Dorman D. Anderson

Dorman D. ANDERSON May 6, 1939 - March 4, 2006 Reflecting on his youth, Dorm often expressed his feeling that he had grown up in the best of times, and he regularly paid tribute to his family and other special people who mentored and encouraged him as he matured. In later years, he kept in touch with those who had enriched his life. In turn he is now remembered by younger associates as a model for their own personal and professional development and civic advocacy. Fellow architects relate that Dorm's engaging nature and commitment to excellence created an environment that brought out the best in people. Born in Colfax, Washington, Dorm grew up in Pullman and stayed to complete his architectural engineering degree at WSU. While still an undergraduate, he met fellow student Sandy Stafford and they were married in 1961. Dorm's first three years of architectural practice were in the Chicago office of Mies van der Rohe, and his experience of working with Mies spawned many stories and lessons. He completed his masters degree in architecture at Illinois Institute of Technology, then returned to WSU to teach for the next seven years. He departed a tenured position on WSU's architecture faculty to join the staff at NBBJ, where he practiced from 1974 until his retirement in 2002. During the years in Seattle, he earned an executive MBA degree from the University of Washington. Always true to his "Cougar" roots, however, he was a strong supporter of WSU, serving on WSU Foundation's board of trustees, and maintaining lifelong friendships from bonds formed during his WSU days. In Seattle, Dorm's career expanded to encompass major clients and significant structures around the world. Key local projects as a principal at NBBJ include Seattle's new Federal Courthouse, Two Union Square, Market Place Tower, Merrill Place, and the rehabilitation of the Four Seasons Olympic Hotel. Dorm was elected to the American Institute of Architects (AIA) College of Fellows in 1992. Election to the College is an honor that recognizes achievements of national significance in advancing the profession. Highlights of Dorm's civic involvement include Rotary Club of Seattle (past board member), Seattle Rotary Mariners (past commodore), Design Review Board for Downtown Seattle, AIA Seattle (chapter president), Pioneer Square Historic Preservation Board (past chair), Seattle Architectural Foundation (past treasurer), Downtown Seattle Association, Seattle Yacht Club, and Rainier Club. Dorm and Sandy shared a love of sailing, and together they enjoyed many adventures in the fabulous cruising areas of the Pacific Northwest U.S. and Canada, as well as a memorable expedition sailing in New Zealand. Besides his wife, Sandy, Dorm is survived by their daughters, Diane Anderson (Doug Keyes) and Valerie Poag (Derek Poag) and grandchildren, Aselya and Emma Keyes and Ethan Poag; and by his sisters, Bonnie Rodger (Bill Rodger) and Jeanne Card (Frank Card).