Wendell Lovett

Who is Wendell Lovett?

Wendell Harper Lovett is a Pacific Northwest architect and teacher.

Born and raised in Seattle, Washington, Lovett entered the University of Washington program in architecture in 1940, but his college years were interrupted by wartime service. He graduated from the University of Washington with a B.Arch in 1947. While at Washington he was significantly influenced by Professor Lionel Pries. Lovett attended MIT for one year, studying under Alvar Aalto and receiving his M.Arch. in June 1948. Lovett joined the faculty of architecture at Washington the late 1940s, about the same time he began his private practice of architecture.

Lovett was the designer of many significant Pacific Northwest houses. Most important is the house he designed for Charles Simonyi, in Medina, Washington. Begun in 1987, the house has been expanded twice to Lovett's design. The house not only serves as a residence, but is also designed for display of Simonyi's collection of paintings by Victor Vasarely and Roy Lichtenstein.

Lovett was elected a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects in 1985. He received the AIA Seattle Chapter Medal in 1993.