For his contributions to architecture in general and to Geneseo, N.Y., in particular, the State University of New York at Geneseo is conferring its honorary doctorate of fine arts on Edgar Tafel, FAIA, May 19. Tafel, best known for his memoirs on working with Frank Lloyd Wright, played a key role in the development of SUNY Geneseo. He was design architect for the Fine Arts Building, Student Union, dining hall, and dormitories. And, working with his colleagues at MST Associates, he participated in creating the master plan for the town of Geneseo.

Tafel helped the university secure several notable works of art and blended them into his design. From stained glass windows and Japanese antique furniture to a Gregor Kepos mural, the art interacts with the buildings, emphasizing the nature of its use. The university is recognizing Tafel, in no small part, because of the beauty and utility his work has brought to the students and faculty of SUNY Geneseo over a quarter of a century.

Tafel's contributions to the school extend into its curriculum as a lecturer as well. In fact, he has taught classes in the very Fine Arts Building he himself designed.

Tafel worked with Frank Lloyd Wright for nine years as an apprentice and then a senior. Remarkably, during that time, he served as project architect on both Fallingwater and Wingspread. From those experiences, he has written two books on Wright, Years with Frank Lloyd Wright and Frank Lloyd Wright (Dover publishing) and appeared in numerous films and television programs. Recently, Tafel had a principal part in Ken Burns's documentary, "Frank Lloyd Wright."

During his prodigious career, Tafel has designed more than 35 religious projects and 90 residences. Doubtless, the fortunate people who use these buildings day in and day out know well the firmness, commodity, and delight that Edgar Tafel, FAIA, has brought into their lives.

Copyright 2001 The American Institute of Architects. All rights reserved.