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Austin Kelly Obituary

January 29, 1966 - April 12, 2015 George Lafayette Austin Kelly III, known as Austin, passed away on April 12, 2015, in Los Angeles, California after a brief illness. The cause of death was cancer. He was 49 years old. Born in Boston, Massachusetts, Austin Kelly was a graduate of the Taft School and Williams College, and received his Master of Architecture degree from Yale University. After working for several years in the design offices of Frank Israel, Frank Gehry, Eric Owen Moss, and DMJM/Keating, he and his design partner Monika Haefelfinger founded their firm, XTEN Architecture in 2000. In its fifteen years under Austin's and Monika's direction, XTEN Architecture has become known for buildings of striking beauty, deeply integrated into their natural setting, that have won numerous national and international awards and have been published in books and exhibited in museums around the world. Among the best known projects are the Openhouse, Madisonhouse and Nakahouse, which Architectural Record (cover, 2012) chose as one of only nine " Record Houses of the Year" selected internationally for advancing the discipline of architecture and which was included in the New Sculpturalism exhibition at the Los Angeles Museum of Contemporary Art (2013). Austin is also remembered for his extraordinarily generous, kind nature and his mentorship of young architects, both within their firm and in the design studios he taught at the Southern California Institute of Architecture and the University of Southern California. Architectural design was his life's passion, surpassed only by his love for and dedication to his wife and children. He was also a voracious reader; a lover of art, music and soccer; and a caring and loyal friend. He is survived by his wife Monika; his children, Prescott and Nita; his parents, Prescott Kelly and Judith Paine McBrien; his stepparents, Pamela Kelly and Vincent McBrien; his sister Samantha Kelly and her family and his stepbrothers, Matthew Raffety and Andrew McBrien and their families. A Memorial Service will take place on Saturday, May 16th at 1PM at All Saints Church, 504 North Camden Drive, Beverly Hills, CA. In lieu of flowers, tax deductible donations may be made to: MD Anderson/Dr. Miland Javle Research in memory of Austin Kelly, P.O. Box 4486, Houston, TX 77210-4486.

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Published by Los Angeles Times on Apr. 24, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Austin Kelly

Sponsored by His Loving Family.

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Katrina Gilbert Millard

April 22, 2025

Thinking of Austin and his family. Remembering how lucky I was to have been his friend in our early years. If Austin's kids are ever more curious about the fun we all had in out teens - please reach out! Sending love.

Stephen Troyer

April 19, 2025

I will be seeing many of our rugby pals in a couple weeks for an anniversary gathering of alumni. You will be missed but I will remember you amongst our friends. I trust the Corvair is working well for you these days.

Catherine Eaton Coakley

April 18, 2025

Thank you for the remembrance. It is good to remember, and condolences to the Kelly Family
Catherine Eaton Coakley

Mark Huffman

April 18, 2024

I think about Austin all the time and am so sad we lost him way too early. One of the most remarkable people I've ever met. But it's reassuring to know the buildings he designed stand as indisputable testimony to his boundless creativity and genius.

Zelda Thomas Curti

May 17, 2015

All I can say is I remember your laugh Austin and your smile, and that is everlasting.

Teresa Gacnik

May 14, 2015

May Austin's light continue to shine through his beautiful children, lovely family and those touched by his life.
Love,
Teresa Treviño Gacnik and Family

Teresa Gacnik

May 14, 2015

Dearest Monika,
Our love is with you in this time of grief...and always.
Our deepest sympathy.
Teresa Treviño Gacnik and Family

May 14, 2015

Talent is a "Rare" gift..!
Clearly, a unique ability to balance family, profession and life in such a productive life - too short!!
Alberto & Dolores Treviño + family - Laguna Beach, California

Scott Hunter

May 11, 2015

Austin was a smart, funny and self effacing gentleman scholar. I had the pleasure of working side by side with him years ago when we were young architects just starting out- A true talent and great guy. He will be missed.

Patricia Pfitsch

May 9, 2015

I'm so sorry for your loss--my thoughts are with you during this time of grief and remembering.

Kristi Holl

May 9, 2015

Prescott and Pam, I was so sorry to hear about your deep loss. I can't imagine anything more difficult. Both of you, plus Austin's wife and children, are in my prayers.

Mary Ryan

May 9, 2015

My prayers are with you all in this time of sorrow.

John Stassen

May 8, 2015

We are stricken and heartbroken for you and your family, Judith. What an amazing and brilliant person your lovely son was. We send all our love and deepest condolences.
Sara and John Stassen

Vijaya Bodach

May 7, 2015

Our prayers are with you and all your family. Requiescat in pace.

Mary Blount Christian

May 7, 2015

With sadness in my heart for his wife and children and for his parents. I can think of no greater loss for loved ones. May memories of the goodness and wonder of his life overshadow the pain of loss.

Katrina Millard

May 7, 2015

I am so, so sad to hear this news of Austin. My thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues. Austin and I were also close friends during our high school years. I always could depend on him to be game to go to a concert or other adventure during our long summer and vacation breaks from boarding school. He was full of enthusiasm for life - friendship, culture, travel and intellectual pursuits - you name it. From what I can see Austin continued to apply this same energy and creativity to his career and "grown-up" life. We miss you Austin!

Adam Kimberly

May 6, 2015

Having shared time with Austin in Watertown and Williamstown, I now wish I had taken that time to get to know him better than I did. I recall clearly that he saw people and the world through his own creative lens, and his path since records his inspiration to pursue that vision. A reminder for us. Beth and I send prayers to his family.

Amani Martin

May 5, 2015

I was a friend and soccer teammate of Austin's in high school (Taft), and I wanted to convey my deep sadness to hear of his passing. He was a great friend in high school, and reading about his successes in his professional and personal life, I see their remarkable alignment with the clearly stated goals he'd expressed when we were teens. He was a fun, highly intelligent, compassionate and focused young man who'd set his sights on becoming a top architect. My deepest condolences to his family.

Nils D Christoffersen

May 3, 2015

Following the shock and waves of sadness following the phone call I received with the news of Austin's passing, I've enjoyed the memory of our time together at Williams and on the rugby pitch. As I reviewed his and Monika's work at XTEN, I was warmed by the creative passion and core values evident in their work. I take comfort in the hope that his spirit and compassion will live on in his work, Monika's future projects, and the lives of their children. Love and prayers to all of you. Peace.

Steve Troyer

May 2, 2015

I played rugby with Austin @ Williams. He was one of a kind, always blazing new trail. Happy trails Austin

Claude Eshaghian

May 2, 2015

I'm so saddened to hear of this loss. Austin was a great inspiration to me. As a coworker I will always remember his cool and composed demeanor even in moments of great stress. More than anyone, he led me to choose Yale as a place to study architecture and continued to inspire me with the great work produced by Xten. I will think of him often as I pass by the Kim Sing theatre almost daily. My deepest condolences to all those close to him.

May 2, 2015

Our deepest condolences at this time.
Jon and Suki Paine Pocatello, Idaho

Dana Reed

May 2, 2015

Austin was a kind and influential member of our Architecture class at Yale. His death is a great loss. Wishing you love and comfort in this difficult time.

Tim Geisler

May 2, 2015

Deepest condolences to the family. Austin was an inspiration to me -- insightful, industrious, sensitive and creative. I thought of him often over the years.

Lisa Tenerowicz

May 1, 2015

As Austin's Williams classmate, I am deeply saddened by the loss of such a talented and warm man, though I feel fortunate to have shared my Williams years with him. My thoughts and prayers are with his family during this most difficult time.

Michael Stern

April 29, 2015

So sad. Such a talent and what a wonderful and gracious person he was. I can only imagine what he would have accomplished, but luckily we have the built work through which his rich legacy will live on. He is missed...

Travis Tarr

April 29, 2015

Austin, you and Monika provided me a great summer position so many years ago, for which I will always be thankful. Your example as a quality boss (for lack of a better word) and as a design collaborator with Monika has remained with me over the years. Thank you for helping set my path as a professional.

Ryan Hines

April 29, 2015

Condolences to Austin's family and friends.

Don Dimster

April 29, 2015

Incredible loss, Austin, you will be very missed. I regret not spending more time together, it always was an enrichment to be in your presence.

Jack Gillis

April 28, 2015

Austin was a great friend and teammate at Williams. I enjoyed wonderful times with him in Williamstown, Greece and New Orleans among other spots. I will always remember him as a kind and thoughtful friend who went out of his way to befriend others. It is no surprise he became such an accomplished architect as well as a great mentor to many. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.

April 28, 2015

With prayers and condolences for Austin's family. May his soul rest in peace. In a short life, he gave so much love and joy to all those who knew him. God bless, Sr. Theresa Lee (Williams'88)

Annie Cordova

April 27, 2015

What a tremendous talent, and a terrible loss. I will remember his incredible creativity & work ethic, and genuine warmth.

Mark Huffman

April 27, 2015

Austin was a pivotal figure in my Williams College experience. I've never met anyone remotely like him, as that's not even remotely possible. I'll never understand that level of creativity and genius.

Chris Oldham

April 27, 2015

Austin was tremendous fun to be around, but unlike many of us he always had a plan. Despite this terrible loss, it's good to know that his plan manifested itself in a lifelong passion for his work and love for his family. The world was a brighter and more interesting place for his presence in it.

Bill Mead

April 27, 2015

Creative, thoughtful, courageous on the pitch. Austin always added something to a gathering. May the Lord give his family strength.

Mac Hines

April 27, 2015

As a classmate of Austin's, I have always remembered his obvious talent and kindness to those of us with a lot less of it. I pray for his family and thank God for having Austin in my life at Williams College

Tal Klein

April 27, 2015

I am so saddened to learn i won't have another chance to share in Austin's mischievous smile and see the bright twinkle in his eyes. My condolences to Austin's Family. So grateful our paths crossed at Williams.

Esu Anahata

April 27, 2015

Austin always impressed me with his creativity, professionalism and sense of humor. His work will endure, a testament to the gifts he shared with us all. Our hearts go out to his family.

Jeannie Abts

April 26, 2015

We knew Austin as a warm and handsome man and friend and a wonderful husband and father. It is such a devastating loss that this young, talented, contributing man and father would be taken so soon. I am so very sorry and send my love and prayers to and for Moni, Prescott, and Nita and their whole family.

Bill Hilty

April 26, 2015

Vibrant, creative, genuine. I am stunned and saddened by this news. I will miss you and send thoughts of strength to Monika and progeny.

April 26, 2015

Heartfelt condolences to Austin's family. God Bless. J.R. Robinson (Williams '88)

Russell Werkman

April 26, 2015

I remember Austin for his dashingly mischievous smile and love of Corvairs. I admire the way he put his artistry into his work. My heart goes out to Austin's family.

Catherine Eaton Coakley

April 26, 2015

Sincere condolences from an Eph classmate. My thoughts are with Austin's family during this difficult time.

Kristina Loock

April 25, 2015

Grace, amazing energy and intelligence - your spirit was an inspiration - always!

April 25, 2015

All of us at Minotti Los Angeles are shocked and saddened to hear of the loss of such a talented man. More than his obvious talent,Austin was a kind, genuine and good person. He will be greatly missed and we are so glad to hear his vision will carry on through Monika and the X-Ten team.
Our thoughts are with you all.
Minotti Los Angeles.

Kevan Jenson

April 25, 2015

We remember a wonderful man with a big heart and a great eye. Our deepest sympathies to Monika, his children and his family. With love, Maria and Kevan Jenson

Philip Dumican

April 24, 2015

Rest in peace my friend,i will miss you

Laurent Opman

April 24, 2015

May God bless you and your entire family and may the grief in time turn into joyful memories of a wonderful human being. With much love from the Opman family.

Deborah Charlup

April 24, 2015

Jerry and I are sorry we didn't get to meet this obviously beautiful man who was blessed in so many ways. Words are inadequate to express our sorrow for your loss. All our love.

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