Jan K. Gleason

Jan K. GLEASON 12/13/1948 ~ 1/6/2010 Jan died at home early Wednesday surrounded by loved ones. Born in New York City, Jan was the third child of William and Arleeta Gleason and grew up in Port Chester, N.Y., high school class of 1966. Jan earned a BA degree in social science from Cornell University, and a Master's degree in Architecture from the University of Washington in 1981-she referred to herself as a "social worker in 3 dimensions." She apprenticed at TRA and Hewitt Daly from 1976-1982, before founding Gleason & Associates. She was only the 64th woman licensed as an architect in Washington State. Her firm was a leader in the design of affordable housing projects (Archdiocesan Housing Authority, Community House, LATCH, El Centro de la Raza.) and child care centers (Seattle Times, Fred Hutchison, Catholic Community Services, Harborview Medical Center). Jan went on to design over 50 child care centers, becoming a national authority in the field, and serving on numerous advisory boards for development standards. In 1998 Jan merged her firm with Environmental Works, becoming Executive Director of the Seattle community design center established to make quality design available to under-served populations. Jan's practice experience, professional reputation, and design acumen have advanced the importance of EW as one of the nation's most respected community design centers, and helped bring value and awareness to the profession's community service mission. Because of her values and commitment to the communities and clients she served, Jan was honored as a Fellow by the American Institute of Architects in 2006, a fitting testament to her years of work and service. Jan was a place maker and a people supporter. Her work in the community and her support of the architectural field will be remembered for generations. Jan retired in December, 2008. Capable, accomplished and gracious, Jan's life interests were varied and her talents endless. She played competitive soccer for thirty years, and was a cellist in the Cascade Symphony for 28 years. She was a weaver, a world traveler, and accomplished cook for her myriad dinner guests. Along with her partner, Ron Hand, Jan traveled to Nepal, Turkey, Europe, South America, and was threatening to take Ron to Africa and the Amazon River when cancer intervened. In addition to Ron, Jan is survived by brothers William, John (Beverly) and three nieces (Megan, Greta, & Ella). Donations can be made to WHEEL-Homeless Remembrance Project, POB 2548, Seattle 98111 or online at homelessproject.org. A Celebration of Jan's life is pending.