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Antoine Predock, world-renowned architect, University of New Mexico alumnus, supporter and dear friend of the University of New Mexico School of Architecture and Planning, died Saturday, March 2, in Albuquerque. He is 87 years old. Predock’s passion for architecture left an indelible mark on the built environment, and his dedication to supporting students and professionals had a profound impact on New Mexico’s architectural community.
Predock was born in Lebanon, Missouri, in 1936 and first came to New Mexico to study engineering at the University of New Mexico. However, he discovered a talent and passion for architecture after taking a technical drawing course with architecture professor Don Schlegel. This change in trajectory ultimately led to dozens of groundbreaking architectural projects and international acclaim.
Although Predock transferred to Columbia University to complete his degree, he returned to Albuquerque in 1967 to establish his professional practice and remained a strong presence in the state until his death. He often referred to New Mexico as his spiritual home, and his work was deeply influenced by the state’s natural forces.
Predock’s first major work was the West End townhouse community of La Luz del Oeste (1967-1974), which was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2023. Other notable projects include the Rio Grande Nature Centre, the Nelson Fine Arts Center at Arizona State University, the San Diego Padres Ballpark and the Canadian Museum for Human Rights in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
In 2000, his firm was selected to design SA+P’s new campus, George Pearl Hall, which was completed in 2008. The building’s unique design draws on New Mexico’s natural environment and promotes transparency, collaboration, and innovation among students and faculty.
In 2017, Predock donated his home and studio in downtown Albuquerque to SA+P, which is now the Predock Center for Design and Research. Its goal is to support student and faculty research in related fields such as architecture, landscape architecture, and community and regional planning.
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Antoine Predock, but we are fortunate to have established the Predock Design and Research Center under his guidance, where we will share his vision with the world,” said Robert, SA+P president. González: “The project is located in studio buildings and residences, and his team of more than 300 collaborators and apprentices designed every building he envisioned.
“He is an architect of international stature who could practice anywhere, but his deep regional roots have kept him in New Mexico. He has been with us his entire career, which is a gift to us students can breathe his presence every day in George Pearl Concert Hall.”
Over the course of his career, he has received many honors, including the 1985 Rome Design Award, the 2006 AIA Gold Medal, the 2007 National Design Award, and an honorary degree from the University of New Mexico in 2001.
The School of Architecture + Planning is honored to carry forward the legacy of Anthony Predock and strives to carry on his creativity and curiosity. Predock’s life and work set a shining example for all of our students of the possibilities for a career in architecture, and his incredible passion for architecture, design, and New Mexico will be deeply missed.
Predock is survived by his wife, Constance DeJong, sons Jason and Hadrian, and three grandchildren.
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