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In 1955, William Fletcher started a private architectural practice in
his basement. The following year he established an office in a
house near downtown Portland at SW 14th and Columbia, sharing
space with several other architects. So began the firm which is now
Fletcher Farr Ayotte.
One of the bright-eyed young lions of Portland architecture, Bill
soon built a reputation in residential design. In the 1960s Bill’s
work was inspired by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and the
international style of architecture. His houses were based on
strong, clear geometries and rational floor plans. Ninety degree
angles were the rule, made beautiful through graceful proportions
and a masterful use of materials.
But Bill was also true to his Northwest roots and his early homes
show a respectful relationship with the landscape and deft
sensitivity to capturing the often elusive light of the cloudy
Northwest climate.
Along with established designers such as John Yeon and Pietro
Belluschi, Bill helped shape a regional Northwest vernacular style
of architecture using indigenous materials and forms echoing the
landscape and traditional building types. Constructed primarily of
wood and cognizant of Scandinavian design, his houses rest
comfortably in their settings, an integral part of nature.
He brought this same aesthetic and design integrity to commercial
projects as his practice expanded into multifamily housing, banks
and office buildings.
Bill was an artist and a lifelong advocate for local art. One of his
key contributions to architecture was his fruitful collaboration
with many of the regions best sculptors and painters. His house
was full of art and often full of artists, engaging in a dialogue and
inquiry into the nature of art and life. He melded art and
architecture on projects such as the Rex Hill Winery, which
features a signature sculpture done by Lee Kelly.
As Bill’s work evolved it became more fluid. He continued to
explore regionalism and the use of indigenous materials and
construction techniques. But he was also willing to join his clients
in finding an architectural vocabulary that matched their
individual tastes and temperament.
His late work is as varied as his clients, from the modernist Eaves
residence to the elegant and classic Mark residence. Throughout
his career Bill paid careful attention to even the smallest details
of his projects. Every aspect of his buildings was organized and
thought out, working together to create a harmonious whole.
Bill was actively involved in his projects until the day before his
death. He completed the design for the Rigby Residence, a master
piece on the Willamette River, in the last months of his life.
Bill was a true gentleman and passionate about architecture. His
spirit continues to inspire the work of the firm that he founded
more than 40 years ago. We miss him.
About the Architect: Bill Fletcher (1925-1998)
Special thanks to Fletcher Farr Ayote for providing Bill’s bio