In Memoriam: Robert E. Markinson, AIA (1961–2020)

Robert E. Markinson. AIA, was an architect with the NYC Department of Design and Construction, serving as Administrative Architect in the capacity of Senior Technical Architect/Team Leader in the Public Buildings Division – Architecture Unit.

He was an alumni of the City College of New York School of Architecture, where he graduated with a BS in Architecture in 1990. In 1995, he joined the firm Superstructures and turned his skills toward exterior restoration and historic preservation. He later worked at Richard Dattner and Partners, RKT&B, Pfeiffer Partners, Goshow Architects, and Rogers Marvel Architects.

Robert was also an avid runner and a member of the Central Park Track Club.

Below is a tribute from a member of our community.

From Lester Blackshear III, AIA, LEED AP, B2 Architecture Group

Just a few words on my departed colleague, Mr. Robert (Bob) E. Markinson. He was always known as Bob everywhere he worked, as well as in college. I had the pleasure of meeting him and sharing a travel and learning exchange experience with him during a CCNY School of Architecture-sponsored trip to Havana, Cuba. Roughly seven CCNY architectural students were chosen to travel to Cuba during June 1990 to visit the university in Havana. At the university we were able to meet with our fellow Cuban architectural students and faculty, to learn about their cultural life, their cities, towns and rural life, music and culture. Bob seemed like he was right at home on this trip, taking time to meet with the students, sing along at the songs that we learned at our hosting residence, and make merry while enjoying our unique experience. I will never forget the last night we were there and Bob was singing and playing guitar while we were all just enjoying the nighttime view and breeze of the ocean. This is an image that will always remain with me.

25 years later, Bob and I crossed paths again, but this time it was in the workplace, at the City of New York Department of Design and Construction as architect colleagues. Bob’s demeanor and outward appearance changed since my encounter with him on the Cuba trip. He was more poised and professionally versed, but was still as pleasant with people as I had known him then. He would always have a smile, and was courteous and would not have a bad word or opinion towards anyone. I will truly miss him as a colleague and friend.