Adding to the obituary by colleague George Baird, a group of early colleagues?and lifelong friends?pay tribute to the memory of architect Barry Sampson, who passed away on December 5, 2020.
Joost Bakker, Bruce Kuwabara, Donald McKay and John van Nostrand were classmates with Barry at the University of Toronto’s school of architecture in the late 1960s. Upon graduation, they approached George Baird to work at his then-solo practice. They would remain close for many years, even as each pursued their own paths of practice.
At John van Nostrand’s invitation, each has offered a tribute to Barry Sampson. Here are their words.
The Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory. Photo by Richard Seck
Barry Sampson, the architect _ by Bruce Kuwabara From 1967?the year I met Barry as a first-year architecture student at the University of Toronto?to the last conversation I had with him in November 2020,  he was the same person: deeply thoughtful, gently humorous, friendly, and courageous. His family has lost a loving partner and a father, while the world of design and education has lost a remarkable, ethical and creative architect and teacher.
As an architect of distinction throughout his life, Barry embraced and mastered a comprehensive,  critical approach to architecture, landscape, interiors, integrated sustainability, and teaching.  If you speak with his clients, colleagues, and students, you will get a sense of one of the best architects and educators of any generation.
The ...