Henry Amis Mann

Despite significant accomplishments and recognition for his work as an architect and a generous member of the community, Henry insisted that what meant most to him in this life was his family. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Blair Ison Mann; his daughters, Lindsey Eloise Mann (Taz Elkasrawy); Elizabeth Blair Mann (PX Head); and sons, John Warren (Nicole) and Bill Warren (Margaret). His four beloved grandsons also survive him: Robert Henry Warren, Charlie Warren, Jack Warren and Henry Head. Additionally, he is survived by his brother, Charles Mann (Tonie) of Newnan, and their children: Annette Burns (Buddy), David Mann (Louise), Charles Mann (Ellen) and their children—Matthew, McCullough, Henry Hays, and Branch Burns; and William, Carter, McCullough, Henry and Charlie Mann. Blair’s sisters, nieces and nephews and their children will also miss Henry dearly.

Henry was born on February 10, 1942, the second son of Charles and Eloise Amis Mann in McDonough, where he developed a strong sense of Christian faith, family, and responsibility that stayed with him throughout his life. He was proudly educated in the public schools of McDonough and Henry County. He was a graduate of Oxford College, Emory University (1964) and Georgia Tech University (1969) where he earned his architecture degree. His liberal arts education informed the thoughtful, human-centered approach that defined both his professional and personal life.

Henry began his career as a young apprentice in an Atlanta architecture firm. After several years, in 1977, he and four partners began their own practice, Nix, Mann, and Associates, specializing in hospital design. Weathering ups and downs and with the help of many supportive clients and friends, they grew the firm successfully, and in 1995, they were acquired by the Chicago/New York firm, Perkins & Will.

Henry was subsequently named president and CEO of the combined firms which he and his partners grew from the original 300 employees in three offices to an international firm with over 1200 employees in 14 cities in Asia, North America, and Europe. Thus, Perkins & Will enjoys an enduring legacy of a vibrant, international practice for all the employees. His career was marked by design excellence, mentorship, and a deep belief in the importance of personal relationships and the responsibility to serve people and communities.

Throughout his life, Henry was known for his humility and humor. Gregarious and friendly by nature, he created a true sense of partnership and fellowship from top to bottom in the firm and with clients. There were a lot of laughs mixed in with serious work. He also engendered respect for and between employees, including an impressive number of women architects. He was able to maintain his core values even in a much larger corporate environment.

Henry served his community as Chairman of the Board of the Atlanta Mission, the Gwinnett Hospital Foundation, and his universities: chairman and board member of the Oxford College Board of Counselors, the Winship Cancer Center and the Carlos Museum, all three part of Emory University. He and Blair have endowed fellowships at Oxford College, the Carlos Museum and the Georgia Tech School of Architecture. Henry was the recipient of the Emory Medal, the university’s highest alumni award, and the Ivan Allen Award for community service. He was a devoted member of First Presbyterian Church and a longtime member of the Piedmont Driving Club.

Henry and Blair are grateful to the late Dr. Hanna Jean Khoury and the extraordinary staff of Emory’s Winship Cancer Center for their outstanding care. Traveling to Germany in 2019, they personally extended their thanks to Martina Nieholf of Breman, who donated her bone marrow for his transplant in 2013. They are affectionately grateful to the many friends and family members who have supported them through this 15-years long journey, and for the extra years to enjoy and love them.

Henry will be remembered as the loving and devoted patriarch of his family, a loyal and raucous friend to many, a respected business leader, and a man of integrity whose work ethic and character left a lasting impact on all those who knew him.

A memorial service to celebrate Henry’s life will be held at First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta, 1328 Peachtree Street, on Wednesday, March 4 at 3pm. A reception at the Piedmont Driving Club will follow the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Atlanta Mission, 2353 Bolton Road, NW, Atlanta, GA 30318 or atlantamission.org.