May 1, 2007

Seattle architect Curtis Beattie dies

Beattie

Beattie grew up in Seattle's Montlake neighborhood and spent many summers as a child on Vashon Island. He attended both Garfield and Roosevelt high schools and graduated in 1969 from the University of Washington's School of Architecture, where he was a member of the Lamda Chi Alpha fraternity.

Early in his career, he worked for architect Chet Lindsey, gaining experience in commercial architecture. “It was interesting discussing architecture with him,” said Seattle developer Martin Selig, who first worked with Beattie while he was with Lindsey. “He was a good architect. He was a great guy. We'll miss him.”

In 1981, Selig became Beattie's first customer when Beattie went into business for himself as Curtis Beattie and Associates. Selig said he also was Beattie's last client, with three Seattle office buildings that are nearing completion: 333 Elliott, 220 Elliott, 5th and Yesler.

Landscape architect Mark Weisman knew Beattie for 23 years. “He was one of the first architects to put his trust in my firm,” said Weisman, a principal of Weisman Design Group in Seattle.

“Curt was an optimist. Always hopeful, looking for the new great client,” Weisman said. “He was fun to work with. He was involved in every project, which is rare these days.”

Weisman said his most memorable project with Beattie was the first one they worked on together: Quadrant Plaza in Bellevue. He said Beattie was efficient in his designs and respectful of his clients' needs. “Many of his business relationships transcended into friendships,” he said.

Some of Beattie's notable office projects included Metropolitan Park North, the 3131 and 401 Elliott buildings, and headquarters for Services Group of America and Airborne. On the residential side, his projects included One Pacific Tower, The Olympus, Washington Tower in Vancouver, 3333 Wallingford Apartments, Creekside Gardens I & II, Lloyd Lofts in Portland and Bellevue Pacific Center. He also designed retail projects such as Niketown, Chander's Cove at South Lake Union, Alderwood Parkway Plaza I, II and III, and Golde Creek Plaza.

Outside of the office, Beattie loved the water and boats, buying his first boat in 1984 and his dream boat “Sweet Asylum” in 2004. He also enjoyed traveling to destinations such as Europe, Japan, Malaysia and Mexico.

Beattie is survived by his wife, Deb, and two sons ages 26 and 32. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jeannette and Lloyd Beattie.

A public service will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. on May 22 at the Seattle Yacht Club, 1807 E. Hamlin St. Tributes can be sent to the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance or The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.