BETSEY OLENICK DOUGHERTY
FAIA, LEED AP
Perkins Eastman Architects DPC
SAY IT LOUD - CALIFORNIA Exhibitor
California Based Designer
Who or what inspires you professionally?
Well of course I am constantly inspired by Brian and our creative and amazing staff, as well as our son and daughter who are also architects! My original inspiration was my Professor, Joseph Esherick, FAIA.
BETSY OLENICK DOUGHERTY
Bio:
Betsey Olenick Dougherty is a licensed Architect in Southern California, graduating from U.C. Berkeley in 1972 and 1975 with a AB ARCH and MARCH. Few women undergrad classmates increased in grad school. She became active in AIA hoping to make a difference, first as AIAOC and AIACA President, moving onto the AIA National Board and Excom, and then serving as Chancellor of the AIA College of Fellows. A rewarding career path in public work focuses upon climate change and healthy quality communities.
How did you first learn about architecture and when did you decide that built environment profession was an area of interest for you?
As a Freshman at CAL, majoring in Art, I met Architecture students who introduced my to their major. With a request for a transfer, I was successful following a course led by Joseph Esherick, AIA Gold Medalist.
What do you do?
Following more that 42 years as founding partner of Dougherty + Dougherty Architects with husband Brian Dougherty, we have merged with Perkins Eastman, anticipating retirement in late 2023.
What excites you in the work you do?
My work focuses upon education and community quality of life, with sustainable design as an overlay for every project. We as architects have the power to influence health and wellbeing and inspirational outcomes. It is our opportunity.
Who or what inspires you professionally?
Well of course I am constantly inspired by Brian and our creative and amazing staff, as well as our son and daughter who are also architects! My original inspiration was my Professor, Joseph Esherick, FAIA.
What is your proudest professional accomplishment or achievement?
Brian and I were the first pair to receive the AIA California Lifetime Achievement Award. The Center for Regenerative Studies also won the AIA California Nathaniel Owens Award for Sustainable Design.
Featured Project Name:
The Lyle Center for Regenerative Studie
Featured Project Location:
California State Polytechnic University Pomona
Featured Project Completion Date:
Fall 1993
Role in Featured Project:
Principal-in-Charge, Architect of Record, Design & Construction
Featured Project Description:
Prof. John Lyle, FASLA, offered his vision for the Center for Regenerative Studies as a graduate design studio. A student proposal for this sustainable live/work/learn/teach resident community grew into a successful grant proposal that led to our selection based upon our history of passive and active solar design. This community project started the SCE Savings by Design program with SCE participation, leading to the Lyle Center being one of the first US DOE Top Ten Green Buildings.
