I
met Ian Thompson and started work with him in the Fall of 1997. Sizeler
Architects had just been asked to come to Dillard University in the Gentilly area
of New Orleans and begin an assessment of the way the campus buildings were
currently being used and a plan for renovating, adding and expanding to
accommodate their projected needs. I was a new intern with the firm and we were
into it full throttle, documenting the university facilities and the beginning
of a long run of planning, renovation and new buildings on this historic
campus.
The
things I remember about Ian at this time meeting him was the English accent,
big moustache, sense of humor. Upon further experiences I saw a will to combine
a good work ethic with a sense of enjoyment and positivity. Over the years,
these were standards I could always count on working for Ian. Ian had a way of
making everyone who worked for him, seem more like they were working with
him. He had a way of working with us with respect and this always seemed
complimentary to one of his standard quotes, “one volunteer is worth ten
pressed men”.
In
this way, he was able to assemble teams of people and then break down complex
problems down into buildable solutions, which is a staple of the profession.
The results are pronounced in many interesting, functional and exciting
buildings in the New Orleans area.
Ian
was also a diverse personality in and around the office. A leader of meetings,
a director of design, a comedic emcee, beer drinking cohort, story teller,
sailor, encyclopedia of quotes, existential philosopher and generally a good
guy to be around. Outside of work everyone could easily assume he was all of
this plus a great dad and husband to his family.
Some
of the valued memories I have with Ian include; the slide shows of him and Jane
in South Africa, his book recommendations such as “Nathaniel’s Nutmeg”, regular
reminders to work on communication skills and to do meeting minutes(!),dissertations
on roof flashing, Winston Churchill quotes, “Occham’s Razor”, English wit, good
Ale, his reaction to Nicole and I giving our engagement announcement (“Are you even
dating?!”), his ability to always find the need for an “angle” somewhere near
the entrance to a building and lastly; he used to say, jokingly that I “was
always right”. It went back to a code argument that I won, in 2006 after
Katrina.
As
a rule, Ian was great to work with; he was inspiring to new practitioners as
well as experienced veterans. He exuded confidence that things will work out
and we could accomplish difficult tasks. He could be counted on to resolve
conflicts and obstacles. From Ian, one could always count on an encouraging
salute walking down the hall, along with a devilish smile and a witty comment. He
was someone to emulate and be proud to have been on his team.
Godspeed
on your journey, Ian Graham Thompson.
