Stuart L. Carter

Arlington, MA 02476

Undergrad college/major: Architecture.

Affiliations at Cornell: Phi Kappa Psi, Willard Straight Hall Board, Navy R.O.T.C.,

Cornell-Harvard Archaeological Exploration of Sardis, Turkey – architect.

Career/occupation: Military: U.S. Navy Civil Engineer Corps (1962-1967). Architect: Associate Principal in DiMella Shaffer Inc., Architects and Planners, Boston, MA from 1970 to retirement in 2010 (www.dimellashaffer.com). Staff of over 100 engaged in diversified regional, national and international practice including institutional (colleges and health care), commercial (office buildings, corporate headquarters, R&D facilities), public sector (libraries, zoo, transit), and residential (single family, multi-family and senior housing).

Honors and awards: Sphinx Head, Red Key, Tau Beta Pi, Phi Kappa Phi, Gargoyle, L’Ogive. Architecture: Firm has received numerous regional and national design awards and published projects. Military Service: U.S. Navy: Secretary of Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation - Office in Charge of Construction, Viet Nam 1965-66.

Important affiliations: American Institute of Architects; Boston Society of Architects, Co-Chairman Ethics Committee; Historic Neighborhoods Boston – Downtown Committee, Co-Chairman.

Published work: Archaeological Exploration of Sardis: Report 1 contributing author, Harvard University Press 1975. Contributed drawings to subsequent reports; Architectural projects in various publications 1970 to 2010 under firm name; Contributing author to “Membrane Design & Structure in the World”, Yokahama, Japan; Pearl River New Town Plan, Guangzhou, China: published in urban planning volume.

Marital status: Divorced and Re-united.

Spouse: Elizabeth Archer, Sculptor (www.elizabetharcher.com).

Children: Michelle Carter, Painter (www.michellecarterpaints.com) and Michael, Music Synthesis, composes music & sounds for video games.

Outstanding Cornell memory: My first visit to interview at Cornell: the stunning campus, stimulating intellectual environment, and the sound of the chimes from the library bell tower combined in a lasting impression that influenced my decision then, and my life ever since.

How has your life differed from what you expected? In the broadest sense, my life (family, military service, architectural practice, archaeological interests and recreational pursuits), has followed the general path that I had anticipated. The often serendipitous manner in which all the details came together, frequently with unpredictable Cornell connections, and the way in which my Cornell campus experiences and friendships prepared me for, and contributed to the outcome has been most rewarding and appreciated.

Cornell activities post-graduation: Attended, and thoroughly enjoyed, as many class reunions as schedule permitted; Participated in early Boston area fund-raising phonathons; Participated in College of Architecture Career Search Panels for new graduates. Continued participation in Cornell Harvard Archaeological Exploration of Sardis, Turkey: as a student 1961 & 1962; as staff architect in the mid 1970’s, and now with continued independent research in retirement. The expedition recently celebrated its 50^th year at this important capitol of King Croesus’ 6^th century B.C.E. Lydian Empire; a major center of commerce and culture that continued in importance in Persian, Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman periods. The Metropolitan Museum’s recently remodeled entry to the Greek & Roman galleries features a near-perfect Ionic capital, column and base from the Temple of Artemis, the 4^th largest Greek Ionic temple. Continued contact with the Cornell Arboretum and sculpture Professor Jack Squier, whose 1961 class project involving experimental monumental concrete sculptures in a remote barn junkyard in the Agricultural College hinterlands, formed the unanticipated core of the present F. R. Newman Arboretum Sculpture Garden.

Personal reflections: The Cornell experience has positively influenced every aspect of my life. The architectural college faculty and visiting critic program provided a sound aesthetic and technical education. The elective program enabled a broader exposure to the liberal arts with such outstanding courses as Professor George Healy’ standing-room-only Survey of English Literature in Goldwyn Smith B, whose lecture/performances often ended with ovations. Cornell’s large, international community and varied social/living arrangements provided diverse opportunities to form lasting friendships and grow intellectually.