SCHWEIKHER, Paul

The Arizona Republic, Phoenix, Arizona March 3, 1998 SCHWEIKHER, Paul Distinguished architect, Paul Schweikher, nationally prominent architect, died December 23, 1997 in Phoenix. He was 94. He attended high school in Denver, later studied at the University of Colorado, Boulder, majoring in engineering. Natural talent in art, soon invoked a strong desire to become an architect and, at age 21, he left Denver to pursue studies in that field in Chicago. Following marriage to Dorothy MILLER of Denver, Schweikher became employed as a draftsman, subsequently working for the celebrated architect, David ADLER, to whom he later gave credit for instilling his great sense of proportion and design. Advised to further his art education, Schweikher enrolled at Yale School of Architecture, eventually winning a traveling fellowship for extended study in Europe. Upon his return to Chicago and private practice, he became a highly-regarded peer of such notable architects as Alfred Granger, Phillip Maher, Howard Shaw, Fred Keck, and Mies ven der Rohe. Accepting offers to become chair of architecture first, at Yale, and later at Carnegie Mellon in Pittsburgh, Schweikher led successful administrations at both schools while maintaining private practice in both New Haven and Pittsburgh. He established a reputation as a skilled architect of churches, schools and residences, of which his own in Roselle, Illinois, and Sedona, Arizona, are prime examples. Both the Roselle and Sedona houses served as testimony to his ability to artfully combine geometric beauty with the majesty of nature. Paul Schweikher is survived by a son, Paul, and two grandchildren, Erich and Clair and a brother, Frederick, all living in Phoenix. His remains, following cremation, will be joined with those of his wife, Dorothy, who died in 1995. Published in The Arizona Republic March 3, 1998.