Thomas Blurock, FAIA

Principal-in-Charge
Registration Number C9332

Since founding his own firm in 1984, Tom Blurock has been a formative player in the design of innovative school prototypes. Designing and planning nearly 200 education projects for more than 20 school and community college districts — in some cases as District Architect — Blurock has become an authority on education facility programming, funding strategies, and developing schools throughout Southern California.

Mr. Blurock has received significant design recognition for his firm’s work from both architectural and educational organizations. These projects have been recognized for their response to site and community; for resourcefully turning constraints into creative opportunities; and for developing new models that embody innovative educational principles.

A sought-after participant in both national and state forums on school facilities, Tom is also a frequent design juror. He has served on the Steering Committee of the AIA Committee on Architecture for Education (CAE) and as Chair in 2004. He is also a key member of the Coalition for Adequate School Housing (CASH) Urban Schools Committee.

Tom was recently elected to the College of Fellows of the American Institute of Architects, a lifetime honor awarded to architects who have made contributions of national significance to the profession. Out of a membership of more than 74,000, there are fewer than 2500 members distinguished as Fellows of the AIA. In making their selection the College of Fellows stated:

Thomas H. Blurock, AIA is redefining the practice of urban school design by offering expertise in public finance, educational programming and urban economics. This comprehensive approach is creating exceptional schools that enrich urban environments.
AIA Fellowship Citation, 2005

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Education

Masters of Architecture 1974
Harvard University, Graduate School of Design

Bachelor of Science, Environmental Design University of Washington, Seattle, WA

Professional Affiliations

School Architects for Education (S.A.F.E.) 1998 AIA, Orange County Chapter
- President 1998
- Treasurer 1994-1996

Coalition for Adequate School Housing (CASH)

Committee on Architecture for Education (CAE)
- Steering Committee, 1999-2004
- Chair, 2004