Announcement: The Passing of John Pile

John Pile, a beloved and respected professor in the History of Art and
Design Department, died on Saturday, November 24 at age 82. He passed
away peacefully, surrounded by his family in Denver, Colorado.

Pile was a pioneer in the field of design history and was the author of
more than 15 books in the field, including Dictionary of 20th Century
Design, Color in Interior Design, and Future Directions in Design. His
text Interior Design, now in its fourth edition, is considered a classic.

Pile taught at Pratt Institute for 50 years, from 1948 to 1998, sharing
his knowledge of design history as well as interior and industrial design
with our students. He also had served on Pratt's Academic Senate and on
the Board of Trustees. For his excellence in teaching, Pile was named
Distinguished Teacher for the 1998-1999 academic year. He was awarded the
title of Professor Emeritus in 2001.

Pile was highly regarded by his colleagues. Provost Peter Barna called
him "a pillar in the fields of history and design." President Thomas
Schutte remembered, "John was an extraordinary teacher, professional,
intellect, and leader in his field. How fortunate we were to have had him
as an active, caring, and engaged member of our faculty and community."

No formal memorial service has been planned, but an informal gathering of
friends may soon be held in New York. Additional information will be
shared as details emerge.

Donations in his memory may be sent to Pratt Institute, Fund for
Excellence, History of Art and Design, North Hall 219, 200 Willoughby
Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11205.

Frima Fox Hofrichter
Chair, History of Art and Design Department