The John Portman Dean's Chair
The John Portman Dean’s Chair bears the name of one of Georgia Tech's most distinguished graduates, the renowned architect and developer John C. Portman Jr., ARCH 1950, Honorary Ph.D. 2012. Portman passed away on December 29, 2017, at the age of 93.
The John Portman Dean's Chair reinforces and strengthens the College's ability to attract and retain the very best academic leaders in the field.
When reflecting upon the endowed dean’s chair being named in his honor, Portman remarked, "Georgia Tech is a jewel in Atlanta's crown, and the College of Architecture (later renamed the College of Design) played a pivotal role in shaping my life."
"I am honored to partner with the institution that means so much to me, while it aims to ensure generations of aspiring architects have a world-class educational foundation on which to build their dreams, contribute to the field, and improve the lives of people everywhere."
The John Portman Impact
Fearless Graduate Changed 60 Skylines
Portman Visiting Critic and Prize
Master of Real Estate Development
Dual Degree
Keeping Georgia Tech Architecture at the Vanguard
Portman earned a Bachelor of Science in Architecture from the Georgia Institute of Technology in 1950. After a three-year apprenticeship with an Atlanta firm, he opened his own firm in 1953 and began making history.
Throughout his career, his ties to Georgia Tech have remained strong. The Portman Prize and Portman Visiting Critic Program foster design excellence and student creativity in the School of Architecture at Georgia Tech.
The Portman Prize is awarded through competition by a distinguished jury chaired by the Portman Visiting Critic, who also participates over the semester as a design studio critic and public lecturer. The competition jury awards ranked prizes, each carrying monetary awards, and the top prize winner is also offered a summer internship in the office of John Portman & Associates.