Robert H. Timme, 60, former dean of the University of Houston Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture, died in his California home from lung cancer complications.

In 1971, Timme joined UH, where he taught architectural design, history and theory. A year later, he co-founded Taft Architects, an award-winning Houston firm. In 1987, he was appointed director of the architecture college’s graduate studies and was promoted to dean in 1992.

During his tenure at UH, he founded and directed the Centre d’Etude d’Architecture et d’Urbanisme, a research and teaching center in Saintes, France, and edited its annual journal, Saintonge. In 1996, Timme was appointed dean of the University of Southern California’s School of Architecture (USC).

His work with Taft won more than 65 design awards, including three consecutive national American Institute or Architects Honor Awards. Among Timme’s constructed works are the award-winning Hendley Building in Galveston, Texas, the YWCA Masterson Branch in Houston and the Talbot House in Nevis, West Indies.

His work has been published extensively throughout the world and recognized in exhibits in Europe, Japan and the United States. It also has been featured in numerous books and publications such as Time, Newsweek, Esquire and The New York Times.

Timme also was received numerous honors including the AIA Houston and AIA Los Angeles Educator awards. He was named a Chevalier (Knight) of France of the Order of Arts and Letters by the French Minister of Culture.

He is survived by his wife, Katherine; a daughter, Elizabeth; two stepsons, Michael and Nicholas; a brother; and a sister.

Memorial contributions may be made to the USC School of Architecture.

Francine Parker
fparker@central.uh.edu