Architect Richard Bouillon had a short-lived career as a Modernist designer when he died unexpectedly at the age of 45 in 1973. Born September 27, 1927 in Seattle, he was the son of a well-known mechanical engineer, Lincoln Bouillon. Bouillon graduated from the University of Washington in 1952 with a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture. He received his architectural license on August 20, 1954. He started his own sole proprietorship, Richard Bouillon & Associates in 1959. During this early phase in his career he focused on remodels and retail projects, such as the addition to the University of Washington’s 1909 Engineering Annex (1961), as well as the Plaza of Flags at the Seattle World’s Fair (1962)

For a brief period Bouillon also had a partnership with fellow architect Joseph Williams in 1963-1964. One of Bouillon & William’s most notable projects is the cylindrical-shaped Crescent Apartments in Seattle’s Rainier Valley, which was recognized with an award in 1963 from Practical Builder magazine. Other work by Bouillon includes Lincoln First Savings and Loan in Kent (1963); a unique, u-shape, single-story office complex for the Rudy Simone Construction Company in Seattle’s Mount Baker neighborhood (1964); a B.F. Goodrich Co. Store (1964); Washington Mutual Savings Bank in Renton (1968); and the Totem Lake Mall in Kirkland (1973). His firm was also received a special design citation from the Seattle chapter of the AIA for a fountain and alterations to the University Chevrolet dealership at Northeast 45th Street and Roosevelt Streets (1969, demolished). Bouillon focused on commercial work, and he completed a number of banks, auto showrooms and service facilities, office and retail buildings, warehouses, and shopping centers. In addition, he designed the Park Villa Apartments in Seattle (1964). In 1968 he took on architect Harry Rich as partner, but Rich left in 1972 to start his own firm. After Bouillon’s death, his company continued to operate until 1978, eventually evolving into another Seattle firm, Lance Mueller & Associates.

– Michael C Houser