Billy Sizeler is the Founding Principal at Sizeler Thompson Brown Architects in New Orleans, Louisiana. He came to PennDesign after graduating from Brandeis University and studying at Tulane University School of Architecture for a year
Why have you been giving to the Annual Fund?
As a 1965 graduate of University of Pennsylvania School of Architecture, I received an excellent architectural education and I believe in giving back to your alma mater. I also believe in supporting educational institutions; besides Penn, my wife and I contribute to Brandeis University; Goucher College and Tulane University.
What do you miss most about your time at PennDesign?
Being newly married, away from New Orleans, at a very exciting architecture school, greatly influenced by Louis Kahn and studying with Aldo Giurgola, Robert Venturi, Denise Scott Brown, Bob Geddes, Ian McHarg all under the leadership of Dean G. Holmes Perkins.
What was your longest day on campus?
The day we had a jury scheduled and President John Kennedy was killed – cancelling the jury; then going to our apartment to watch television until midnight.
What’s been your favorite professional project so far?
Having practiced for over 40 years I have a number of favorite projects: Renovation of the Louisiana Superdome after Hurricane Katrina badly damaged it; Concourse “D” and Concourse “D” Extension at the New Orleans International Airport; Tad Gormley Stadium for the Olympic Trials; Professional Schools Building at Dillard University; Norman Francis Science Building at Xavier University; and Outpatient Facility at East Jefferson General Hospital.
If you could go backward or forward in time, what era would you choose and why?
In 1973 I established a partnership (Sizeler and Muller Architects), in essence went out on my own; and the first 5 years, in which we grew from a firm of 2 people to 15+ people, was very exciting.
What’s your favorite place in Philly?
Driving along the Schuylkill River and through Wissahickon Creek.
Favorite book or movie about art/design?
The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand
Design hero, living or dead?
Eero Saarinen, Alvar Aalto, Le Corbusier, and Frank Gehry
Pretzel or cheesesteak?
Neither. Being from New Orleans, gumbo, jambalaya and crawfish etouffee.
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