David E. Lawson

David Lawson died peacefully at Agrace with Mary by his side holding his hand on December 12, 2024. His life was a blueprint of love, wisdom, and strength – a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, whose vision as an architect shaped not only buildings but the hearts of those fortunate enough to know him as a leader and mentor, he leaves a legacy that will endure in both the structures he designed and the lives he touched.

He was born on April 12, 1937 the son of Ralph and Guida Lawson in Augusta, Wisconsin where he grew up and graduated from High School. Dave graduated with a degree in architecture from the University of Illinois in 1960. After joining the Reserves and serving in the Army for 6 months, he began his architectural practice with a 5 person firm in Milwaukee, WI. The firm size allowed him to work in all phases of architectural design. His goal was to live in Madison and he joined a small but good design firm there in 1963. A year later another architect in the firm convinced him to join a well established Madison firm (1913), Law Law Potter, with older partners who wanted to retire. Dave and 3 other young architects bought out the older partners in 1966. Over the next 35 years the firm now known as Potter Lawson with Dave as President & CEO expanded to 65 people involved in a broad spectrum of commercial, education, criminal justice, fine arts, and corporate facilities. Dave thru Potter Lawson worked on many architectural projects in Madison and throughout Wisconsin as well as projects like Navy Federal Credit Union, a 310,000 sf addition to the world’s largest credit union, located in Vienna, Virginia. Two notable projects in Madison included an association with Taliesin Architects in completing the Frank Lloyd Wright Monona Terrace Convention Center in Madison after 60 years of controversy.

Dave’s final major civic project before retiring from architectural practice in 2001 was the Overture Center for the Arts where Potter Lawson served as an executive architect utilizing Cesar Pelli a world renown but most modest architect from New Haven CT and 26 other consultants to develop this major cultural resource in downtown Madison. Dave felt honored to work closely with the client, Cesar Peli and the entire Design and Construction team to bring the client’s vision of a world class Overture Center to Madison.

Dave was active in the Wisconsin AIA (American Institute of Architects) for two decades. He served as President of the Wisconsin Society of Architects in 1978. In 1986 he was the first recipient of the “Golden Award” the highest honor that can be bestowed on a member Architect for their impact on the profession. He met his wife and fellow architect Mary while they both served on the AIA Wisconsin Board. His professional service expanded when he was elected as Regional Director to the National AIA Board from 1983 -1985. Dave was elevated to the College of Fellows, FAIA a national high honor for service and design excellence in architectural practice in 1985, an honor that only 3% of AIA members achieve. In 1985 he was also elected as Vice President of the National AIA Board. After his Board Service he was asked to serve on the National Architectural Accrediting Board, NAAB for 3 years giving him the opportunity to chair numerous visits to Schools of Architecture throughout the country for continuing accreditation of their Programs.

Dave had a great love for the outdoors and spent his relaxation time golfing, skiing, hunting, fishing, building things, and beach walking. Since retiring, Dave and Mary split their time between Madison and Naples, FL. Dave’s love of golf and acquired skill, resulted in 2 hole in one awards, a Senior Club Championship at Nakoma Golf Club in Madison, and a Club Championship at Eagle Creek Golf and Country Club in Naples Florida in 2012. Dave also loved dogs, and he and Mary had 3 sets of Labradors and English Setters as companions over their 40 years of marriage.

Dave was preceded in death by his parents and brother Rodney at age 36 who was awarded 2 bronze stars, 2 purple hearts, and a Distinguished Service Award for his Korean Service and Service in Vietnam where he lost his life.

Dave is survived by his wife Mary and his three sons from a prior marriage and their families: Eric and Monica Lawson of Anna Maria Island, FL, Nicole (Andy) Vaughn, Alicia Lawson - Kent and Danielle Lawson of Verona, WI, Emily Lawson, Nicholas Lawson - Keith and Julie Lawson of Verona, WI, Andrew Adyniec (Michelle), Samantha Lawson, Jack Lawson.

Dave had a full and prosperous life, we who love him will miss him immensely. A Private Service for the family will be held. A Celebration of Life will be held in Madison and in Naples, Florida at a later date in 2025.

In lieu of flowers and gifts, please consider a contribution, in Dave’s name, to the Wisconsin Architects Foundation Scholarship Program, www.donatetowaf.org, 321 S. Hamilton St., Madison, WI 53703, or Agrace Hospice, https://www.agrace.org/, 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway Fitchburg, WI 53711.

We welcome you to share your memories of Dave here on his tribute wall.

Cress Center

6021 University Ave. Madison

(608) 238-8406