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 Beloved
Industry Icon
Arthur F. O’Leary FAIA, MRIAI
1924 – 2009
Each issue of DCD magazine for as long as I can remember has included an
excellent, informative column by Arthur F. O’Leary on this page. It is with
great sadness to tell you that Art passed away on March 28 at the age of 84 in
County Louth, Ireland where he had retired with his wife Inny.
Arthur was an expert in the field of architectural forensics. He graduated in
1951 from the University of Southern California, School of Architecture with a
Bachelor of Architecture, where he also served on the faculty for 10 years. He
served as an arbitrator and consultant on more than 300 industry litigations and
has written, lectured, and published extensively in over 40 years of
professional activity. He co-founded O’Leary Terasawa Partners, a Los Angeles
architectural firm that became WWCOT in the 1990s after a merger. He was named a
fellow of the American Institute of Architects in 1976.
Over the years, we were fortunate to be the home for over 100 of his articles on
AIA Construction Documents, Construction Law, and other insightful topics. His
articles were highly read and valued by DCD and our readers. A few years ago
when he had reached the 100th article pinnacle he was concerned he might run out
of ideas. He reached out to the readers for suggestions, and was rewarded with
enough topics to keep him busy for many, many issues. He enjoyed all of the
correspondence from readers and always took the time to answer all letters and
emails directed to him regarding his column and industry questions.
Art wrote many industry books including Construction Nightmares, Jobs from Hell
and How to Avoid Them, co-authored with James Acret ESQ, and A Guide to
Successful Construction: Effective Contract Administration both published by
BNi® Building News. “Art’s professionalism and knowledge was an inspiration for
many. He enjoyed what he did and it showed. He kept the industry pipeline full
of accurate information – in a readable and understandable format. His insight
and keen wit was a pleasure to work with”, stated Bill Mahoney, President of BNi
Building News.
Art retired from his architectural practice in 1986 and retired to Ireland with
his wife Inny where he continued active in the industry. Donations can be made
in Art’s memory to the School of Architecture, University of Southern
California.
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