Perry Johanson

Who was Perry Johanson?

Perry Johanson was a Seattle architect and one of the founders of the architectural firm NBBJ.

Johanson enrolled in the architecture program at the University of Washington in 1929 and graduated in 1934 with a B.Arch. While in school he was particularly influenced by Lionel Pries.

Johanson was initially employed by the Seattle firm Smith & Carroll, but within two years he was a partner in the firm, renamed Smith, Carroll & Johanson; the firm survived until 1951.

In 1943, during World War II, he joined with Floyd Naramore, William J. Bain, and Clifton Brady to form Naramore, Bain, Brady & Johanson to undertake war-related projects. This joint venture worked so well that the partners continued it after 1945. Johanson remained a partner until his death. Today's NBBJ is the successor firm.

Johanson was one of the architects who joined together about 1950 to create the Hilltop community in Bellevue, Washington, a planned residential community of modern homes on large lots.

In 1950-51, Johanson served as the president of the Washington State AIA Chapter. He was named a fellow of the AIA in 1960.