Philip Johnson today, at 98, officially announces his retirement from architectural practice and his firm Philip Johnson/Alan Ritchie Architects.
Press Release Source: Philip Johnson/Alan Ritchie Architects

Architectural Icon Philip Johnson Retires from Philip Johnson/Alan Ritchie Architects
Thursday October 7, 9:01 am ET

NEW CANAAN, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 7, 2004--Philip Johnson/Alan Ritchie Architects: Philip Johnson, who turned 98 in July, announced he is withdrawing from the architectural practice of Philip Johnson/Alan Ritchie Architects (PJAR). The firm will continue to operate under the leadership of his long-time partner and collaborator, Alan Ritchie. Ritchie intends to integrate his own design capabilities with an experienced staff and young design talent to pursue Johnson's philosophy and design excellence for which the firm has long been respected.

Twentieth Century architectural icon, Philip Johnson, who recently turned 98, announced from his famous Glass House in New Canaan, Connecticut, that he is withdrawing from architectural practice and from his firm, Philip Johnson/Alan Ritchie Architects.

"I am leaving the firm in good hands to my partner of 10 years and design collaborator for over 27, Alan Ritchie, who will continue our quality and design excellence," Johnson said. "Alan is now representing me, and I am confident he will continue the legacy of Philip Johnson/Alan Ritchie Architects."

"We will miss Philip, but we are fortunate the firm is stronger than ever," Alan Ritchie said. "Philip and I have created a firm steeped in Philip's design philosophy, and one that integrates influences from me, an experienced design staff, several who have worked with us for well over 10 years, and new design talent capable of exciting architecture."

Known for his wit, flair for performance, creativity, and ability to integrate what is best in architecture, Philip Johnson is retiring after 60 years in practice. He continued to work in the New York office until last fall, reporting like clockwork Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, and more recently maintaining a vocal presence from his home in New Canaan.

"Philip has said he hopes to be remembered for his lifelong passions for architecture and art history and for his constant desire for change," Ritchie said. "The public, fellow architects, students of architecture, and architecture critics will, no doubt, sculpt his epitaph in frank and eloquent terms."

The Philip Johnson/Alan Ritchie Architects (PJAR) website is www.pjar.com .

Contact:
Philip Johnson/Alan Ritchie Architects, New Canaan
Alan Ritchie, 212-319-5880

Source: Philip Johnson/Alan Ritchie Architects