Donald Perry Polsky FAIA (September 30, 1928 – January 3, 2021) was an American architect noted for his mid-century modern style. He brought California modern style to the Midwest. Polsky is also credited with being a pioneer of the design-build concept.[2]

Donald Perry Polsky
Born(1928-09-30)September 30, 1928
DiedJanuary 3, 2021 (aged 92)

Life and work

edit

Polsky was born on September 30, 1928, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and grew up in Lincoln, Nebraska. He graduated from the University of Nebraska College of Engineering and Architecture (now College of Architecture) with a BA in 1951.[3]

Polsky served in the United States Air Force from 1951 to 1953. Upon discharge, he wished to work for the best practicing architect in the world. From 1953 to 1956, Polsky served as job captain for the renowned Richard Neutra.

In 1956, Polsky started his own firm. In 1962, his design for the Oceano Apartments in Santa Barbara, California, won honorable mention award from the AIA, Life and House & Home magazines.[4]

In 2002, he was awarded the Harry F. Cunningham Gold Medal for Architectural Excellence in the State of Nebraska from the Nebraska Chapter of the American Institute of Architects. The following year, Polsky was elevated to fellowship in the AIA, one of the highest honors bestowed upon architects, as fewer than 2% of those registered with the AIA attain the rank.[5]

In 2014, Polsky was awarded the Distinguished Alumni Award for Excellence in Architecture by the University of Nebraska College of Architecture.[6]

He died from COVID-19 and pneumonia during the COVID-19 pandemic in California.[7]

References

edit
  1. ^ "Donald Polsky". Legacy.com. January 4, 2021. Retrieved February 13, 2021.
  2. ^ "Donald Polsky 1928 - 2021". Omaha World-Herald. Retrieved January 12, 2021.
  3. ^ "The AIA Historical Directory of American Architects - 1962 American Architects Directory". Archived from the original on February 21, 2010. Retrieved January 21, 2010.
  4. ^ "The AIA Historical Directory of American Architects - 1970 American Architects Directory". Archived from the original on February 18, 2010. Retrieved January 21, 2010.
  5. ^ "Architectural Record | Building Architecture, House Design & Products".
  6. ^ "年賀状を出すのは礼儀?【ハガキ辞典!】". Archived from the original on November 29, 2014. Retrieved November 19, 2014.
  7. ^ Donald Polsky