Peter Edwards

Santa Barbara Architect Peter Edwards was born in Oxnard Ca. Aug. 1, 1924 to William Edwards and Josephine Edwards. He grew up with his siblings William, Chuck, Alice and Diana and was schooled in Santa Barbara, where he remained his entire life. His eye for design was nurtured by his father, founder of the architectural firm Edwards and Plunket. As a child, Peter would accompany his father on construction sites of commercial buildings such as the Fox Arlington Theater, and the Mediterranean style homes that characterized the Edwards and Plunket style.

Peter had a lifetime love for music which began when he played the clarinet in his high school big band "The Star Dusters", and continued into his later years playing the baritone sax with various ensembles including "The Ojai Big Band".

After graduating high school in 1942, Peter was drafted at the age of 18 to serve in WWII. He joined the 10th Mountain Division, which trained in the snowy mountains of Colorado. Peter fought in Italy and as a sergeant, lead his mortar squad up the Po Valley. With his comrades by his side, he showed his aptitude for leadership, and all 7 of the men under his command returned home. He received the Bronze Star for bravery, and a Purple Heart after being wounded on the battle field. He spoke little about his time at war.

In 1944 Peter was discharged from service, studied agriculture for a short time at Cal Poly, and then moved to Santa Barbara College of the University of California (UCSB) to pursue his true passion, art and design. During his student years he returned to Europe where he bicycled with his cousin Pat Butler an adventure that led to a life long love of travel. After studying art in Mexico City, he returned home to begin his career as a designer and architect. In 1949 Peter married Erika Weber, and they had 5 children Heidi Josephine (b. 1952), Peter Ross (b. 1954). Jeffrey Kem (b. 1956), Annamarie (b. 1958), and Anthony Charles (b. 1962). He designed and built a home for the family on Las Tunas Road. He worked briefly for his father at Edwards and Plunket, and his father-in-law's firm Kem Weber Designs, before beginning his own business.

Peter Edwards and John Pitman became partners in 1957 and started their highly successful firm, Edwards and Pitman. After locating their offices on Canon Perdido St., the company moved to the present location on De La Guerra St., where the business continues. The firm is responsible for such landmarks as the Tennis Club of Santa Barbara, the Bank of Montecito, the Natural History Sea Center, the Fess Parker Santa Barbara Double Tree, in addition to scores of beautiful homes in the Santa Barbara area.

The 1960's and 70's saw the always active Edwards family sailing, swimming, playing tennis skiing, backpacking and fly-fishing in the Sierras. The family sailed to the Channel Islands, traveled through Europe in a VW van, and explored many parts of Mexico. Peter loved the natural beauty of the granite rocks of Yosemite, and the shores of Ca. where he would gather mussels. His life long love for the oceans and mountains led to another great passion, collecting paintings and drawings of Ca. land and seascapes. Peter and Erika divorced in 1986.

In 1989, Peter married his long time friend and love, Shirley Smalley. For nearly 30 years, they led an active and happy life together. They hosted parties and family reunions at the "cabana" on Padaro Lane, played mixed doubles tennis, followed by pot luck dinners. His characteristic sense of humor and wit was always present. He enjoyed BBQing, gardening, picking and curing olives, and playing and listening to the big band music he always loved. A devoted supporter of the Mediterranean style of design and beauty of Santa Barbara Peter served on many boards throughout his career to maintain the architectural integrity of the city he loved. He was a member of the Architectural Board of Review, Historic Landmarks Committee, trustee for the Museum of Natural History, and a trustee for Santa Barbara Heritage.

Peter passed away peacefully, at home on January 15th, 2018 surrounded by his children, wife Shirley, stepdaughter Judy Darbyshire, and his beloved dog Abby.

He is survived by his wife Shirley, children Heidi Matthews (Bill), Peter Edwards (Barbara), Jeff Edwards (Liz), Anni Atkinson (Bert), Anthony Edwards, stepchildren Judy Darbyshire (Brian), Rick Smalley and many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews, sisters Alice Edwards and Diana Palmer and especially nephew Bill Edwards (Jessica).

The family wishes to extend heartfelt thanks to the Assisted Hospice Care group and to care giver Isreal and his team. A private service is being planned. Anyone wishing to make a donation in Peter's honor may contribute to the Nature Conservancy.