Kevin Lee Sarring Architect

April 17, 1953 – June 17, 2020

Kevin’s work distinguished his life:
A gifted American architect, and archeologist, Kevin is acknowledged as a leading specialist in Historic Preservation. He received his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Illinois in 1976, that year participating in American Bicentennial projects in France. As a graduate student at Columbia University, his Columbia master’s thesis was the acquisition of the Chrysler Building and its conversion to housing.

With the passing of Kevin Lee Sarring in 2020, the World has lost a great spirit.

From 1971, Kevin was the architect for American archaeological excavations for 18 seasons including in Italy at Capalbaccio; Cosa; Pompeii; the Roman Forum; and Trajan’s Forum. His drawings (1973) were used to reproduce the Getty Villa wall plaster in Malibu, California. Kevin worked throughout the world conserving such projects as Preah Khan, Angkor Cambodia; Raffles Hotel, Singapore; and teaching. His independent projects included private residences throughout the US and internationally.
As an architect and later vice-president with Harry Weese, Chicago, his projects included the Grand Central Terminal, NY; Union Station and the Federal Triangle, Washington D.C. and The Field Museum, Chicago. He contributed immeasurably to establishment of historic preservation programs and National Register reconstructions.

From 1995, Kevin was post architect with the U.S. Department of State, preserving significant overseas American embassy architecture and managing the designs of new American embassies. He directly contributed to important policy for U.S. cultural property and heritage, with a massive design portfolio from every corner of the Globe. He received 14 awards from the State Department alone.

After retiring from The State Department in 2016, Kevin continued his dedication to historic preservation including most recently in Charles Town WV, with his concept designs for restoration of the home of President Washington’s brother, Happy Retreat, a National Trust American Treasure. Kevin brought his gift to restoration of the National Register Apple Chapel in Berkeley County WV, which became his country studio, art center, and local community resource.

Kevin possessed an ever-present wit and sense of humor, with hilarious puns and rye observations. Sometimes texting with one of his great photos from all over the world; a minute detail of a cornice or view from an historic overlook. His smile, reserved for right moments, could be accompanied by an exclamation of “oh dear…” with his big chuckle. Encouragement, if merited, was always forthcoming for a friend’s idea or “whatever you think.” Kevin delighted in sharing his knowledge and inimitable passions for history, life and the architects Frank Lloyd Wright, Mies van der Rohe, Louis Sullivan, Daniel Burnham — from whom Kevin assumed the mantle — although he would have been too self-deprecating to say such a thing about himself.
As brilliant as we know Kevin, he shall be remembered all the more as caring friend, brother and loving son, bringing his Mother great joy. A sweet, smart, modest, big guy with a huge, generous heart. For we who knew Kevin, there’s a place in our hearts that cannot be filled.

Ciao, Kevin

Cosa (also called Cusi or Cosia) was a Latin colony founded in southwestern Tuscany in 273 BC. It is located 140 km northwest of Rome near the small town of Ansedonia. In the 20th century, the important site’s excavations were carried out under the auspices of the American Academy in Rome. Kevin was an important contributor for Cosa throughout his lifetime, including the most recent year before his passing.