In Passing: Kiyoshi Matsuzaki

Retired Architect Kiyoshi Matsuzaki passed away on December 23. 2012 at the age of 69. Born in Shanghai, China in 1943, he grew up in Tokyo, Japan before moving to the United States at age 18 in order to study architecture at the Rhode Island School of Design. He graduated with his degree in Architecture in 1967, and shortly thereafter began work with the acclaimed firm of Kevin Roche John Dinkeloo & Asociates (KRJDA) in Hamden, Connecticut. It was there that he met fellow architect Eva Pupols, who was to become his wife and lifelong business partner. The couple moved to Vancouver in 1972, and Kiyoshi became a member of the AIBC in 1974, at which time he also joined the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada. After a brief stint with McCarter Nairne and Partners, Kiyoshi and Eva spent 14 years with Arthur Erickson Architects. In 1987, the couple partnered with Jim Wright to form Matsuzaki Wright Architects. In 1998, they established their own firm: Matsuzaki Architects Inc. Kiyoshi was associated with several award-winning projects throughout his career, most notably the University of British Columbia’s C.K. Choi Building, which earned the Lieutenant Governor Innovation Award of Excellence in 1998 in setting new standard for green design. He was also very active as a volunteer and advocate for his profession. This included two terms on AIBC Council (1997-2001) as well as several years as part of the institute’s Annual Conference Committee where he was instrumental in sponsorship success. He sat on both the AIBC Design Panel Committee and the Vancouver Urban Design Panel, and contributed as a Syllabus Program Mentor and a UBC  Thesis Design Mentor. Kiyoshi also served as Vice-President of the Export Council of Canadian Architecture. He was elected to RAIC Board of Directors In 2003 and was named RAIC President in 2007. In 2008, he gained honourary Life Member status with the AIBC, signifying 30 years of continuous membership. He retired in January of 2011. Kiyoshi is survived by his wife Eva (Matsuzaki, Architect AIBC), daughter Tessa and son Martin. A memorial will be held on Thursday, January 17, 2013, 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. at the University Golf Clubhouse, 5185 University Boulevard, Vancouver. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a donation in Kiyoshi’s name are invited to do so to the Callanish Society, a cancer support group. Friends and colleagues are also invited to contribute to a collection of memories by contacting remembering.kiyo@gmail.com.