Remembering a Visionary Architect: A Tribute to Rich Seedorf

It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of the passing of our beloved former Senior Architect, Rich Seedorf. Rich was an incredible talent who left an indelible mark on the architectural world and the hearts of everyone he worked with.

With a career spanning over 35 years, Rich brought his expertise and passion to each and every project. His educational background, including a Bachelor of Architecture and a Master of Architecture from the University of Illinois, laid the foundation for his stellar career. He held architectural registrations in Colorado and Georgia, and was a member of esteemed organizations such as the Georgia Solar Energy Association and the Passive Solar Energy Society.

Rich's impressive professional journey took him across the globe, with professional practices and teaching engagements in London, Paris, Boston, Atlanta, and Aspen. Throughout his career, he designed and built numerous projects, including schools, affordable housing, private residences, commercial buildings, and condos. His commitment to sustainable design and energy-efficient buildings made him a true pioneer in the field.

Rich's architectural talent was recognized with multiple national and international design awards. Notably, he received the AIA's Award for Excellence in Architecture for his breathtaking design of the Hippo-Citroen Restaurant on the Champs Elysees in Paris.

1984 -2004: No longer primarily a car showroom, Hippo Citroën was a joint venture between Citroën and the Flo Brasserie chain. A 220-seat restaurant, It was intended to “promote new forms of contact“, which it did for around 2,800 people per day on average. In 2001, an international architectural competition was launched. The replacement for Hippo Citroën was to be a Citroën showroom again, but more than that – it was to be “…a prestigious showcase, an opportunity for the public to discover or rediscover the past, present and future of Citroën, and thus to highlight the brand’s modern character and creativity in terms of innovation”.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Rich was a dedicated educator, teaching architectural design at prestigious institutions such as the University Pedagogique de Versailles in France, Georgia Institute of Technology, Oklahoma State University, and the University of Illinois. He shared his wealth of knowledge, inspiring and nurturing the next generation of architects.

In 1992, Rich Seedorf joined Z Group, bringing with him a wealth of experience and a visionary approach to architectural design. From the moment he became part of our team, Rich's impact on our community was truly remarkable. His dedication, expertise, and unwavering commitment to excellence uplifted our firm and left an indelible mark on the projects we undertook. Rich's work had a transformative effect on our local community, as his innovative designs seamlessly blended functionality with aesthetic beauty, creating spaces that inspired and enriched the lives of those who experienced them.

Beyond his immense talent, Rich was also known for his teamwork and patience, always willing to collaborate and listen attentively to the needs and dreams of our clients. His calm and thoughtful demeanor had a profound influence on the entire firm, fostering an environment of creativity, respect, and shared success. Rich's legacy is felt not only in the structures he designed but in the collective spirit of Z Group Architecture & Interior Design.

Rich Seedorf was not just a talented architect, but he also had a wonderful sense of humor and a passion for various hobbies. Known for his infectious laughter and quick wit, Rich could light up a room with his comedic timing and clever jokes. Beyond his work, Rich had a deep love for EDM music, often finding inspiration and joy in the pulsating beats and vibrant energy of electronic dance music. Additionally, he had achieved a black belt in karate, exemplifying his discipline, focus, and determination. These hobbies showcased another dimension of Rich's vibrant personality and his ability to balance creativity with physical pursuits. His love for music and martial arts reflected his zest for life and his ability to find joy and fulfillment in various activities outside of architecture.

On December 2nd, family, friends, and colleagues united to celebrate Rich's incredible life and the legacy he left behind. Laughter filled the room as cherished memories were shared, and stories of his bold adventures sparked inspiration in the hearts of many.

As we bid farewell to our friend and visionary architect, we take solace in knowing that Rich's legacy will live on through the buildings he designed, the minds he nurtured, and the hearts he touched. Rest in peace, Rich. You will be deeply missed and forever remembered.