Remembering Peter B. Brandt
The NYSID community mourns the passing of Peter B. Brandt, an accomplished architect, interior designer, and longtime faculty member, who died on September 26.
"For a quarter of a century, Peter Brandt was an integral part of the NYSID community. Through his dedication to teaching, generosity in sharing his knowledge, and commitment to the next generation of designers, he helped shape both our students’ education and the character of NYSID,” says NYSID President David Sprouls. “His influence will endure, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew and worked with him.”
After 19 years of professional practice at Gensler, Peter chose to pursue his passion for teaching. He joined the NYSID faculty in 1988 and taught a range of courses, from Materials and Methods of Construction to BFA and MFA Thesis, for 25 years. In 2000, he became area coordinator of what was then known as the Upper Division, and in 2011, he was named director of undergraduate studies. He also served as the faculty representative on NYSID’s Board of Trustees from 1998 to 2003.
Instructors Ethel Rompilla and Peter Brandt, and trustee Ross J. Francis at NYSID’s 2000 Commencement.
“Peter Brandt was a consummate educator. His seriousness and commitment to interior design, professionalism, and to design overall was a model for me and many others,” says NYSID Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean Ellen Fisher. “His love and understanding of the value of hand drawing in the design process was integrated across the curriculum, including in technical courses, and remains an essential value in the education of NYSID students today.”
Born on May 3, 1937, in Youngstown, Ohio, Peter was the son of the late Albert and Elizabeth Brandt. He earned his Bachelor of Architecture from MIT in 1960 and became a registered architect in Ohio, New York, Florida, California, Colorado, and Arizona. In 2003, NYSID awarded him an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts degree.
Following apprenticeships with several architectural firms in the East and Midwest, Peter moved to San Francisco in 1968 to join Gensler. As a project manager and director, he worked on major commercial projects, including the 900,000-square-foot Bank of America World Headquarters. In 1970, he became vice president and director of the firm’s Phoenix office. He relocated to New York in 1980 as co-director of Gensler’s New York office and was appointed to the firm’s Management Committee in 1983.
Peter was also an author. His book, Office Design, was published by Whitney Library of Design in 1992. He later created commonplacequotes.com, an ongoing web-based project that became a valued resource for writers, students, researchers, and others.
At NYSID Commencement 1998 Peter B. Brandt received the William Berger Faculty Award, presented by Dean Scott Ageloff.
Peter is survived by his wife of 54 years, Roslyn Brandt; his brother, Renick Brandt, and sister-in-law, Meredith Brandt; his sister, Heidi Robertson; and 11 nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his sister, Erica Birath; his nephews, John Brandt and Dr. Paul Newton; and his brother-in-law, Edward Dunbar Robertson.
Peter’s lasting commitment to his students was recognized in 2014, when NYSID established the Peter Brandt Scholarship. The scholarship has been awarded annually to a deserving student, continuing his legacy of supporting and inspiring future generations of designers. Donations in Peter’s memory may be made to the Peter Brandt Scholarship Fund.
A Celebration of Life honoring Peter will be held on October 30 at 11:30 a.m. at NYSID. Friends, colleagues, and family members will gather to share memories and celebrate his life.