In Remembrance: Reagan W. George, FAIA

Reagan began his journey in Ardmore, OK in 1935 and moved to Dallas not long after. He graduated from Texas A&M University in 1959 with a Bachelor of Architecture. After graduation, he served in the Army, and then he and his wife Shirley moved to New York, where he began his career. After three years in NYC, they traveled extensively in Europe, studying historical and post-WWII architecture. His career extended from his first job at Tabler Architects in NYC, to founding partner of The Architects Partnership, to principal with HOK and LAN/Leo A. Daly Architects and Engineers. His list of architectural project types included hotel/hospitality, corporate, resort, higher education, civic, correctional, shopping, transportation, and resident camps. His architectural career was structured around developing and supporting his enclave of long-standing friendships and mentoring colleagues while delivering on his client's imaginations. Reagan prided himself in always giving back to those who supported him and in his service to the AIA.

After returning to Dallas in the early 1960’s, long before today’s emphasis on environmental sustainability, Reagan initiated the AIA Dallas Environmental Awareness Committee to foster environmental education among teachers and students in the Dallas area. The highly successful program received an AIA commendation and began his commitment to the quality of our environment. He was elevated to the AIA College of Fellows in 1982. A recipient of the AIA Dallas Lifetime Achievement Award in 2009, Reagan held numerous civic and professional positions including AIA Dallas president, where he provided oversight of AlA National's 1978 convention in Dallas. Additionally, he served as vice president of the Texas Society of Architects, president of the Greater Dallas Planning Council, and chair of Dallas’ Urban Design Task Force. In 2011, he was recognized and honored by Texas A&M College of Architecture’s Outstanding Alumni program. In 2013, Reagan received Texas Society of Architects’ Llewellyn W. Pitts, FAIA Medal for Lifetime Achievement, which is awarded to a member in recognition of a lifetime of distinguished leadership and dedication to architecture, the profession, and to the community.

Reagan George retired in 1999 from an active professional and community service life in Dallas and continued to practice in his busy one-man office near Willow City, Texas, where he and his wife lived in a house he designed.

As colleague Vel Hawes, FAIA wrote upon Reagan’s Outstanding Alumni nomination, he “epitomized community service and service to his profession and was a mentor to students and graduates, early environmentalist, and an accomplished designer.” Family, friends, colleagues, and clients don't think about the awards, recognition, or buildings he designed, but how their lives are richer just knowing Reagan George. Donations can be made in his name to the Texas A&M Foundation Corps of Cadets/Aggie Band or to the Willow City Volunteer Fire and Rescue.