Remembering Russ
BRS is heartbroken to share that co-founder of Barker Rinker Seacat Architecture Russ Seacat passed away on Thursday, June 20th, at the age of 85. Russ, a University of Kansas grad, was in the Navy for four years before working in architecture. He got his start at Anderson Barker Rinker, which became ABR Partnership when he joined the partnership. In 1975, he founded Barker Rinker Seacat Architecture with Ron Rinker and Don Barker.
Russ with the Russmobile
A self-described realist, Russ took on the financials of the firm, was a great planner on projects and promoted a family culture in the office. Russ’ philosophy was “You do not have to get rich, but you must do a good job always.” Russ was known to post a Seacat’s Quote of the Day on the office bulletin board and gave “Pig of the Week” awards for the messiest desk (usually with a strong note to clean it up). Russ mentored many young architects in his time at the firm, which often included a round of golf.
The Children's Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus
Russ collected as much background as possible before starting a project and was a big believer in crit sessions. Some of his favorite projects were the Children’s Museum of Denver, Koelbel Library in Arapahoe County and the Emporia Public Library in his hometown of Emporia, Kansas. Work with the Archdiocesan Housing Committee, which focused on unhoused and low-income housing, was an important element to the practice during that time.
Koelbel Library (Arapahoe Libraries)
Russ was proud of the group practice he and his fellow partners built and the vibrant culture that continues today. Russ retired to Hawaii in 2002 and moved to San Luis Obispo, California in 2005. Our thoughts are with his wife Sumi and family. We will miss our friend and colleague!
Russ with the founding partners at the BRS 40th Anniversary dinner in 2015
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