Lawrence Wood "Chip" Robert IV

Chip was a proud graduate of Georgia Tech and the University of Virginia, earning his undergraduate degree in engineering and his business degree, respectively. Chip always valued education, often saying ‘it is something that no one can take away from you.’ After graduating from Georgia Tech, he served in the U.S. Navy from 1960 to 1962 as an officer on the destroyer, USS Decatur (DD-936). He loved telling stories about the Navy and the impact it had on his life.

Chip spent 10 years working on Wall Street in finance before returning to Atlanta to lead Robert & Company, an international architecture and engineering firm started by his grandfather in 1917. Under his leadership, the firm was instrumental in building airports around the world, municipal projects throughout the Southeast, and numerous U.S. hospitals. In Atlanta, the firm contributed to the building of the Atlanta airport and Zoo Atlanta, and designed many buildings at Georgia Tech and Emory University.

In 2006, Chip retired to his favorite place, Highlands, NC, where he enjoyed playing the piano, photographing the beautiful flowers, hiking with the dogs, and spending evenings at the large dining room table over good food, wine, and conversation, with friends and family gathered around.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Susan Robert; loving daughters Birney Robert and Georgia (Robert) Parmelee; Georgia’s husband Michael Parmelee; his granddaughter, Alma Parmelee; Birney’s fiancé, Alexis Turjman; and his dear aunt, “Aunt” Birney Robert. He will be truly missed by all that knew him.

Services will be held at Sacred Heart Basilica on December 4, 2025, at 2 p.m. with reception to follow.