The architecture and academic community in Los Angeles and beyond remembers Norman R. Millar, AIA, Dean of the School of Architecture, who passed away on April 14 due to complications from surgery, following his diagnosis of pancreatic cancer.
We’d like to share the beautiful memories and words that have been published in local and national media by architects and industry professionals who have worked with Millar over the years.
Los Angeles Forum for Architecture and Urban Design
“Norman’s contributions to the LA Forum over the years have helped shape our vision and our path.”
Places Journal
“Norman Millar was a strong and effective academic leader, not only at Woodbury, where he was appointed dean in 1999, but also nationwide, serving recently as president of the Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture.”
Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture
“As ACSA president, Norman advocated for collaboration and equity. He challenged ACSA, and the nation’s major architecture organizations, to seek new models for support of architectural education.”
KCRW DnA
“But through steadfast, quiet commitment, Norman built up Woodbury into a school that felt strong while very different from the others. He grew a body of students that was far more diverse than usual as well as a heavily female faculty, […]”
The Architect’s Newspaper
“As an active practitioner and academic, Millar’s professional interests spanned the gamut of architectural discipline, but dwelt primarily on the issues of critical practice, alternative practice, urban forestry, and everyday urbanism.”
Archinect
“Millar’s legacy extended not only to his pragmatic pedagogy, but his dedication to fostering a culture of warmth and joy among his students.”
AIA California Council
“Millar, Dean of Architecture at Woodbury University in Burbank, was a passionate advocate for the emerging professional and was an an inspiration and mentor to many.”
The American Institute of Architects
The 2016 AIA president, Russell A. Davidson, and EVP/Chief Executive Officer, Robert Ivy, sent a beautiful letter to Woodbury School of Architecture, and with their permission we can share some of their words:
“[Millar’s] many achievements as an administrator, a writer, a gifted teacher, and an engaged citizen architect would seem to be the lifetime work of many men. Yet he did all this and more, including carving out for himself and Woodbury University a leadership role as an advocate for a more open, inclusive profession. Few have done as much, and certainly no one more to bring both the academy and the profession closer together as mutually supportive partners.
Dean Millar’s presence will be missed, but the good, important work of his heart and hands will live on among the faculty, staff, and students of Woodbury’s School of Architecture, and a profession grateful for the privilege of knowing and learning from this remarkable man.”