University of Washington Honors Lee Copeland

Date Posted: 02.09.2017

The University of Washington (UW) Department of Architecture has honored Mithun consulting principal Lee Copeland, FAIA with the Distinguished Alumni Award.

This award recognizes alumni of the UW Department of Architecture whose career achievements in the profession of architecture, as well as in the broader community, have made a significant contribution to the built environment of the Puget Sound region and beyond. Recipients are individuals who have had a distinguished career as evidenced in the excellence of their built work, the significance of their impact on the community, and the generosity of their commitment to the education of architects. This is the inaugural year of the biennial awards program.

A nationally recognized architect and urban designer, Lee has been responsible for influencing and shaping campuses and civic places throughout the country. A former dean and professor of architecture and urban planning at the University of Pennsylvania and University of Washington, he shaped the core curriculum for urban designers as powerful organizational leaders. Lee received the 2001 AIA/ACSA Topaz Medallion for his outstanding contributions to architectural education, and recently published a book entitled Place.

Lee’s insightful work ripples across the nation, honoring cities and inhabitants as they live, learn and thrive. He has led the creation of numerous master plans for institutions including Duke University and the University of Washington, as well urban areas including Seattle’s Denny Regrade Plan (now Belltown), Seattle Civic Center Plan and the Lloyd Crossing Sustainable Urban Design Plan. He has also designed many residences in the Pacific Northwest.

Lee and fellow Distinguished Alumni Award honoree Steven Holl will be celebrated at the Alumni Awards Event on April 1, 2017.