Draft:Ron Wright (architect)

Ron Wright (born 1960) is an American architect and the founding principal of the Seattle-based firm Ron Wright and Associates / Architects. His career has focused primarily on historic preservation and projects that contribute to the health and social well-being of the community. His advocacy for increased access to behavioral health services has been recognized as directly benefiting underserved populations. Wright and his work have received numerous honors and awards.

Early life and education

Born in Cupertino, CA in 1960, Wright graduated from the University of Virginia in 1982 with a bachelor’s degree in architecture. He subsequently earned a Master of Architecture from the University of Washington in 1987.

Wright’s aunt, Frances Dodson Rhome served as the first Affirmative Action Officer at Indiana University and as a tireless advocate for equal rights. An influential figure in his early life, Rhome inspired Wright’s later conscientiousness towards supporting the continued professional advancement of new architects.

Career

Early in his career, Wright worked for several firms, including ARC Architects, Elaine Day LaTourelle & Associates, and KSA Group Architects. In 1994, he established Ron Wright and Associates/Architects PS.

Historic Preservation

Wright’s contribution to historic preservation in the Pacific Northwest is well-documented. In Seattle’s Pioneer Square Historic Preservation District, he has worked on several structures and buildings. Notably, he was the project architect for the restoration of the iconic Pioneer Square Pergola after a semi-truck collided with it in 2001. The structure is on the National Register of Historic Places and had been badly damaged in the incident before being extensively repaired in 2002. Other historic renovation projects he has led in and near the neighborhood include 619 Western Building, Moses Building, Washington Shoe Company Building, Union Station (Seattle), the Washington Street Boat Landing Pergola, and The Sanctuary, formerly the First United Methodist Church.

In 2021, Wright’s firm was retained to restore the Dickman Mill Headsaw & Carriage in Tacoma, Washington. The last remaining “head saw” in Washington, the historic piece of lumber equipment had been returned to the waterfront park to commemorate the Dickman Lumber Mill, which operated from the 1890s until 1974.

Wright was also pivotal in a long-awaited rehabilitation of the historic Saint Edward Seminary in Kenmore, Washington. The abandoned building fell into disrepair after the closing of the seminary in 1976. The building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2007. Wright served as the project architect for the transformation of the building into a high-end hotel, which opened in 2021. The project included the preservation of many of the structure’s historic elements, including interior layout and fixtures.

Community-Focused Architecture

Wright’s architectural work has contributed to the expansion of affordable housing and housing for individuals in need of behavioral health services in the Pacific Northwest.

In 2007, Wright designed the Shirley Bridge Bungalows, a cottage development serving persons with HIV/AIDS. The award-winning architecture took a creative approach to housing residents. With a goal to create a homelike environment in a setting meant to foster interaction, six cottages were organized around a central area, and included other specific amenities to engender an exceptionally healthy environment for individuals and their families.

Wright and his firm are frequently sought after for their specific expertise in the design and development of behavioral health facilities and multi-family projects. These have focused on serving individuals and families with special needs, including housing for low-income populations, housing for persons who receive services from mental health agencies, and housing for older adults and disabled populations.

Advocacy

Ron Wright and Associates/Architects was the designated lead proponent for the adoption of R-4 Group Occupancy for 16-bed facilities in the State of Washington. The legislation was adopted in June of 2023 as part of the adoption of the 2021 Washington State Building Codes.

Recognition and awards

Wright is the recipient of numerous architectural awards.

• Michelin Guide: Our Most Exciting New Hotels, The Lodge at Saint Edwards, 2023
• 23 Best Pacific Northwest Resorts, Emerald Palate, The Lodge at Saint Edwards, 2023
• American Society of Landscape Architects, Washington State Chapter, Award of Honor, Dickman Mill Headsaw, 2022
• Washington Recreation & Park Association (WRPA) Spotlight Award for excellence in facility design and construction, Dickman Mill Headsaw, 2022
• Tacoma Landmarks Preservation Commission Historic Preservation Award for Outstanding Achievement in Partnerships in Preservation, Dickman Mill Headsaw, 2022
• Historic Seattle Beth Chave Award for Best Preservation Project, The Lodge at Saint Edwards, 2021
• NAIOP Washington Chapter Hospitality Development of the Year, The Lodge at Saint Edwards, 2021
• ENR Northwest Award of Merit for Renovation, The Lodge at Saint Edwards, 2021
• Washington State Historic Preservation Officer’s Valerie Sivinski Award for Outstanding Historic Rehabilitation, The Lodge at Saint Edwards, 2021
• Historic Seattle Preserving Neighborhood Character Award, Washington Street Pergola, 2019
• NAIOP Washington Chapter Best New Hospitality Venue, The Sanctuary, 2018
• National Trust Historic Preservation Award, Washington Hall, 2017
• Historic Seattle Exemplary Stewardship Award, The Sanctuary, 2017
• Historic Seattle Preserving Community Award, Washington Hall, 2016
• AIA National Housing Award for Special Housing, Shirley Bridge Bungalows, 2007
• Washington State Historic Preservation Officers Valerie Sivinski Award for Outstanding Historic Rehabilitation, Pioneer Square Pergola, 2003
• National Trust for Historic Preservation Award, Union Station, 2000