JOHN AMES STEFFIAN

1933 - 2022

STEFFIAN, John Ames (1933-2022) Renowned American architect, educator, mentor, and father, died Tuesday, August 2, 2022. Born in Cambridge, MA, John was the eldest son of Edwin T. Steffian and Lovina F. Smith, brother of Peter Steffian. He went to the Browne & Nichols School, Cambridge, MA, Dublin School, Dublin, NH, and earned a B.Arch. from the University of Pennsylvania,1957. He earned a M. Arch. in Urban Design from Harvard Graduate School of Design and joined the faculty of the MIT School of Arch. John evolved into a visionary leader, Chairman, and Dean. He transformed architecture programs at the University of Miami and the University of Maryland into independent schools. In private practice, he founded the award winning firm, Aragon Associated Architects. In 1990, he served as President Pro-Tem of the Boston Architectural Center and then Dean at the Rhode Island School Design. Alongside his wife, Sarah, John was dedicated to community integrity, working with New London Landmarks and New London Maritime Society Museum. Together, they fought for the rights of homeowners against eminent domain, culminating in the supreme court lawsuit Kelo v. City of New London. A deeply thoughtful and convivial leader, John encouraged collegiality in all settings. He leaves a powerful legacy among generations of students and colleagues imbued with his humble and respectful vision of an architecture and urbanism. John was preceded in death by his wife, Sarah (1931-2017). He is survived by his son, John Ames, Jr. of Waterford, CT; daughter, Emily Steffian of Providence, RI; and grandchildren Charlotte and Sarah Steffian, Moses Kamil; Sister-in-Law, Beth Steffian of Brunswick, ME. Services will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the following funds: The University of Miami John Ames Steffian Scholarship Fund, The John and Sarah Steffian Fellowship Fund at the University of Maryland, and The John and Sarah Steffian Fund at the Dublin School.

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