Henry Clyde Hardnett

Personal Life:
Originally from Manchester, GA, Henry Clyde Hardnett passed away on March 25, 2025, in Seattle, WA, the city he called home for forty years. Born to the late Henry Lee Hardnett and Bertha (Giddens) Hardnett, Henry accepted Jesus Christ at an early age. This faith gave him strength and peace as he faced health challenges. Even as his health declined in recent months, his deepest concern remained with those around him, ensuring they felt his unwavering love and care.
He attended Philadelphia public schools, graduating from Dobbins Technical High School (1959). He went on to earn a BA from Cheyney State College (1965), where he played football and was a proud member of the Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity. He later obtained a Bachelor of Architecture from Howard University and a Master of Architecture from Harvard University.
Henry nurtured an artistic spirit into his later years, creating vibrant paintings, which he displayed at home. His infectious laugh will never be forgotten. An avid sports fan, he loved cheering on his teams with loved ones. Just months before his passing, he and his brother, Gilbert watch the Philadelphia Eagles-their hometown team-achieve Super Bowl victory.
Henry is survived by two children, Tshela Dennis (Derrick) & Alan Gregory Hardnett (Sandy); five grandchildren, Kayla & Kellen Dennis, and Kyle, Akira & Lance Gregory Hardnett; brother, Gilbert L. Hardnett (Marva); and a host of family and friends who will honor his legacy of love, creativity, and dedication.
Professional Life:
Henry showed an aptitude in his youth for the arts, which led to a distinguished career as an architect. Teaching was a key focus early in his career. Breaking down barriers, he was the first ever Black teacher at Grady High School, Atlanta, Georgia, where he taught Industrial Arts (1966). After completing his Architecture degrees, he relocated to the Northwest, joining the faculty of Washington State University's Architecture Studies Program. He also partnered with a private architectural firm, leaving his mark through the homes he helped design and construct.
He dedicated the last 30 years of his career to enhancing publicuse architecture, earning the respect and admiration of peers and community leaders alike. These projects brought together planners, architects, and community leaders to achieve remarkable successes of urban design and development. He was instrumental in the design and construction of major U.S. Public Health Service projects, which reshaped communities throughout the Northwest and the U.S. Many rural areas have access to quality and culturally integrated healthcare facilities because of his work with the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Indian Health Service.
Equally significant were his civic contributions. Henry served as Vice Chair of the Seattle Design Commission during pivotal urban policy developments, and as a member of the Holly Park Advisory Board and Steering Committee, where he helped foster consensus among diverse voices. His commitment to education and mentorship continued with his work as a member of the AIA Seattle Diversity Roundtable establishing scholarships to support students of need with their design studies at the University of Washington, and his work developing curricula for the Oregon School of Design.
In 2005, Henry was inducted into the College of Fellows of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), an honor recognizing his exceptional service and commitment to excellence. His civic engagement was further acknowledged with the 2010 AIA Seattle Community Service Award. Henry's legacy endures in the impact he made on the numerous individuals and communities he encountered over many years.
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