A. Lewis Dominy III, AIA Emeritus
During a distinguished career of almost half a century, Lew Dominy has been responsible for the exceptional quality of an extensive and diverse body of work, outstanding for its consistent level of inspirational design excellence.
Lew grew up in San Diego as the son of a Navy Chaplain. He received a scholarship to USC, graduating with a Bachelor of Architecture degree in 1966. While in school he became a member of the Tau Sigma Delta Honor Society (Architecture). Upon graduation, he was honored with a one year World Tour Travelling Fellowship. The fellowship would have to wait until 1969-70 as Lew joined the Marine Corps, serving in an engineering battalion that arrived in Vietnam shortly after the Tet Offensive.
After returning from the war and his travels, Lew worked with Malibu architect Douglas Rucker. Within a year of moving to San Diego, shortly after the birth of his son, Lew worked three years with Mosher & Drew, particularly on Robert’s cherished Golden Door project in Escondido. Lew founded his first firm, Dominy & Bokal, in 1976.
domusstudio architecture, founded by Lew in 1986 (originally named Dominy + Associates Architects) has been responsible for the design of literally hundreds of churches throughout Southern California and the southwestern United States. Lew Dominy’s leadership of domusstudio has led to civic, educational, commercial and residential projects recognized with numerous awards, and extensive coverage in local, regional and national publications.
Lew has been an active member of many organizations serving both his profession and community, giving his time generously, including travel to Mexico as part of a team building over 20 homes for families in need.
Because of his outstanding design accomplishments and community service, Lew Dominy is richly deserving of the Robert Mosher Lifetime Achievement Award.
