Robert L. Bliss, FAIA
Robert Lewis Bliss (1921–2018) was a prominent American architect, furniture designer, and educator, particularly influential in Utah’s architectural scene. Originally from Seattle, he studied at the experimental Black Mountain College under Josef Albers and later completed his architecture degree at MIT, where he met and married fellow designer Anna Campbell. Together, they formed the Bliss & Campbell architecture and design practice.
Bliss is celebrated for his modernist approach that merged art, architecture, and handcraft. Notably, he was the founding dean of the Graduate School of Architecture at the University of Utah (serving from 1974–1986) and previously chaired the architecture department. In addition to architectural projects, he was an acclaimed artisan furniture maker, with pieces like the “Lady Murasaki’s Fan” chair, some of which are included in institutions like the Smithsonian.
His urban planning influence extended to founding the Salt Lake Community Design Center and contributing to landmark projects such as the Snowbird Ski Resort site plan. He was also recognized for community leadership, serving with organizations including the Utah Heritage Foundation, the Salt Lake Art Center, and several preservation boards.
Bliss’s work and legacy are marked by his commitment to practical yet visually arresting design, mentorship, and fostering collaborations between design, art, and civic engagement.