The architectural community mourns the loss of Alan Berman, a distinguished architect and prolific writer who passed away in 2025 at the age of 76. Berman, who was born in 1949, leaves behind a significant legacy in both architectural practice and professional discourse that spanned several decades.
Berman was best known as the co-founder of the respected architectural firm Berman Guedes Stretton, where he established himself as a practitioner who deliberately avoided ego-driven design approaches. Throughout his career, he championed a more thoughtful and restrained approach to architecture, focusing on substance over spectacle and prioritizing the needs of users and communities over personal architectural statements.
Beyond his architectural practice, Berman was equally recognized for his contributions as a writer and thought leader within the profession. He was a passionate advocate for improving the quality of architectural discourse and regularly challenged his peers to elevate both their writing and critical thinking. His written work consistently pushed for higher standards of intellectual rigor in architectural discussion and education.
Matthew Blunderfield, who penned the tribute to Berman, noted that the late architect was someone who "wanted the profession to write better and think harder." This commitment to intellectual excellence and clear communication made Berman a respected voice in architectural circles, where his opinions carried significant weight among both practitioners and academics.
Berman's approach to architecture and his dedication to thoughtful professional dialogue helped shape a generation of architects who valued substance over style. His influence extended beyond individual projects to encompass broader questions about the role of architecture in society and the responsibilities of practitioners to their communities and the built environment.
