Phillp Markwood, architect, 1937-2025

I see that local architect Phil Markwood died December 20. He was well known for his churches in the Columbus area and was a Christian. I seem to remember that he may have been the architect for a past remodeling of UALC. Bob knew him through AIA. I liked this testimony in his obituary,

"During the firm’s 47 years existence, Phil was always designing a faith-related project. He described his passion for church design as follows: “I gravitate towards church work for two reasons. I am a believer, so I get a chance to work for ‘The Big Client’ while working for His servants and I get to create spaces that touch the spirit. We’re all spiritual beings and churches are places that prepare you for your own experience with God.” He said he found that what he was doing was bigger than the project, the people and himself and that the main authority is God. He always felt like he was working for Him.

Those who knew Phil recognized him as a man of humility, patience, kindness, and selflessness. He was a deep thinker, a wise counselor, and a committed man of faith. He connected with people through compassionate listening, always more interested in learning about others than talking about himself. He led a purposeful life evidenced by a deep devotion to wife and family, commitment to his relationship with Jesus and studying His word with close friends for years, and application of his God-given abilities to create enduring spaces to enjoy life and worship. And if he was at a gathering where a prayer was required, he was inevitably asked to speak, as he was also informally known as Pastor Phil to many." 

Phillip Markwood Obituary - Columbus, OH