[ First | Previous | Next | Last ]
Back to List

Thomas A. Tyler was born in Concordia, Kansas, and graduated with honors from Kansas State University in 1974 with a Bachelor of Architecture. After five years of work on some of the largest buildings in the United States, he returned to K-State to teach and take courses in business.

In 1980, Mr. Tyler moved to St. Louis, Missouri, and founded his own highly successful firm, Answers, Inc., in 1983.

Mr. Tyler's desire to stay at the leading edge of the profession of architecture motivated him to start an interior architecture group within the local chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and to organize the first design awards program for that group. In 1984, he received the AIA's service award and was one of 80 people in the country on the board of visitors of the Foundation for Interior Design Education Research, the accrediting agency for interior design programs.

His interest in sustainable design led to the selection of Mr. Tyler to work on Master Spec, the specification format system used by architects in the U.S. He authored 17 sections and introduced the first environmental language to the system. In 1993, Mr. Tyler was awarded the AIA's national presidential citation for his work on this project.

Mr. Tyler was one of the founding and funding members of the St. Louis chapter of the United States Green Building Council, one of the first local groups, and he was instrumental in aligning that chapter with the Missouri Botanical Garden.

A registered architect who is licensed in more than 20 states, Mr. Tyler continues to do award-winning architecture for such clients as Panera Bread. His firm's work on the St. Louis Children's Hospital was featured in the book, "Designing the World's Best Children's Hospitals." He is also the managing partner of Rainmaker Development Company.

Among Mr. Tyler's many interests are wildlife and botanical photography; wood turning, for which he has organized numerous exhibitions; and serving on the Friends Board of the Sheldon Concert Hall, one of the best acoustical venues in the country.

Since 2002, Mr. Tyler has served as chair of the K-State Interior Architecture and Product Design Advisory Board.

Tom Tyler's commitment to excellence is demonstrated by his leadership to his chosen profession and service to the Department of Interior Architecture and Product Design. The K-State College of Architecture, Planning and Design is honored to present Mr. Tyler with a Kansas State University Distinguished Service Award.