Remembering Denver Architect John Rogers
AIA Fellow
“John Rogers was a leader in everything he did. He recognized the importance of architecture as a business, where the design professional must know as much about his client’s business as he does his own,” said Von Luhrte. “His work has been the backbone of RNL’s growth and excellence.”
“John Rogers was once quoted in Colorado Construction magazine as saying, ‘I like it. I like everything there is about it, I just like architecture.’ It was this passion, coupled with superior intellect and unquestionable integrity that made John an incredibly accomplished professional architect. He believed architecture to be a noble calling, and that we have an obligation to our clients and to our communities. John was the consummate client-person, while at the same time an unabashed advocate for design and quality work. I am grateful for all that John Rogers taught us and immensely proud of his legacy.”
— Rich von Luhrte, President/Senior Principal, RNL, from his eulogy for John Rogers
“For many years, John virtually personified the AIA in Colorado and its Western Mountain Region. More than 20 years ago, disturbed that very few members wore the AIA lapel pin, he launched a personal vendetta to correct this disgrace. He bought a large supply with his own money, and whenever he encountered a member with a bare lapel, he affixed a pin – with due ceremony – and the admonition to always wear it with pride.”
— John D. Anderson, Senior Principal,AndersonMasonDale Architects
“The design profession has experienced a great loss in the passing of John Rogers. John was steadfast in his commitment to client satisfaction, community service and the education of younger generations about the value of architecture. I am lucky to have been personally influenced by John Rogers. At his memorial service, I was reminded that every day is an opportunity to make a difference, and individual actions do contribute to the greater good.”
— Mary Morissette, Leo A Daly and current AIA Colorado President
“John Rogers left an impressive legacy as one of the most successful architects to have practiced in Denver. I joined the firm in 1985 and was immediately impressed by the firm’s culture – great work ethic, professional integrity, passion for creating memorable spaces that impact the community, and a focused commitment to client satisfaction. He was immensely proud of being an architect and regularly reminded others of how lucky we are to practice in a profession that contributes so much to society.”
— H. Joshua Gould, Chairman & CEO, RNL
“I worked for John since 1981 and I believe he taught me something new and valuable almost every day. He was a great mentor and a gentle guide, steering you toward the correct answer while letting you believe you arrived at that conclusion all on your own. His commitment to the firm was contagious, which is probably why I have worked for RNL for almost 30 years.”
— AnneMarie Dienstbach, Principal, Interior Design Studio Lead, RNL
Rogers has won virtually every honor in the profession of architecture. He was a Fellow in the American Institute of Architects; was named Colorado Architect of the Year, and awarded the prestigious Silver Medal by the Western Mountain Region of the AIA. He received a Lifetime Achievement Award from AIA in 2006.
He was the first KSU alumni fellow from the College of Architecture, and was the Architect in Residence in the Business School at CU-Denver. He received a Distinguished Service Award from CU, given for his service to the profession and to the community.
Rogers also published several books, including “L3, Life’s Lessons Learned,” and “My Story,” his autobiography. In the past few years, driven by the challenges of living full time on oxygen, he authored “02,” a primer on to how to travel with, manage and sustain life on oxygen therapy.
“All of these accomplishments notwithstanding, John’s greatest contribution was his unwavering dedication to excellence from the day he began practice to the day he passed on,” said Von Luhrte. “He was truly a man in control, with an unbelievable personal discipline that drove his passion for architecture to new levels of achievements.”
Rogers’ dedication to his profession was exceeded only by his love for his family. While at the University of Texas, he met and later married fellow student Bette Peek.
Bette Rogers died July 11, only a few hours before her husband. They are survived by their three sons: Scot, Rob and Richard. Rob has carried on the family architectural tradition as a principal at New York’s Rogers Marvel Architects.
Kimberly MacArthur Graham contributed to this article.
