Burr Richards

Richards, Burr

(1917 – 1996)

Born on December 20, 1917 in Spokane, Burr Richards grew up in the city…   received his formal architectural training at the University of Washington, graduating in 1940. Upon graduation he enlisted in 1941. Richards served in the Naval Reserve rising to the rank of Lieutenant Commander. After being discharged in 1946, Burr took a job working as a draftsman for architect G.A. Pehrson in Spokane, but shortly thereafter moved to Seattle and began working for the firm of Young & Richardson (1946-1947).

Further experience was gained by working for the architectural firm of Bain, Overturf & Turner (1948-1950), and Robert Durham & Assoc. (1950-52).

With experience at hand, in 1952 Richards formed a short-lived partnership with Barnard Carmin (1952-1958). Notable projects during the partnership include the Roy Miller House (1956) on Mercer Island; and the MacRae House (1958) in Bellevue.

Richards became known for his high-end, custom homes. Notable projects include the Campbell/Foss House (1960) in Medina; the Henry Isaacson Sr. House in the Highlands (1970); a remodel of the Roy Taylor House on Bainbridge Island (1963); and the Lindley House (1970) on Hunts Point.

Many of his designs were featured in Sunset Idea books of the 1950s through 1970s. In fact, the MacRae House (1957) and his own home (1958) were featured several times in Sunset Magazine.

Others projects include office for Scandinavian Airlines System (1957); the St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Medina (1958); an addition for the IBM Building in Seattle (1959); the Watson Clinic (1958) in Bremerton; and an office building for A.H. Lundberg (1956) on Mercer Island, the Ravena House Apartments (1967) in Seattle; and the 101 Meydenbauer Condominiums (1975) in Bellevue.

Richards was active in the local chapter of the AIA and served as their chapter secretary in 1965.

Richards passed away in Bellevue on July 12, 1996.

– Michael C Houser

 

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