John Ames Steffian

1933 - 2022

Waterford - John Ames Steffian (1933-2022), renowned American architect, educator, mentor and father passed away Tuesday, Aug. 2, 2022. Born in Cambridge, Mass., the eldest son of Boston architect Edwin T. Steffian and Lovina F. Smith, and brother of Peter Steffian, he attended the Browne & Nichols School, Cambridge, Mass., and graduated from the Dublin School, Dublin, N.H., where he became a competitive downhill skier. He received a Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Pennsylvania in 1957, under architect Louis I. Kahn; and following graduation, he interned with Venturi, Cope and Lippincott in Philadelphia (1961-1962) before joining his father's firm, E. T. Steffian, Associates (1962-1964). He joined the staff of the Boston Redevelopment Authority (1964-1966) before earning a M. Arch. in urban design from the Harvard Graduate School of Design in 1967. He served as guest lecturer at the Harvard School of Public Health (1970-1980) and on the faculty of the MIT School of Architecture (1967 - 1975), culminating in an associate professorship. In collaboration with H. Camino and JFC Turner, associate professor, he published "Urban Dwelling Environments: An Elementary Survey of Settlements for the Study of Design Determinants" (MIT Press, 1969).

Following two years of private practice, John joined the faculty as full professor in the Department of Architecture at the University of Miami School of Engineering in 1977. He became chairman in 1979, launching his career as an adept administrator and academic visionary. John brought a passion for the study of architecture and urban design, establishing study abroad and visiting critics programs that continue today. Culminating his tenure there, he transformed the program in the School of Engineering into an independent professional School of Architecture. Furthering his aim to put academics into practice, he founded the award-winning firm of Aragon Associated Architects with two former students in Coral Gables, Fla., where he continued to support students beyond the classroom. Recruited to the deanship of the School of Architecture at the University of Maryland in (1983-1990), John guided the School to independence from a department within the Division of Arts and Humanities. He shepherded the Master of Architecture program into full accreditation, implemented a "Career Discovery Program," and fostered relationships between the school and other institutions to further develop student programs both locally and abroad. In 1990, he served as president pro-tem of the Boston Architectural Center (1990-1991) and dean at the Rhode Island School Design (1992-1995); and in semi-retirement, taught architecture and design at Connecticut College. Continually seeking new opportunities to bring talent and education together, he sponsored a collaborative studio in New London, between Vincent Scully, then at Yale University, and University of Miami; a foundation for Catherine Lynn and Vincent Scully's decades-long appointments at the University of Miami. John was dedicated to advancing the appreciation for historic architecture and the integrity of community neighborhoods. Alongside his wife Sarah Steffian, he helped found the Coalition to Save the Fort Trumbull Neighborhood in New London, which fought for the rights of homeowners against eminent domain. Their efforts culminated in the supreme court lawsuit Kelo v. City of New London, 545 U.S. 469 (2005). John continued community advocacy work with New London Landmarks and the New London Maritime Society Museum.

A deeply thoughtful and convivial leader, John encouraged collegiality in all settings. He leaves a powerful legacy among generations of students and colleagues imbued with his vision of an architecture and urbanism notable for the humility and respect John believed we all owe one another.

John was preceded in death by his wife Sarah (1931-2017) and is survived by his son, UM School of Architecture alumnus, John Ames Jr., of Waterford; daughter Emily Steffian, of Providence, R.I.; and grandchildren, Charlotte and Sarah Steffian and Moses K.

The family has requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to support John's vision through funds he established during his lifetime: The University of Miami John Ames Steffian Scholarship Fund, The John and Sarah Steffian Fellowship Fund at the University of Maryland, and The John and Sarah Steffian Fund at the Dublin School in Dublin, N.H., supporting salaries and professional development of faculty and staff.