John P. Schooley

SCHOOLEY John P. Schooley, FAIA, age 80, a lifelong resident of Upper Arlington, passed away peacefully with family at his side Saturday, February 7, 2009. During a career in architecture that spanned more than 50 years, John was Chairman Emeritus of Schooley Caldwell Associates (SCA), a firm of architects, engineers, planners, interior designers, and landscape architects founded in 1944 in Columbus, Oh. He was born March 16, 1928 in Zanesville, Oh., son of John Palmer Sr. and Mary Louise (Roberts) Schooley. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Barbara, in 2005. John is survived and will be dearly missed by his children and grandchildren, Palmer and Merry Schooley and their daughter, Livia June of Houston, Tex., Lauren and Rusty Schuermann and their daughters, Emilee and Hadley, and Webster and Elizabeth Schooley and their daughters, Grace and Laine, all of Upper Arlington; as well as his brother, Thomas Roberts Schooley, his wife Nance; and a multitude of close friends and associates. John was a 1946 graduate of Upper Arlington High School and received a Bachelor of Architecture degree from The Ohio State University in 1951, where he was a member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. Subsequent service in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers led him to Texas, where he met Barbara June Heffner. Soon after, they both became residents of Columbus and began a wonderful and fruitful life together. John joined his father in the practice of architecture and proceeded to lead the firm through the completion of hundreds of commissions in both the United States and abroad, resulting in SCA receiving the American Institute of Architects Ohio Firm Gold Medal. He was also proud to have enlisted Barbara's talents as the firm's first interior designer. He served as President of AIA Ohio, AIA Columbus, the AIA Ohio Foundation and the AIA Columbus Foundation, and his contributions to the profession and his community were recognized with the AIA Ohio Gold Medal, the Professional Achievement Award of the OSU Alumni Association, and elevation to the College of Fellows of the AIA. His significant record of achievement is also recognized through numerous local, regional and national awards for design excellence. Some noteworthy projects include the Columbus Cultural Arts Center, the Upper Arlington Municipal Services Center, Lincoln and Morrill Towers and Hitchcock Hall at OSU, the United States Consulate in Lahore, Pakistan, the U.S. Information Service Building in Calcutta, India, the Gilligan Complex at the Ohio Expositions Center, Ohio Veterans Plaza and the Ohio Statehouse Restoration and new Capital Atrium. In addition to helping shape and define the built environment, he was responsible for several publications that promote architecture to the public. His enthusiasm for architecture and art infused his creative photography, for which he won several national awards. John and Barbara were ardent supporters of the arts community in Columbus, and particularly the Columbus Museum of Art, so he took extraordinary pleasure in the creation of the Son of Heaven: Imperial Arts of China exhibition. John also served on the Board of the Greater Columbus Arts Council. John and Barbara Schooley traveled the world extensively and energetically, sometimes exchanging experiences with architects of other countries, often sharing great fun with their children and a loyal band of lifelong friends. John was a great friend and inspiration to many, and a true gentleman. Family will receive friends at a tribute to John Schooley and reception from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, February 11, 2009 in the Atrium of the Ohio Statehouse. Tribute program to begin at 6 p.m. with reception to follow. In lieu of flowers friends may honor John with a contribution to the charity of their choice, in his name. Arrangements by SCHOEDINGER NORTHWEST CHAPEL, 1740 Zollinger Road. Visit www.schoedinger.com to send condolences to the family.