Dear Rice Colleagues,
I am writing to you with the sad news that Douglas Oliver, who served as a professor in the practice of architecture for nearly 30 years, died on June 12 at the age of 63.
Douglas had taught design studios at Rice since 1997. In addition to his position at Rice, he was the national design director for Huitt-Zollars. His professional work received 24 blind peer-reviewed design awards, including a Progressive Architecture Design Award for the Childs-Echols House in Houston.
Douglas was as devoted to his students as he was to his craft. Alumna Jacki Schaefer, who graduated from Rice with a bachelor’s in architecture in 2007, recalled how Douglas’ “approachable blend of intelligence, irreverence and practical knowledge made him a favorite among students and faculty.”
His students and colleagues treasured his approachability, insight, talent and kindness. He was an outstanding architect who left his mark on the city, and I am grateful for the nearly three decades of his life that he dedicated to teaching and inspiring the next generation of architects.
Douglas graduated from Texas A&M University and Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design, where he earned a Master of Architecture degree with distinction and a commendation for achievement in design. While at Harvard, he received a traveling fellowship from the SOM Foundation to study the work of Alvar Aalto, a Finnish architect and designer. I invite you to read more about Douglas and his work in Rice News.
A celebration of life will be held Monday, June 19, from 5 to 6 p.m. at Brookside Funeral Home-Cypress Creek, 9149 Highway 6 North, in Houston.
Warm regards,
Amy