Stories
Henry “Hank” Spangler III, former RMW architecture & interiors model artist, passed away on October 15.
Born and educated in Philadelphia, Hank spent his early adulthood in the Civil Rights Movement with Martin Luther King, exploring archeological sites in Central America, and making models for Louis Kahn. Aware of CDR, MRM, and DWW in Philadelphia, he moved to San Francisco in 1978 and RMW incorporated his talents into a full-blown model shop at our 153 Kearny offices. Over the next ten years, he helped us win and explain iconic projects in the firm’s portfolio such as Fireman’s Fund Novato, Gateway, California Academy of Sciences, 135 Main and many others. His two greatest triumphs were the Fort Mason model, which appeared at the end of an on-site competition and won us the job, along with his fully lit and interactive master plan model for Oakland City Center, which helped us explain the complicated land uses and phasing requirements throughout more than two years of public meetings.
On moving to 160 Pine, RMW was unable to incorporate the ventilation and exhaust necessary for such a sophisticated operation so we spun off and supported Hank’s independent venture, Ratio Design Studios, which shared his gifts with many of the other major firms in the Bay Area.
Hank was a big man with a rumbling laugh and a bright smile. He was a fine and gentle person always willing to give the extra time to make it “perfect” … and he was one of RMW’s own.
Godspeed, Hank, and we extend our deepest condolences to his wife Lisa and son William.