A dearly loved and influential professor and lecturer at the Harvard Graduate School of Design and author, his Boston-based studio Kao Design Group (KDG) focuses on building technologies, sustainable island master planning, conceptual architectural designs, and municipal infrastructure. A passionate researcher, he supported projects globally, but worked primarily in New England, the British Virgin Islands, and the San Francisco Bay Area. He designed numerous island developments and residences, especially in the North Sound, BVI.
A kind and gentle spirit, his style was elemental, organic and closely connected to the land, the views, and the climate. His buildings were influenced by his interests in performance auto and bike racing, boat building and the work of Frank Lloyd Wright as well as a passion for craft, passive technologies and the environment. The son of a minister and school teacher, he was compassionate and cared deeply for the well-being of all peoples. He was most proud of his work for the Green Forest Stewardship in Indonesia, and the Human Needs Project in Kibera (Nairobi, Kenya).
He loved his professional and family life and lived both at full speed, with enthusiasm, joy and humor. He is survived by his beloved wife, Deborah (Debi) Martin Kao and cherished twin daughters, Hannah and Louise Kao, of Marblehead (formally of Brookline); his faithful parents Charles C.L. and Susana S. Kao of Brookline; his devoted in-laws, Ken and Chris Martin, Jeff, Henry, and Sam Martin, Greg, Pernille and Grace Martin all of Marblehead; and scores of treasured aunts, uncles, and cousins from Boston to Beijing and from Toronto to Taiwan.
A service of thanksgiving for the gift of Ken’s life will be held at the Old North Church (35 Washington Street, Marblehead, MA 01945) on Saturday, April 29th, beginning at 10 am. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to one of the charities that meant a great deal to Ken, or to a charity of your own choice. Ken designed the Human Needs Project’s Kibera Town Center (Nairobi, Kenya), a place that empowers against poverty by bringing essential services to residents of the largest urban slum in Africa http://humanneedsproject.org Ken was awestruck by the expertise and moved by the dedication and compassion of the Massachusetts General Hospital oncology nurses. In 2011, these nurses founded Caring for a Cure, a charity that has the goal to ease the journey and uplift the spirits of cancer patients and their families through support, research, resources and connections.
http://www.massgeneral.org/cancer/everydayamazing/caring-for-cure/ Arrangements by Eustis and Cornell of Marblehead. To share a memory of Ken or to offer a condolence to his family, please visit www.eustisandcornellfuneralhome.com
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18