Honoring the Legacy of our Founder Pendleton S. Clark on his 125th Birthday

Our Thanks x 125 campaign honors the military service of Pendleton S. Clark, FAIA, who was born 125 years ago on February 21, 1895. In honor of our founder’s birthday, professionals across our offices wrote more than 125 letters through Operation Gratitude to active military service members, veterans, and first responders. We are deeply grateful to all military personnel for their service and sacrifices.

Pendleton was a dedicated architect and leader who set the tone for Clark Nexsen in 1920 when he founded the firm in Lynchburg, Virginia. As we celebrate the firm’s 100th anniversary this year, we are looking back at our history and reflecting on the start of what is now Clark Nexsen.

His days were spent reimagining spaces for institutional clients, and perhaps only in his dreams did he envision the firm that exists today: a fully integrated architecture and engineering firm with nearly 400 employees, 10 offices, a global reputation for excellence, and clients large and small in markets ranging from higher education to Federal and DoD. Since our founding, the firm has emphasized  innovative design solutions and measured growth, strategically moving into new markets and locations to create a company our clients can rely on today and in the future.

Pendleton S. Clark, FAIA, founded Clark Nexsen in 1920. We celebrated by writing more than 125 letters to military personnel in honor of our founder’s military service.

Education
– Lynchburg Public Schools – 1911
– Augusta Military Academy – 1911-1912
– Architects Offices – 1912, 1913 and 1914
– Europe – summer of 1914
– University of Pennsylvania – Class of 1917
– Architect’s Offices – 1919-1920

Architectural Practice
– Started own practice – Pendleton S. Clark, Architect – 1920
– Joint Venture, Norfolk, Virginia, Clark, Buhr & Nexsen, Architects and Engineers – 1950
– Formed partnership of Clark, Nexsen & Owen, Architects – August 1956

Professional Affiliations / Public Service
– Member of American Institute of Architects
– Member of Virginia Chapter, since 1928
– Served as Secretary (1930), Treasurer (1932), Vice-President (1934) and President (1936)
– Elected to AIA Fellowship – 1952
– Member Collaborating Arts Committee
– Member of Virginia Association of Professionals

Public Service
– Member, Kappa Alpha Society, University of Pennsylvania
– Member, Virginia Engineer’s Club
– Chairman, Lynchburg City Planning Committee 1934-1938
– Chairman, Lynchburg Building Code Committee 1930-1939 / 1948-1949
– Charter Member and Director, Lynchburg Historical Society
– Director, Lynchburg Chamber of Commerce 1935-1936
– President, Kiwanis Club, Lynchburg, VA 1929

Military
– WWI Ensign, U.S. Navy – 1917-1919 – Atlantic Fleet
– WWII Commander (Seabees) U.S. N.R. – 1942-1945
– Duty in Iceland, Hawaiian Islands, and Philippine Islands, Navy League

About Operation Gratitude
Operation Gratitude sends 300,000+ care packages each year to deployed troops, veterans, recruit graduates, first responders and wounded heroes & their caregivers. Of all the items included in these care packages, the most cherished are the personal letters of appreciation. Writing a letter is a meaningful way for Americans to show support for all who serve. They include several letters and colorful drawings in every care package and tell our heroes “WE CARE!”