Phillip Lee Jacobson

Phillip Jacobson was a prominent Seattle architect and university professor. He was born in Santa Monica, California in 1928. In the early 1940s, he and his family moved to Seattle. After graduating from Highline High School in 1946, he served in the U.S. Army 24th Infantry Division in the occupation of Japan. In Japan, he developed an interest in architecture and was enthralled with indigenous Japanese folk art and crafts. In 1952, he received a Bachelor’s Degree in Architectural Engineering, with honors, from Washington State University, and then, with a Fulbright Grant, he studied urban design and planning in England at the University of Liverpool.

At WSU, while on a blind-date, he met his future wife, Effie. Phil and Effie were married for 64 years. She was his soulmate, his steadfast supporter and a valued contributor to his many efforts. They had three children, and enjoyed living in North Seattle and taking family vacations.

Phil was awarded a Fulbright Grant for study in Finland for the 1968–1969 academic year. Phil, Effie, and their two children at the time, enjoyed a very memorable year living in Tapiola, Finland. They made Finnish friends, enjoyed saunas, and learned how to cross-country ski, all while Phil earned his Master of Architecture degree from the Finnish Institute of Technology in Helsinki.

An energetic professional who loved his work, Phil managed two full-time jobs simultaneously in both architectural practice and teaching for 30 years.

Early in his career, he worked for an architectural firm in Seattle headed by Steve Richardson. He also worked at John Carl Warnecke’s firm in San Francisco during the late 1950s. Richardson persuaded Phil to return to Seattle to rejoin his firm, later known as TRA. Phil eventually became a partner at TRA. He served as Design Director for his last 20 years, retiring in 1992. He was part of many notable projects including: The Washington State Convention and Trade Center (Seattle), buildings within the State of Washington Capitol Campus (Olympia), King County Aquatics Center (Federal Way), Albuquerque International Airport, Sealaska Corporation Headquarters (Juneau), and buildings on the UW and WSU campuses.

During his teaching career at the University of Washington, he served in the Department of Architecture from 1962 to 2000. A dedicated professor, he offered design studios to over a thousand students and guided over 150 Master’s theses.

In addition to his practice and teaching, he was involved in product design including furniture, lighting fixtures, and jewelry as published in Elegant Explorations (University of Washington Press). He also enjoyed photography, sailing, and golf.

Civic involvements included board memberships with Pilchuck Glass School, Seattle Landmark Preservation Board, and Northwest Trek Foundation. He also served as the president of the Washington State Council of Architects.

His personal honors include: Knight First Class of the Order of the White Rose from the Government of Finland, the Silver Award from the Finnish Association of Architects, American Institute of Architects Fellowship, and Seattle Chapter AIA Medal of Honor.

After he retired from practicing architecture, Phil and Effie enjoyed traveling. They also lived abroad as temporary residents in Rome, Tokyo, Stockholm, Copenhagen, and Sydney, Australia, where Phil had teaching appointments.

He was a “Man for All Seasons,” someone who was always true to his principles; a man of moral strength and integrity.

Later in life, Phil was a devoted caregiver to Effie during her final years. Their marriage was beautiful to behold and left an indelible impression on their children and grandchildren.

Phil was also very committed to his grandchildren. They relished spending time with him regularly. Grandpa “Jake” was a central figure in each of their lives, imparting much wisdom, inspiration, and encouragement. Time spent with him was treasured. He was delighted when he was able to welcome his granddaughter-in-law into the family.

He was predeceased by his father Allen Jacobson, his mother Greta Jacobson, his brother Allen Jacobson Jr., his son Erik Jacobson, and his wife Effie Jacobson.

He is survived by his son Rolf (wife Mary), his daughter Christina Lynn (husband Dale), a nephew and niece, six grandchildren, and one granddaughter-in-law.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to the University of Washington School of Architecture Scholarship Fund, or to a favorite charity.

Private memorial services will be held.