George W. Acock, whose six-decade career in architecture changed the face of Columbus and influenced planning decisions throughout the region, passed away in 2024. He was 85.

George was born August 2, 1938, in Trenton, NJ, to the late George and Elizabeth Acock. While his father wanted him to be an engineer, George said he knew from the age of eight that he wanted to be an architect. He attributed that interest to a great uncle who was an architect and who encouraged him to follow his passion.

 When it came time to pursue a degree, George chose The Ohio State University, whose architecture program was housed in the College of Engineering and included engineering classes. He would later say this is why his father eventually grew comfortable with his chosen profession.

George never looked back. Four years after graduating with a bachelor’s degree in 1963, he founded Acock Associates Architects. While he would go on to design more than $1.5 billion of construction, some of his most prominent accomplishments were on behalf of his alma mater, where he not only provided modern educational and living facilities, but worked to preserve the campus’s historic buildings. His most high-profile campus work includes the Thompson Library, Pomerene Hall, Sullivant Hall, the Prior Health Sciences Library and the Student Academic Services Building.

 George was also instrumental in helping Ohio State reimagine student life on campus, conceptualizing and designing residence facilities that provide stimulating and interactive environments. These included Residence on Tenth, Buckeye Village Community Center and the North Residential District, an innovative multi-building community focused on faculty engagement and mentorship with second year students.

Off campus, there is hardly any part of Columbus where George’s influence cannot be seen. With George at the helm, Acock Associates Architects led the design and construction of corporate landmarks such as L Brands’ corporate campuses and distribution centers. He envisioned what is now the Arena District, an area that formerly featured an empty state prison, vacant industrial buildings and gravel parking lots. He was the first to invest in the neighborhood, turning an abandoned warehouse into his firm’s headquarters. He then became a persistent and effective advocate for the neighborhood in urging transformation efforts that led to a vital economic engine for the city’s urban core.

 George was a valued partner to the Columbus College of Art and Design and the driving volunteer force for ongoing renewal of the CCAD campus, as well as a master plan that gave the college a distinct visual identity downtown. As a member of the Grandview Heights Planning Commission, George also played an important role in the development of Grandview Yard on the western edge of Columbus. The development spans more than 125 acres and is designed for commercial office, restaurant, retail, residential and hospitality entities.

 While George may be best known for his contributions to the built environment, he also played a huge role in preparing the next generation of architects. More than any other alumnus, he had an impact on the reputation, success and vitality of the Austin E. Knowlton School of Architecture – as a student, teacher, philanthropist/fund-raiser, program designer and mentor to students, faculty and graduates. After teaching there for three years, he served as a panelist on studio reviews and provided real-world program opportunities and projects for student design studio programs. He also worked to establish the school’s Italy Study Abroad Program and traveled to Italy with students to absorb work of the ancient and Renaissance masters.

A watercolor artist from his boyhood days, George was seldom seen without a pencil, paper or sketchbook. At restaurants, he would sometimes draw on the table paper and staff would collect the drawings. Each Christmas season those lucky enough to warrant it received calendars of his watercolor paintings depicting scenes from his travels. George’s love of drawing had practical benefits as well; he singlehandedly reintroduced freehand drawing into Knowlton’s architecture curriculum. And, as a fund-raiser in 2000, he exhibited and sold 140 watercolor paintings to establish the George Acock ’63 Traveling Scholarship for Knowlton students.

George was known to his family, friends and clients as humble, kind, supportive and an attentive listener. In his early years he was a Golden Glove boxer and in his later years enjoyed skiing, golf, dancing and cheering on OSU football and basketball. He had a deep love for his family and friends and a special place in his heart for his black lab Arnie – who could sometimes be seen prowling the Acock Associates offices.

George was the recipient of numerous professional and personal honors, including elevation in 2015 to the American Institute of Architects’ prestigious College of Fellows. He received the OSU Alumni Association’s Professional Achievement Award in 2009 and was named one of “Ten Distinguished Alumni” at the Knowlton School’s centennial celebration. In 2019 he received the University Distinguished Service Award and was the recipient of the College of Engineering’s Benjamin G. Lamme Meritorious Achievement Medal and Distinguished Alumni Award.

George is not with us, but his inspiration and architectural rigor continue to be define Acock Associate’s Design principles.