Sanford Hirshen

Sanford “Sandy” Hirshen, a former member and Retired Honorary Member, passed away on October 2, 2013. He was 78. Sandy was born in New York where he gained his architectural education at Columbia University. In 1964 he moved to Berkeley, California to work and teach. While at UC Berkeley, he built a reputation for his commitment to socially-responsible architecture, which earned him fellowships from both Gugggenheim and the American Institute of Architecture. In 1990, Sandy moved to Vancouver to serve as director of the University of British Columbia School of Architecture. He joined the AIBC in 1991, and in 1999 was made an honorary member of the institute. Sandy eight years as the UBC School of Architecture appointee to AIBC Council before retiring from his UBC position in 2000. From there he became an associate at Henriquez Partners Architects. In 2009 he returned to the Bay area. He was a fellow of both the Royal Canadian Institute of Architects and the American Institute of Architects, and held the title of Professor Emeritus of Architecture at University of California Berkeley. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Vivian, and children Richard and Julie. A memorial is being planned for later this fall. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a donation in Sandy’s honour are encouraged to do so towards the Sandy Hirshen Prize through the UC Berkeley College of Environmental Design.