Architects Larry Hoeksema and Bill Magnuson
NewSchool of Architecture & Design, 9:30 AM
1249 F Street, San Diego, Downtown
Many of the landmarks you see in San Diego were designed by Mosher Drew, a company that’s celebrating its 70th anniversary. The names Robert Mosher and Roy Drew are familiar ones. These two young architects opened a La Jolla office in 1948. Their approach to architecture and design followed a humanistic philosophy that continues today. The longevity of the firm stems from establishing a strong client base, building long-term relationships with clients for repeat and referral business, and actively working with civic groups and community leaders. They committed to remaining small enough to provide personalized service and remain loyal to their design aesthetic.
Roy Drew passed away in 2004 and Robert Mosher died in 2015. Mosher was active in the community until his death. He gave talks to architectural and civic groups. Friends of San Diego Architecture (FSDA) was delighted when Mosher agreed to a dialogue with Keith York in 2012. The press was always happy to seek his opinions on such projects as lighting on the Coronado Bridge or the future of Qualcomm Stadium.
Our lecture this month will be shared by two Mosher Drew architects, Larry Hoeksema and Bill Magnuson. Hoeksema will talk about the legacy of the firm. Larry joined the firm in 1979 and is a Principal/Owner. Although retired, he is still very much involved with the firm and is very active in the architectural community and many civic organizations. He is a past president of San Diego Architectural Foundation, a past president of AIA San Diego, and is on the Advisory Council of San Diego Youth Symphony and Conservatory.
Bill Magnuson, President and one of the Principals of Mosher Drew, has been a practicing architect for 34 years and with Mosher Drew for over twenty years. He shares responsibilities with Principals Ben Meza, Ed Holakiewicz, and Senior Associate Eric Soldau. Along with the normal management duties, Bill is mentoring the next generation of leaders and leading the Higher Education Studio. Magnuson will be talking about the firm’s projects and its plans to embrace a collaborative approach to solving problems, to continue with excellence in design, and to take a project-centric approach to design opportunities.
Flashback: This picture was taken when Larry Hoeksema was President of San Diego AIA Chapter. He presented FSDA founder Harriet Gill, with a very special award, Honorary Membership in AIA San Diego.
