Larry Bruton, BArch '67, to Receive 2025 Ellis F. Lawrence Medal and Deliver College of Design Commencement Address

Photograph of Larry Bruton in front of the University of Oregon "O" on the Portland campus.

Dean Adrian Parr Zaretsky of the College of Design will present the 2025 Ellis F. Lawrence Medal to Larry Bruton, BArch '67, during the College of Design Commencement ceremony on June 15 at 1 pm at Matthew Knight Arena. The Lawrence Medal is awarded annually through a competitive faculty nomination process to recognize alumni who have made exceptional contributions to the field of design. As this year’s honoree, Bruton will also deliver the commencement address for the College of Design.

"Every year, the Lawrence Medal is awarded to an exceptional College of Design alumnus/a selected at the end of a rigorous submission process. This is a chance for the college and its outgoing students to celebrate and recognize our alumni's incredible record of accomplishments and the impact of their work,” explains Dean Parr Zaretsky. “I am thrilled to bring longtime supporter and distinguished alumnus, Larry Bruton, back to the Eugene campus. Larry has been a storied leader in the built environment for many years leaving a legacy of architectural achievements across the world. As a lifelong learner and expert designer The college is excited to present this award in recognition of his commitment to learning and his transformational design leadership."

Photograph of KOIN tower in Portland, one of the projects Bruton worked on for ZGF.

Bruton’s four-decade career at ZGF Architects played a pivotal role in shaping the firm’s national and international reputation. He joined ZGF in 1971, became a partner in 1987, and was instrumental in expanding the firm to Seattle, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C. His work spans a wide range of projects, including landmark buildings across Oregon, such as the Oregon Convention Center Headquarters Hotel, several buildings at Reed College, and Portland’s Twelve | West Mixed-Use Building.

His influence extends beyond the region, with major projects including the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle and the Crown Center "Link" pedestrian bridge in Kansas City. These projects, along with many others, have solidified Bruton’s place among the leading figures in the architecture world.

Bruton’s architectural journey was greatly influenced by his time at the University of Oregon, where he experienced a transformative shift in faculty midway through his studies. 

“The program underwent a dynamic change, bringing in bright and challenging faculty who introduced new ideas and fresh energy,” he recalls. “Their influence broadened my perspective and set me on a path toward professional success and personal fulfillment. It was as if the barn doors had opened, and I was eager to see the world.”

That eagerness led Bruton to specialize in major airport renovation projects early in his career, gaining recognition for his work. He played a key role in the master plan for Ronald Reagan National Airport in Washington, D.C., and the expansion of Philadelphia International Airport. His expertise also led to a major project at Stockholm’s new international airport. However, it was the expansion of Portland International Airport—and an offer from ZGF—that led Bruton and his late wife, Janice, to settle in Portland in 1971.

At ZGF, Bruton thrived in a firm founded by Norm Zimmer, Brooks Gunsul, and Bob Frasca, who emphasized collaboration and excellence in business, design, and technical expertise. 

Airport expansion for PDX airport.

“We always focused on what we called the ‘three legs of the stool’—business, design, and technical expertise—as the foundation of our work,” Bruton explains. “Rather than following a studio model, we built teams with diverse expertise for each project, making ZGF a highly collaborative firm.”

Bruton's leadership and contributions culminated in ZGF receiving the prestigious AIA Firm Award in 1991, the highest honor from the American Institute of Architects. After a distinguished career, Bruton retired from ZGF in November 2012. His legacy continues to influence the profession today, with his work and values leaving a lasting mark on the field of architecture.

The College of Design is proud to honor Larry Bruton’s extraordinary contributions with the 2025 Ellis F. Lawrence Medal, recognizing his significant impact on the profession and his dedication to education and design excellence.