8, 2017, at the age of 72. He was founder and principal of Dick Clark + Associates (formerly Dick Clark Architecture). Clark is known for his numerous designs in the Austin area and around the world, which include restaurants, resorts, hotels, retail, multi-family housing, golf facilities and more than one hundred custom homes.
Photo by Hayden Sprague, courtesy of Dick Clark + Associates.
posted August, 2017
Louis R. Pounders, FAIA, MArch ’72 Releases Children’s Board Book
Louis R. Pounders, FAIA, MArch ’72 has written a children’s board book on architecture entitled Frank, An Architect’s Dog. The book, illustrated by retired architect Terry DeWitt, features ‘Frank,’ a curious golden retriever living with an architect in Memphis. Frank offers his observations on architecture, using a number of structures by Louis R. Pounders and Frank P. Gassner, FAIA, to whom the book is dedicated. Available in bookstores and ANF Architects.
November 2015
posted December, 2016
Louis R. Pounders, FAIA, MArch ’72 Featured in Inside Memphis Business Magazine for Children’s Book
Louis R. Pounders, FAIA, MArch ’72 was featured in the Inside Memphis Business magazine for his children’s board book Frank, An Architect’s Dog. Click here to read the article.
February 2016
posted December, 2016
Louis R. Pounders, FAIA, MArch ’72 receives the 2016 Francis Gassner Award.
Louis R. Pounders, FAIA, MArch ’72 is the recipient of the 2016 Francis Gassner Award. He will be recognized for his outstanding contribution to the architectural fabric of the Memphis community at the AIA Memphis Celebration of Architecture Honors and Awards Gala on Saturday, April 23rd, 2016 at the Tower Center at Clark Tower. The award was established in 1977 to commemorate an extraordinary architect, Francis P. Gassner, who practiced in Memphis from the Fifties until his death in 1977. To continue his legacy of design excellence, of service to the profession, and of leadership to our community, AIA Memphis honors each year an architect or member of a related profession for outstanding contributions to the quality of the built environment in Memphis. Link for more information.
April 2016
posted December, 2016
