The Knowlton School is saddened to report the passing away of George Acock (BArch ’63). Acock’s service and dedication to Ohio State are evident to anyone who steps onto the campus and experiences the many buildings he and his firm designed and through the countless students who have benefited from his teaching, mentorship, and support for scholarships and international travel programs.

“The Knowlton School has lost a distinguished alumnus and a huge supporter of the school,” said Professor Emeritus of Architecture Rob Livesey. “There was nothing that George would not do for the school, from teaching watercolor to participating in studio reviews; from hosting student and alumni events to generously supporting student travel and international design studios. George was a true Renaissance man. We will sorely miss him.”

Four years after graduating from Ohio State University, Acock founded Acock Associates Architects, one of the 10 largest architecture firms in the region. In 2018, University Architect Bernie Costantino noted that Acock was responsible for some of the most “significant buildings in the history of the university,” among them Pomerene Hall, Sullivant Hall, the North Residential District, and the Student Academic Services (SAS) building. Arguably his most important campus project was the renovation and expansion of Thompson Library. His design for the library strengthened the iconic, historic image of the building while expressing a fresh enthusiasm for intellectual change and growth. “George is the go-to person for very important projects, especially those that needed the touch of blending the old and new together,” said former University Trustee and Chair of the Master Planning and Facilities Committee Alex Fischer.

Acock made a lasting contribution to the education of Knowlton students and elevated the school’s reputation, success, and vitality. Acock served as an instructor, philanthropist and fundraiser, program designer, and mentor. With a deep belief in the value of broad cultural exchange and real architectural experiences, Acock assisted in reshaping the school’s Italy Program. At a fundraiser in 2000, he exhibited and sold 140 of his own watercolor paintings to help endow the George W. Acock 1963 Fund.

“I’ve seen it happen,” said Acock in an interview about his support for travel experiences. “When students travel it changes the outlook on their designs. It’s the idea of the flexibility of seeing how other problems are solved—of actually seeing the solution. It’s one thing to talk about architecture, but you have to live with it and experience it. You have to walk through the halls or look out the windows or see how things are oriented in relationship to the rest of the world. You can talk about it, but you’ve got to experience it, feel it. It’s an emotion, not a science.”

Knowlton faculty were moved by the degree of Acock’s commitment to architecture. Professor Emerita of Architecture Kay Bea Jones said that “like the annual calendars he sent as holiday cards, George was generous, colorful, and sublimely dedicated to his craft. I am one of many who learned from George what makes good architecture and what makes good architecture endure.” Former Knowlton School Director Mike Cadwell noted that “George’s quiet demeanor and dry humor masked a fierce commitment to the art of architecture, matched one might add, by his lifelong prowess as a boxer.”

Over a career spanning five decades, Acock was recognized as one of Ohio’s and the nation’s most innovative and creative architects. Acock received the Ohio State University’s Distinguished Service Award in 2019, the OSU College of Engineering’s Benjamin G. Lamme Meritorious Achievement Medal in 2016, and the OSU Alumni Association’s Professional Achievement Award in 2009. In 2015, he was elevated to the American Institute of Architects’ prestigious College of Fellows. George is one of the most influential alumni ever to have graduated from the Knowlton School.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the George W. Acock 1963 Fund are appreciated.