M. Scott Lockard
M. Scott Lockard was born in Tucson, Arizona on June 26, 1957. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree in anthropology from the University of Arizona in 1978, while also taking extensive architectural courses. Scott gained "valuable training and experience" working for his father on different projects. Prior to forming Lockard Industries (Lockard Creative) in San Francisco in 1996, and co-founding Firm 5 West in 2002, Scott was a Design Director at Anderson DeBartolo Pan and ADP Fluor Daniel, and a Senior Designer at Kaplan McLaughlin Diaz Architects.
Beyond his own practice, Scott collaborated with over 75 prominent design firms and developers across the United States and internationally providing planning, design, conceptualization, and visualization services. Projects designed by Scott have received awards from local, state, and regional authorities, including the American Institute of Architects, the Denver Design Center and the Albuquerque Conservation Association.
Fourth Street, Downtown Louisville – Scott
“If you're just drawing lines and don't really know what it's going to look like when it's done, that's not good. You're more effective as a designer if you can draw it with perspective in mind." – Scott
Scott's approach was a unique hybridization of digital and hand-drawn images that conveyed his strong architectural concepts. As a multi-faceted architect, he employed inspirational sketch ideations, then pivoted seamlessly between program parameters and final, persuasive visions. His book The Nature of Design offers fresh views on design Principles, Processes, and the Purview of the Architect.
Book Reviews
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“Scott’s conversational style and compelling insights make for a rare backstage look into the process by which ideas become the buildings and environments that surround us. He has ‘been there, done that’ for a galaxy of prominent architects and developers. His book articulates in great detail how such projects go from rough ideas to full-fledged projects. Scott’s candid revelations fuel the text with a behind-the-scenes narrative that will be a revelation to clients and architects alike.”
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“A stimulating visual and narrative wonderland ... This work may very well be the best and most comprehensive attempt in some time to integrate both the philosophy and practice of design into a single composition. It should be an essential component in every designer’s library.”
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“Scott’s visualization style is suggestive and interpretive rather than highly specific, occasionally reminding one of finger-painting. The combined use of color, value, and texture sharpened by amazingly delicate linework, is confident, efficient and nearly flawless in communicative effect.”
Remembering Scott
Morten Jensen, President, JRDV Architects
Select Project Presentation Images
Words of Praise
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“Scott's talent and energy brought him into interactive contact with so many influential individuals in the current design arena. All who knew him well are consistent in their respect and love for him as an architect, designer and colleague.
Certainly, some special human quality, in addition to his talent, attracted us to him. From our perspective it is that human dimension that is key to understanding him. In his book Scott gives us a clue that can be found in the Buddhist saying, "Develop an infallible technique and then throw yourself upon the mercy of inspiration." And that is how he did it! He had that infallible technique in his drawings and conceptual analysis, and Scott was all about inspiration.”
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“Scott was the greatest combination of talent and humility that I have ever known. In that way, Scott was his dad. We all loved Kirby- a kind and gentle soul.
I’m not sure you know how much Scott was respected and well-liked at ADP. I guarantee he never spoke of it. We were a firm of 250 people- large by any standard in the profession, and Scott was THE All-Star, and well-loved by all. We were all awed by his design abilities. I know that you can see that in his work, but I want you to know that all of us saw Scott as the most talented guy in the room. He never sought any recognition or had a moment of bravado. What he did have was a quiet, self-deprecating humor.”
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“I knew Scott professionally in two very different environments. The first category were those projects that he is probably best known for: The innovative and imaginative designs for special initiatives around the world. In the work he did for my company, Bechtel, these were primarily in the Middle East and Africa, where he produced memorable designs - many for entire new cities- that inspired our clients and stimulated our colleagues. We at Bechtel always regarded him as one of our most treasured partners and collaborators.
But the other category for his work is what is on my mind right now: his contributions to our campaign to build a new library here in Larkspur. This is an activity I devote much of my time to since retiring from Bechtel, and I am eternally grateful that Scott was able to help us. He listened to our Board and members of our community, and came up with plans and designs that resonated. The greatest tribute that our community can make to Scott's memory that that, thanks to his work, our campaign is actively moving forward, and the project is going to be built.
I feel so privileged to have known Scott. And I will never forget him both as a professional and as a friend.”
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“Scott stepped into a difficult situation designing the conceptual drawings for a new public library and public square for the city of Larkspur CA. Previous architectural attempts had failed to gain community support.
Scott leveraged the natural beauty and views from the site to align the buildings and the public square westward. He designed the internal spaces for rapid reconfigurationon during the day as program needs changed. He incorporated, before Covid, an indoor-outdoor &ow of windows and doors that opened and outdoor meeting spaces that will enhance the use of the facility year-round. Lastly, he used traditional Spanish colonial architecture with beautiful transitions to ensure generaons will have sheltered areas to enjoy the outdoors as well as the interiors of the buildings. In literally hundreds of meetings and discussions in the ensuing two years I heard countless expressions of delight in his designs. With that enthusiasm, we were able to raise over $5M from the community and $5M from the State, and we are on our way to having the new buildings and square built.” On a personal note, Scottwas a deeply thoughtful person with a wry sense of humor who did not take himself too seriously. He was an absolute delight to work with and his loss was deeply felt by The Commons Foundation and our community.”
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“For over 30 years I was incredibly fortunate to have worked closely with Scott. Throughout those years he enriched my life, professionally and personally, in immeasurable ways. I am devastated by Scott’s sudden and untimely passing. I had spoken to Scott by phone on his birthday just hours before the tragic accident. He was his usual combination of super-natural perceptions, good humor and old-fashioned perseverance. The world will never be the same, His footprint was too big, his shoes were too unique. I will always remember and think of Scott. His special voice and beauty endures through the character of his family and his vast expanse of professional work.”
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“Scott was the most talented, creative, and multi-faceted architect I have ever worked with closely in my 35 years of architectural practice.
Above all else, he was such a beautiful person. I am very thankful we became business partners and close friends. I reflect back on our times spent together fondly and miss him very much. “