Malcolm Holzman, FAIA

Born in Newark, N.J., Malcolm Holzman, FAIA, a late modernist icon, has designed many important civic and academic structures throughout the United States, namely libraries, museums and performing arts venues. His structures are acknowledged for their evocative nature, technical vision and singular character.

Holzman founded Hardy Holzman Pfeiffer Associates (HHPA) in 1967 and in 2004 separated and established Holzman Moss Bottino Architecture in New York City with members of his HHPA project team. Over the course of his professional career, Holzman has completed more than 150 buildings in 32 states, which represent some of the nation’s most notable architecture.

Holzman is commonly known for his collagist designs with rotated grids, diagonals and eclectic sensibilities. His use of industrial and rural vernaculars, as well as salvaged and local materials run counter to reductionist modernist tendencies, resulting in a more humanist approach.

In addition, Holzman advocated the reuse of older buildings at a time when the profession embraced pristine modernism, exemplified by urban renewal. Holzman was an also early advocate of sustainable building practices.

In addition to his practice, Holzman is a notable author and educator, holding 10 endowed chairs at schools of architecture across the country.

Other posts in this series:

Michael Graves, FAIA

Richard Meire, FAIA

Eleanore Pettersen, FAIA

J. Robert Hillier, FAIA

Malcolm Wells, FAIA

Peter Eisenman, FAIA

William H. Short, FAIA

David Childs, FAIA

Fred Wesley Wentworth, FAIA