John Covert Watson

1929 - 2024

John Covert Watson, creative and innovative organic architect, died on December 28th in the unique home in West Lake Hills that he designed and lived in for over half a century. He was born on February 21th, 1929, the son of Eleanor Covert and Arthur Pope Watson, grandson of architect, Arthur Osborn Watson. He grew up in Austin and attended the University of Texas Architecture School before deciding to apply to the Talesin Fellowship of Frank Lloyd Wright in Scottsdale, Arizona. He interned with Mr. Wright for 4 years, 1956 - 1959, an experience that shaped his vision and gave him the tools to flourish as a practitioner of organic architecture which relies on forms found in nature for inspiration. His body of work includes assisting Aaron Green in the development of the Marin County Civic Center working, with Mr. Wright on the Guggenheim Muesem in New York City, designing Colony Catherine near Amarillo in the Palo Duro Canyon, many single family homes in Austin and Santa Fe, New Mexico and, more recently, creating the Retreat at Lick Creek in the Texas hill country. In 1974 he bought 26 acres of highly sensitive canyon land and founded Westcave Preserve, near Hamilton's Pool, a non-profit that continues to flourish and welcomes visitors year round. An elegant man of wit and good humor, he enjoyed travel, fine cuisine and good conversation. He loved life and enjoyed the creation of culinary feasts for his lucky guests almost as much as he enjoyed creating the homes in which they lived.

John is survived by his daughter, Kate Watson Toth, her husband, Vance and son Lucas, his son Boyd Watson, and his life partner, Nancy Wilson Scanlan, as well as many friends and colleagues. Following a brief memorial service at All Saints Episcopal Church, he will be interred in the Watson family plot in the Oakwood Cemetery in Austin.