EDUCATION
As an introduction, I may be the oldest architectural student enrolled in the College of Art & Architecture’s Graduate School.I graduated with “an Accredited Professional degree in Architecture” back in 1975. In those days, it was common for architecture colleges to offer a five (5) year B’Arch.
From 1979-1980, I taught a syllabus Design Studio for the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada ( MRAIC .) In the mid nineties, saw a return to a collegial environment, attending classes at Flathead Valley Community College. In 2013, I was accepted into the University of Idaho’s College of Art & Architecture’s Graduate School, with an emphasis on Architectural Science. My focus concerns Architectural Creative theory & appreciation in historical context. Much of this has been inspired by John Rawlings, Head of Flathead Valley Community College’s Art Department and Semester Abroad program. I have invested a portion of a recent winter in Venice’s Dorosiduro’s Sestiere, exploring this influential Renaissance city.
LICENSURE & ACCREDITATION
Alberta (1979) Idaho (1982) NCARB (1986) Montana (1986)
WORK
During college, I apprenticed in Boise, Idaho. Prior to graduation, I accepted a position with Bittorf, Holland, & Christiansen, in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, beginning my apprenticeship. I practised in Alberta through 1983. In Edmonton, I taught Architectural Design for one winter in the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada’s Syllabus Program. My expertise in Historical Renovation lead to funding, by the Province of Alberta of the educational film, The Class of 1912. My role was to write the grant application, produce and advise the production company.
With the collapse of the first Canadian Oil Boom of the early eighties, found relocation back to the States – working in Northwest Montana and the Pacific Northwest.
An architect is only as good as those whom either taught, or apprenticed under. Prior to establishing my practise, I apprenticed under, or worked with the following:
Tom Wilson AIA, Bob Bush AIA, Theodore Pritchard FAIA, Paul L Blanton FAIA, Don Bittorf FRAIC (late,) Mickey Holland MRAIC (late,) w Brian Edwards RIBA, MRAIC, Robert Bouey FRAIC, Howard Bouey FRAIC, Derek Haight FRAIC, Brian Eldred FRAIC, Fred Bassetti FAIA (late,) Phillip Norton AIA, Ibsen Nelsen FAIA (late,) George Suyama FAIA, Ric Petersen AIA
Since 1986, I have maintained a private practise in Montana and Idaho.
AWARDS
1978 Bryant Residence
City of Edmonton Design Award
1978 Bryant Residence
Province of Alberta Design Award
1979 Athabasca Hall Renovation UofA
Gabrielle Legere National Heritage Medal
1981 Liberal Arts Building Renovation UofA
Gabrielle Legere National Heritage Medal
1982 Class of 1912
Heritage Canada Grant for educational film
on Historic Renovation
1985 Museum of Flight, Seattle, WA
AIA Regional Design Award
1990 Pastime Bar Renovation, Kalispell, MT
Regional Arts Award in Architecture
1993 West Glacier Train Depot Renovation, W. Glacier, MT
Regional Arts Award in Architecture
(Note – With the exception of the latter Montana projects,all former
projects were projects worked on while with other firms )
PUBLICATIONS
Sunset Magazine Western Living Magazine Seattle Times
Edmonton Herald Calgary Tribune Architecture
Kalispell Daily Interlake Whitefish Pilot Hungry Horse News
( none of these are ‘pay to play’)
PERSONAL
I have lived in Whitefish, Montana since 1985. Married, I lost my wife due to am automobile accident. I have raised our two children – Koben, 27 yrs & Lenna, 24 yrs. I have also graduated two foreign exchange students – Carl,German, 28 yrs & Ida, Norwegian, 25 yrs
My personal interests include, and are not limited to cross country skiing, hiking, building kayaks. I have been involved with numerous civic and community organizations.I have served on the Whitefish City Council, the Whitefish City County Planning Board, and am current chairman of the Whitefish City Government review Commission.
Over the past twenty five years, much time has been invested traveling abroad. This exposure to other cultures, their architecture and its setting within historical context provide much of the basis for thesis interests.
ken williams architect 