An Architectural Trajectory

Thursday, November 15, 2012

5:00 p.m.
Bernie Dallas Room, Goodell Building, UMass Amherst

Acclaimed architect Patrick Tighe ’89 discusses the role of innovation and inquiry in his work and award-winning firm, Patrick Tighe Architecture of Santa Monica, California. Listen to Tighe describing the way he combines new technologies, fabrication methods, construction techniques and building materials to yield relevant, forward-thinking structures.

Patrick Tighe is the principal and lead designer of Patrick Tighe Architectureof Santa Monica, California. Based on the belief that architecture has the capacity to help shape one’s experience in this world, the firm is committed to creating authentic, contemporary architecture informed by technology, sustainability and building innovation.

Since its inception, Patrick Tighe Architecture has realized a strong and diverse body of projects that include city- developed, affordable housing; mixed-use projects, civic art; installations, commercial buildings and private residences. The firm has produced over 30 buildings within the culturally diverse communities of greater Los Angeles and nationwide. Projects are now in development in Morocco, Asia and the Middle East.

In 2011, Tighe designed a site-specific, robotically fabricated installation entitled “Out of Memory” for the Southern California Institute of Architecture Gallery. The piece, an experience at the convergence of sound, form, material, light and technology was internationally recognized and awarded the 2011 American Architecture Award and 2012 National American Institute of Architects Award.

Tighe has also been recognized with the Mercedes T. Bass Rome Prize in Architecture, the American Institute of Architect’s Young Architect Award and the 40 under 40 Award. He is a Fellow of the American Academy and The MacDowell Colony and was elevated into the College of Fellows of the American Institute of Architects, the highest honor bestowed by the American Institute of Architects.

Tighe earned his bachelor of fine arts degree from UMass Amherst before attending the University of California, Los Angeles for his master of architecture degree.

Prior to establishing Tighe Architecture, Tighe worked in the office of Frank Gehry and was an associate at Morphosis. He has had teaching appointments at the University of California, Los Angeles and at the University of Southern California, and has been on the faculty at Southern California Institute of Architecture since 2007.

Projects by Patrick Tighe Architecture have appeared in Architectural Record, Architectural Digest, The LA Times Magazine, Interior Design, LA Architect, Form and Newsweek. The work has also been included in numerous architectural book compilations including The Power of Pro Bono (2010) and latest edition of The Phaidon Atlas of Contemporary World Architecture.