Dennis Kirkpatrick '71 speaks to March 2011 Graduate Luncheon

Admiral Len Perry '56 and Dennis Kirkpatrick '71

Our luncheons continue to be good opportunities to remind us of the caliber of people we associate with through our fraternity.   We hear inspiring life stories, learn about exciting new business ideas, and are exposed to people's passions and pursuits. 

March's luncheon found us reviewing the life of a seasoned architect.  Dennis Kirkpatrick is class of '71 who left graduate school to accept an invitation to join the prestigious firm of NBBJ.  With this firm, Dennis became immersed in many well known projects that led to recognition for his skills and experience.  

Following nearly a decade with NBBJ, Dennis struck out on his own.  His firm grew to 59 employees at its peak.  Just as this most recent downturn was developing, Dennis received a job offer to be the head architect at Art Anderson Associates which is a ground-breaking, leading-edge firm that self-describes it mission as being "problem seekers".   These are the folks that help identify the problems, so the "problem solvers" can focus in on the appropriate solution. 

The luncheon enjoyed hearing about the leading edge projects that focus more on functionl than cosmetic design factors.  A multi-discipline engineering services firm, Art Anderson Associates is unique in its ability to tackle project challenges on land, shore and at sea.  The projects that Art Anderson Associates gets involved with range from marinas and bridges to TSA projects to "black box" solutions for the "men in dark suits".  The descriptions were interesting and the details were often vague due to the nature of the projects.  

Expertise in naval architecture and marine engineering is Art Anderson Associates heritage, and they continue to offer naval architecture services to clients like NOAA, Washington State Ferries and many others.  But beyond their skill in naval architecture, they offer their clients a broad range of expertise that includes civil, structural, mechanical and electrical engineering; facilities architecture; marine and facilities construction management; transportation planning and marine research.  They combine their naval architecture expertise with these other disciplines to solve unique shoreline challenges, including floating breakwaters, ferry terminals and fish collection barges. 

Dennis has led a varied and accomplished career.  He's living on Bainbridge Island where he's been for several decades, and he now commutes to the main office of Art Anderson Associates in Bremerton.  They also have offices in Portland, OR and Columbus, OH.  You'll find more information about Art Anderson Associates at www.ArtAnderson.com