TALIESIN WEST, SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Aug. 27 /PRNewswire/ -- Robert A. Jones, AIA NCARB, has joined the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation in the newly created position of Vice President of Campus Planning, Restoration and Development effective today, announced Philip Allsopp, president and CEO.
Jones will assume responsibility for all facility-based initiatives and maintenance for Taliesin and Taliesin West, the Foundation's estates in Scottsdale and Spring Green, Wis., respectively. He will manage the development and execution of a master plan to stabilize, restore and manage the buildings, land and infrastructure as well as develop new facilities and manage the facilities department.
The properties, both former homes of renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright, the Foundation's founder, are designated national Historic Landmarks. Architects, engineers, historians and urban planners worldwide esteem the properties as the epitome of Wright's genius for architectural design innovation. The dual campuses, which also house the Frank Lloyd Wright School of Architecture and the Frank Lloyd Wright Archives, foster research, debate, education and creative solutions regarding issues of the 21st century built environment.
"I am delighted to have Rob become part of my senior leadership team," Allsopp said. "He brings a wealth of experience in operations, project management, construction management, planning and programming that will be essential to the realization of our multi-million dollar plan to preserve our key physical assets. His charge is to undertake a balanced approach to preserve and restore Taliesin and Taliesin West that not only pays homage to their historical integrity, but also incorporates state-of-the-art sustainable technologies. The Foundation's goal is to ensure that the public can use and enjoy these magnificent properties for generations through cutting-edge, professional stewardship."
Jones comes to the Foundation from the Illinois Institute of Technology, where he was assistant dean for buildings and operations in the College of Architecture and a studio professor. Previously, he was vice president of Patrick Engineering, Inc. and director of the Chicago office, holding concurrent directorship positions in facilities and marketing and serving as corporate architect for the facility and infrastructure group.
Jones also spent six years at the Art Institute of Chicago and the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. He was staff architect for the museum, director of the Department of Design and Construction and directed several key restoration and preservation projects, including Lorado Taft's "Fountain of Time" and the historic Allerton Building. Most notably, Jones was project director of the museum's signature Renzo Piano Modern Wing, which is now under construction.
According to Jones, his experience on this project will be particularly invaluable as he undertakes the restoration of the iconic Wright properties.
"I bring a depth of knowledge of the more sophisticated technologies and sensibilities practiced in Europe as well as an advanced level of architecture design and engineering integration," Jones explained. "I built an international team of nearly a dozen architects, engineers and consultants. I am committed to ensuring that the facilities and landscapes at Taliesin and Taliesin West complement and enhance the Foundation's programs, academic inquiry and ever-increasing role in promoting design innovation within the built environment."
While senior project manager for the Chicago Park District Department of Engineering, Planning and Design, he managed and restored many recreational and cultural facilities.
In addition, Jones has maintained a private practice for 20 years.
Jones received a Bachelor of Architecture degree with high honors from the Illinois Institute of Technology, where he also has completed partial requirements toward a Master of Business Administration degree.
About the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation
The Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation was established in 1940 by Mr. Wright to be the repository of his life's work. Today, in keeping with its public mission to Conserve, Create, Educate, the Foundation educates the public about the relevancy of Wright's legacy of architectural design innovation, including his philosophy of organic architecture, and promotes dialogue, collaboration and solutions regarding sustainability and the environmental and economic impacts of the 21st century built environment. The Foundation owns, operates and conserves two National Historic Landmark properties that were Wright's own homes -- Taliesin in Spring Green, Wis., and Taliesin West in Scottsdale, Ariz., its international headquarters. The Foundation also operates the professionally accredited Frank Lloyd Wright School of Architecture, and owns and conserves the Frank Lloyd Wright Archives. More information about the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation is at http://www.franklloydwright.org/. Frank Lloyd Wright(R) is a registered trademark of the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation.
CONTACT: Mark J. Lynch, A.L. Brourman Associates, Inc.
412-260-8451 mlynch@brourman.com
The Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation
