Austris J. Vitols

Austris Janis Vitols: A Rome Prize Laureate's Inspiring Legacy (12 July 1940 – 8 April 2009)

Austris Janis Vitols was an extraordinary architect whose journey led him to earn the highly prestigious Rome Prize in 1967—an accomplishment that cemented his reputation as a force to be reckoned with in the architectural world. Hailing from Latvia, Austris faced the upheaval of World War II in his early years. With the Second Soviet occupation threatening their homeland, his family embarked on a daring escape, eventually finding refuge in Displaced Persons camps throughout war-torn Europe before making their way to the United States and settling down in Minneapolis.

Under the mentorship of the esteemed architect Ralph Rapson, Austris discovered and nurtured his passion for architecture at the University of Minnesota. His talent and unwavering determination propelled him to the prestigious MIT School of Architecture and Planning, where he completed a master's degree under the guidance of Eduardo Catalano, while the renowned Pietro Belluschi held the position of dean.

Austris' groundbreaking thesis, "A Laboratory Building for Research and Development," not only became a significant milestone in his career, but also captured the attention of the architectural community at large. This brilliant work led to his crowning achievement—the Rome Prize in 1967—an accolade reserved for only the most exceptional and innovative minds in architecture.

With this illustrious recognition, Austris made a bold move to the San Francisco Bay Area, joining the ranks of Frank L. Hope & Associates. He established a warm and welcoming home in the charming town of Mill Valley, California, where he lived with his devoted wife, daughter, and son. Undeterred by the lengthy weekly commute to the Frank L. Hope office in San Diego, Austris' passion for architecture remained unshakable.

Austris' incredible journey and inspiring legacy came to a close on 8 April 2009, as he lost his battle with glioblastoma, surrounded by his loving daughter and son. His memory endures through the lives he touched and the breathtaking architectural masterpieces he gifted to the world.