Richard Bryant, AIA (1947–2017)

PIVOT Architecture reports some sad news as 2017 draws near its end:

Richard “Dick” Bryant, AIA, a longtime partner of the firm who piloted a number of projects with school districts and was instrumental to PIVOT’s early success, died December 12. He was 70 years old. He retired from the firm in 2003.

In 1974, Dick began his long architectural career in Eugene with William W. Wilson and Associates later growing the company to Wilson, Bryant, Gunderson and Seider Architecture and Planning. Thanks in part to Dick’s leadership, the firm evolved to WBGS Architecture and Planning and became one of the largest architecture firms in the Willamette Valley. The firm changed its name to PIVOT Architecture in 2006.

“Without Dick’s five-year plan for more responsibility and firm ownership, as well as instilling in us the confidence that Dick, Eric Gunderson, and I could be the next generation of firm leaders,” said Bill Seider, FAIA, “our careers would have certainly followed a very different path, and PIVOT Architecture would likely not be the family we are today.”

Among the many projects during his 29-year tenure with the firm, Dick designed Bohemia Elementary School in Cottage Grove and other school buildings in Brookings, Corvallis, Florence, Junction City, and Philomath. He also designed the building for the Boys and Girls Club of Corvallis.

Dick was born and grew up in Portland before moving to Bellevue, WA. He attended the University of Washington and received his Bachelor of Architecture degree in 1970.

Dick was an Oregon-registered architect and gave much to the profession throughout his career. He served as president of the American Institute of Architects Southwestern Oregon chapter on two separate terms, was the president of AIA Oregon, and served for many years on the AIA-OR’s Legislative Committee. After retiring from WBGS in 2003, Dick opened his own small architectural firm in Corvallis, Alta Vista Design.

Dick is survived by his wife Nancy, son Eric, granddaughter Mariah, brother Joe, and sister Kathleen. He will be greatly missed.

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I first enjoyed getting to know Dick when both of us attended the 1990 AIA national convention in Houston, TX. While there he always wore a tie, even to attend the more casual events. He had the remarkable and amusing misfortune to successively ruin several of them during a series of meals at the conference. Since then, he (with or sans tie) and I shared many conversations, typically on the state of local architecture. He regularly read SW Oregon Architect, and would sometimes comment on a post that piqued his interest. I’ll miss his commentary and encouragement.

I happened to meet this past week with former PIVOT principal Eric Gunderson and current PIVOT associate Scott Clarke. According to Eric and Scott, Dick suffered a massive heart attack, ultimately succumbing to its after-effects. The passing of someone you know is always distressing but it’s particularly so when its occurrence is totally unexpected and the person is relatively young.

Rest in peace Dick.