AIA Oregon emeritus member Joachim Grube, FAIA passed away last Sunday. Joachim enjoyed a decades-long career, with work spanning the globe; he was a well-loved and well-respected member of the Oregon and world architecture community.
Born and educated in Germany, Joachim moved with his wife to the US in the 1950s to practice architecture in Portland, although much of his career was dedicated to creating architecture in the developing world. In 1965, Joachim was a founding partner of Yost Grube Hall Architecture where he was involved in 56 projects in 26 states, while still continuing his work overseas.
An AIA member since 1967, Joachim was invested as a Fellow in 1987 in Orlando, Florida, in the categories of Science of Construction and Research (multiple categories were possible in that era), largely based on his lifelong work in the Sudan and other underdeveloped countries. The citation read out at his investiture said:
“Joachim Grube’s 25 years of research and practice in Africa leave a legacy of design projects responsive to cultural, environmental, and economic influences. Through staff exchanges, training programs, and a private partnership, he has fostered the development of professional and construction skills in developing countries.”
In 2019, the Architecture Foundation of Oregon named him their Honored Citizen for his legacy as a visionary, a collaborator, and a mentor.
Tributes to Joachim
“I have incredibly fond memories of Joachim. He was one of the people I would beeline to at events and parties. Despite his vast experience and incredible life, he was humble and easy to talk to. Endlessly fascinating and equally kind. It was an honor to know him.” -Amy Sabin Logan, past Managing Director, AIA Portland
Joachim was a true citizen of the world, who saw the relationships built through his work to be as important as the buildings. He reminded us constantly to be aware of the larger context in which we worked. Working with him was a highlight of my career. - John Blumthal, Architects Without Borders
