Robert Sawyer Biography
Robert Sawyer is a distinguished architect, visionary designer, and accomplished musician with a career that spans both the creative and technical realms of architecture and music. With a strong focus on ergonomic sustainability and site-specific design, his architectural work is known for blending functionality with beauty, creating spaces that resonate on both an aesthetic and human level.
Robert’s career in architecture began with a foundation in the iconic Frank Lloyd Wright Studio Foundation, and from there, he built an impressive body of work that includes notable commercial designs such as the LA Furniture Mart with John Ruhlen and Bruce Becket, AT&T Conferencing Centers, and the AVDAA Dealer Auto Auction in Santa Clarita. Alongside Kenneth Boisseau and Wilson Carter, Robert was instrumental in creating award-winning residential communities, such as Bryan Woods in Garner, NC, Avondale Terrace, and Tamarack on the Lake.
His deep involvement in the design and construction process extends to a hands-on approach that combines over 40 years of architectural experience with 19 apprenticeships in all construction trades. This comprehensive knowledge has helped him complete over 1,100 housing units, and his designs have ranged from complex airport projects, including the Raleigh-Durham RL-23R (the largest project in North Carolina's history), to high-end custom homes and recording studios for major artists and labels.
In addition to his architectural work, Robert is a recognized leader in the industry. He founded Architectural Business Magazine and has served as the President of the Board of Directors and Publisher. He is also a prominent figure in industry organizations, including the American Institute of Architects, the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences (N.A.R.A.S.), and Music West, Inc. He has earned numerous awards, including the Presidential Gold Medal of Lifetime Achievement in 2017 and 2020, the Los Angeles 2020 Award for Architecture, and the Best of the Westside, Architect Category (2014-2017).
His commitment to volunteerism is also notable, having received the President’s Volunteer Service Award, and he has been involved with several charitable organizations, such as the Venice Heart Committee, the Venice Family Clinic, and the ABC Trust.
As a musician, Robert Sawyer's experiences, collaborations, and creative endeavors, particularly in the rock genre, have shaped his distinctive sound and approach to music. His connection with other prominent artists has helped him develop a unique blend of rock, improvisation, and technical mastery that resonates with audiences around the world.
With a career that spans across both architecture and music, Robert Sawyer’s contributions are a testament to his versatility, vision, and dedication to both craft and community.
