West Seattle architect George Suyama wins Hall of Fame Award

(Photo courtesy Suyama Peterson Deguchi)
Congratulations to another West Seattleite who recently won a national award: Architect George Suyama, FAIA, honored with the American Institute of Architects magazine Residential Architect‘s Hall of Fame Award, which put him on the cover this fall.

Suyama is a Fauntleroy resident who is principal of Belltown-headquartered Suyama Peterson Deguchi; since he is based downtown, we might have missed news of the award if not for a tip from a WSB reader. The magazine profile (see the online version here, the digitized magazine here) describes him as “known for tranquil houses that blend seamlessly with nature and the land” and details a life story that began with infancy and toddlerhood in the Minidoka internment camp. Suyama opened his architecture practice 42 years ago. In addition to winning myriad awards leading up to being chosen for the Hall of Fame – as detailed in the official announcement – he also has served the community in ways including membership on the Seattle Arts Commission.

burglarbustindad December 1, 2013 (5:14 pm)

Congratulations George!

West Seattle Hipster December 1, 2013 (6:45 pm)

Congratulations sir, well done.

One day December 1, 2013 (7:59 pm)

Wow, gorgeous homes! I know little to nothing about architecture, but had actually spent a good deal of time this holiday weekend learning about the “northwest school” of architects after receiving the blue prints for a house Fred Bassetti designed for my grandparents in 1948. It was interesting to also learn about the influence of Japanese architecture on the design aesthetic of some of his peers during that time period. Looking forward to reading this article. Congratulations Mr. Suyama!

JennyL December 1, 2013 (9:49 pm)

Breathtaking results! Congratulations to Mr. Suyama.

evergreen December 2, 2013 (12:31 am)

I could never afford on personally, but wow, spectacular homes. Perfect for the PNW, too.

anonyme December 2, 2013 (7:05 am)

Mr. Suyama is my favorite architect. Great choice! Congratulations – well deserved.

planenut December 2, 2013 (10:18 am)

A great guy and a great neighbor. Congratulations George.

enviromaven December 2, 2013 (11:39 am)

Congratulations, Mr Suyama! I love your work and often visit the Belltown gallery space.

G December 2, 2013 (1:03 pm)

I understand the desire to to maximize light in the PNW, but increased use of windows can have the unintended consequence of having more opportunity to look at more gray overcast skies. In Japan there are more sunny days in general, even in the winter.

But, aside from that, congrats.