Charles
H. Atherton, FAIA
 Charles
Atherton, FAIA, served 44 years as secretary of the U.S. Commission
of Fine Arts where he had enormous influence in major decisions
that shaped the Washington landscape. The Commission was established
by Congress in 1910 "to advise the Federal and District
of Columbia governments on matters of art and architecture that
affect the appearance of the nation's capital."
His
many projects include Freedom Plaza, the preservation of the
Willard Hotel, the Georgetown Waterfront, extension of the West
Front of the Capitol, development of the Air and Space Museum,
Lafayette Square directly opposite the White House, the FDR
Memorial and the World War II Memorial.
An
award winning scholar and architect, Mr. Atherton is the 2005
recipient of the prestigious Thomas Jefferson Award given by
the American Institute of Architects. In honoring his excellence
in architectural advocacy and achievement, the jury's concludes
--
"Atherton's
influence on works of public architecture and maintaining quality
architecture and planning in our nation's capital is reminiscent
of Mr. Jefferson's own commitment to the built environment.
Atherton
devoted his professional career to carrying forth the commission's
ideal of functioning as an independent agency to advise the
federal and District of Columbia governments on matters of art
and architecture that affect the appearance of the nation's
capital.
His
exceptional stewardship as secretary of the Commission is without
equal in its profound influences on the nation's capital, wrote
nominator Harry G. Robinson III, FAIA, dean emeritus and professor
of urban design at Howard University and former chair of the
U. S. Commission of Fine Arts. A scholar on the development
of the City, he brought reason and thoughtfulness to decisions
affecting its memorials; changes in its landscape, structure,
and patterns; and to its built interventions.
His
receipt of this award expresses not only his love of our nation's
capital, but his enduring affection for preservation and sustainability."
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