Keith Kolb photograph and architectural drawing collection

Keith Kolb photograph and architectural drawing collection, 1919-1962

Overview of the Collection

Collector: Kolb, Keith R
Title: Keith Kolb photograph and architectural drawing collection
Dates: 1919-1962 (inclusive)
19191962
Quantity: 4 b&w photographs, 51 architectural drawings (2 boxes and 2 tubes)
Collection Number: PH2006-004
Summary: Photographs and architectural drawings depicting projects designed by Ralf E. Decker and by Decker, Christenson & Kitchin, where Kolb worked as a Draftsman
Repository: University of Washington Libraries, Special Collections
Special Collections
University of Washington Libraries
Box 352900
Seattle, WA
98195-2900
Telephone: 2065431929
Fax: 2065431931
speccoll@uw.edu
Access Restrictions: The collection is open to the public.
Additional Reference Guides
Languages: English

Biographical NoteReturn to Top

Keith R. Kolb (1922- ), practicing Seattle architect, graduated from the University of Washington and Harvard University, and served on the faculty of the University of Washington.

Keith Kolb was born in Montana in 1922 and served in the US Army from 1943-1945. Following his military service, he earned the Basic Engineering Degree from the US Army Specialized Training Program at Rutgers University in 1944, followed by a B.Arch degree from the University of Washington in 1947. As a student at the University of Washington, Keith Kolb was inducted into the Tau Sigma Delta Honorary Fraternity and Phi Beta Kappa. He was awarded the University of Washington Alpha Chi Rho medal in 1947.

After graduating from the University of Washington, Kolb worked as the Architectural Design Coordinator at Montana State University in Bozeman, Montana, before briefly pursuing graduate studies at MIT and transferring to Harvard, where he studied under Walter Gropius and earned his M.Arch, circa 1952. As a graduate student, Kolb worked with The Architects Collaborative in Cambridge, Massachusetts, but declined a partnership there after graduating and returned to Seattle., where he worked as a Senior Draftsman for Decker and Christensen, circa 1952-1954. Kolb later opened his own practice as Keith Kolb, Architect, and combined his architectural practice with a teaching career at the University of Washington College of Architecture and Urban Planning. Kolb combined his architectural practice and teaching career until his retirement in 1990. In recoginition of his work to advance the profession, Keith Kolb was inducted as a Fellow of the AIA in 1981.

Content DescriptionReturn to Top

Several photographs depict building projects designed by Ralf E. Decker, a former partner of Keith Kolb and Christenson. Also includes architectural drawings for several projects designed by Decker, Christenson & Kitchin, where Kolb worked as a Draftsman. This collection also includes James J. Chiarelli drawings of the first remodel of the the Seattle Opera House.

Use of the CollectionReturn to Top

Restrictions on Use

Restrictions might exist on reproduction, quotation, or publication. Contact the repository for details.

Administrative InformationReturn to Top

Acquisition Information

Donor: Keith Kolb, December 2005.

Processing Note

Accesioned as 2006-004. This collection is minimally processed.

Detailed Description of the CollectionReturn to Top

Photographs, 1956-1962Return to Top

Four b/w images of building designed by Decker and Christenson AIA Architects, Ralf E. Decker AIA Architects, and Kirk Wallace, McKinley, and Associates Architects.

Container(s)	Description	Dates
Box
1	University Savings and Loan Association	1960
1	McKenzie Hall, University of Washington, Entrance Courtyard, School of Business Administration	1960
1	School of Business Administration Complex, McKenzie Hall and Balmer Hall	1956
1	General Telephone Office Building, Everett	1962

Architectural Drawings, 1919-1961Return to Top

Container(s)	Description	Dates
Box
2	Exterior Front Entrance Detail, Seattle City Light Building 1 color drawing of the proposed exterior by Bindon & Wrigth and Decker, Christenson & Kitchin Associated Architects and Engineers	1956
2	216 North I Street Building, Pacifice Telephone and Telegraph Company, Aberdeen, Washington 1 color drawing of the proposed exterior by Decker, Christenson & Kitchin Architects and Engineers	undated
2	811 Massachusetts Street Building, Pacific Telephone Northwest, Seattle Washington 1 color drawing of the proposed exterior by Ralf E. Decker AIA Architects	1960
2	714 South Washington Street Building, Pacific Telephone and Telegraph Company, Olympia, Washington 1 color drawing of the proposed exterior by Decker, Christenson & Kitchin Architects and Engineers	undated
2	Proposed Harrison Memorial Hospital, Bremerton, Washington 5 b/w schematic and site plans by Ralf E. Decker AIA Architects	undated
2	Stevens Memorial Hospital, Edmonds, Lynnwood, Mountlake Terrace, Washington 3 b/w drawings of the proposed exterior by Ralf E. Decker AIA Architects	1960
2	1411 Fourth Avenue Building, Seattle, Washington 7 b/w drawings of the lobby, proposed alterations, floor plans, and vicinity map by Ralf E. Decker AIA Architects	1960-1961
2	Lundquist Lilly Men's Wear, 3 color exterior drawings of proposed store front studies by Decker, Christenson & Kitchin Architects and Engineers	1959
2	Unidentified Details 3 color drawings of proposed lighting fixtures	undated
tube
3	Seattle Opera House	1960
4	Seattle Opera House 14 blueprint drawings of the mechanical plans for the current Seattle Opera House by Priteca and Chiarelli AIA Architects	1960

Archives West Finding Aid

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