Remembering architect, educator and alumnus Art Lubetz (1940-2025)
Arthur Lubetz, a visionary architect whose bold and colorful designs transformed Pittsburgh’s architectural landscape, passed away early in the morning on July 4, 2025. Art was born in Squirrel Hill on January 15, 1940, to Milton S. and Aileen (Rosen) Lubetz. He influenced generations of students, as well as his colleagues, the school, and the City of Pittsburgh over the course of his nearly six-decade career.
He earned his architecture degree in 1967 from Carnegie Tech (now Carnegie Mellon University), where he formed friendships with artists Mel Bochner and George Nama, whose influence inspired his interdisciplinary approach to design, blending architecture with art and philosophy.
In 1967, shortly after graduating, Art established Lubetz Associates in Pittsburgh’s Oakland neighborhood, and his practice became known for challenging architectural norms. His early work gained attention for its creative use of common building materials, such as concrete masonry units and glass blocks, often on modest budgets, earning him a reputation as a visionary thinker. His architectural philosophy, described as "active, interactive and ongoing," emphasized buildings that evolve through use and time, engaging users through sensory experiences. His work has been described as "immersive architecture" that blends philosophy, art and neuroscience.
In 1985, he converted a former mechanic’s shop into his live-work architectural studio at 357 N. Craig Street. It received national publication in "Architect Magazine," and showcased his ability to transform mundane spaces into striking, postmodern landmarks with airy interiors flooded in natural light. Over the years, Art’s studio was often staffed with more student interns than licensed architects, a tribute to his mentorship and dedication to the future of architecture.
Art served as an Adjunct Professor at Carnegie Mellon University School of Architecture for over 30 years. He inspired generations of students, teaching 2nd year studio for decades, as well as a popular elective course on the concept of "incompleteness." He provoked those at the school to think more radically about the impact that architecture has on people, especially emotionally.
"For me personally, he was a mentor and colleague and friend," said Kai Gutschow, Associate Professor and Associate Head for Design Ethics. "He challenged me to rethink how I taught."
Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh’s Squirrel Hill branch
Glass Lofts
Sharpsburg Community Library
His notable projects include:
- Renovation of the Dalzell House, known for its "infamous" red wall that bisects the structure, dramatically challenging the perceptions and use of domestic space, an early project highlighting Art’s exploration of experiential design.
- Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh’s Squirrel Hill branch (2005), recipient of an American Institute of Architects (AIA) Honor Award in 2007.
- Glass Lofts (2007), a mixed-use building published in "ArchDaily."
- Liberty Avenue Medical Center (2010).
- Sharpsburg Community Library (2014), awarded a Certificate of Merit by AIA Pittsburgh’s Design Awards (2015).
- 555 First (2017), a 550+ unit residential development in New Jersey.
- Addition to the Katz House (2025), an 1869 Victorian house he had renovated once before in 1986. He removed interior walls and floors to open up the wood frame structure like a musical instrument, resonating natural light and music throughout.
In 2009, Art merged his practice with former CMU students Yen Ha and Michi Yanagishita to form Front Studio, with offices in Pittsburgh and New York.
In 2017, Art’s work was celebrated at the Carnegie Museum of Art’s Heinz Architectural Center in the first solo exhibition of a local architect. Curated by Charles Rosenblum, "Action, Ideas, Architecture: Arthur Lubetz / Front Studio" featured physical models, scale drawings and photography from the CMU Architecture Archives and Front Studio, showcasing his decades long career.
A passionate advocate for Pittsburgh’s built environment, Art was a founding member of the Community Design Center of Pittsburgh. He also served as principal of the Environmental Design Collaborative, president of the ECCO Foundation, a member of the advisory committee for the Steel Industry Heritage Corporation (now Rivers of Steel), board member of the Kuumba Trusts, and president of Preservation Pittsburgh.
Art is survived by his wife, Deborah Kaplan Lubetz, Marketing Strategist of Front Studio, traveling partner and his closest friend of 14 years. Deborah is the biggest supporter of his architectural vision and was by his side when he passed on to his next new adventure. He will be remembered as a designer who set out to improve existing architecture and provoke thought by creating more immersive spaces.
A memorial will be planned for the fall.
Read the Obit in the Pittsburgh Jewish Chronicle
Read the Obit in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Were you a student or colleague of Art Lubetz? Do you have a favorite memory, or photo, that you’d be willing to share? We’re collecting reflections and memories of him for an upcoming feature. Please email us to share with us.