-By Stacy Straczynski

Architect Bruce J. Graham, FAIA died in his sleep at his Hobe Sound, Fl. home on Saturday (March 6). The Bogota, Colombia-born American Institute of Architects (AIA) Fellow was 84 years old.

During his prestigious career, Graham served from 1951 to 1989 as a senior design director and general partner for San Francisco-based Skidmore, Owings, and Merrill (SOM), where he managed design for the John Hancock Center (1970) and the Sears Tower (1974), which was once the tallest building in the world. Both buildings were Chicago’s first 100-story towers. His work, which encompasses an international scale with projects in Hong Kong, London, and Cairo, gained him the distinction among his colleagues as one of the leading influencers of the modern era of architecture.

A true inspiration to the industry, Graham firmly believed that architecture could bring a sense of pride to a city and that architecture encompassed more than a building’s set function. As such he was once quoted as saying, "It would be difficult to say with words or music what I feel I can say best with building.” Additionally, Graham committed himself to a mission in collaboration, establishing vital connections between architecture and engineering that proved pivotal in positioning SOM for the success it has today.

Graham was also an active member in the design community, serving as president of the Chicago Central Area Committee, a trustee of the Art Institute of Chicago, a trustee of the Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago, and a member of the board of trustees and chairman of the board of overseers for the Graduate School of Fine Arts of the University of Pennsylvania. He was named to Fellow of the American Institute of Architects, and was a member of the Royal Institute of British Architects and the Architectural Institute of Canada.

Graham is survived by his son George, two daughters (Lisa Graham Langlade-Demoyen and Mara Graham Dworsky), and six grandchildren. His wife of 34 years, Jane Abend Graham, previously passed away in 2004. A private funeral will be held, as well as a memorial service in Chicago.