Aia Lyles Obituary

Robert Thomas Lyles, AIA

July 27, 1941 - July 30, 2024

Columbia, South Carolina - Robert "Bobby" Thomas Lyles, a celebrated architect and beloved community leader, passed away peacefully at home on July 30, 2024, at the age of 83. Born on July 27, 1941, in Columbia, South Carolina, to William G. Lyles, FAIA, and Louise Stork Lyles, Bobby's life was marked by an unwavering dedication to, and love for, his family, his profession, his community, and his many friends.

Bobby grew up in Columbia, on Forest Lake, and eventually (without choice) attended Woodberry Forest School in Orange, Virginia, then attended Dreher High School, and graduated from Columbia High School in 1959, as president of Les Truands.

From a young age, Bobby was immersed in the world of building, working from the age of 12 alongside his grandfather, John, a carpenter, hauling bricks and other job site materials in a wheelbarrow. That early experience, and the example set by his father, laid the foundation for Bobby's remarkable 59-year career in architecture.

After high school, Bobby followed in his father's footsteps and attended Clemson to study architecture, which he did while being a member of the Numeral Society and also starting his own family. For reasons that will be clear to all who knew Bobby, while at Clemson, he was asked by Dean Harland McClure to assume a responsibility beyond his studies. Dean McClure asked Bobby to mentor and support Harvey Gantt, the first African American student at Clemson, who was also in the School of Architecture. Bobby and Harvey became friends and have remained friends as leaders in their profession.

Bobby earned a Bachelor of Architecture from Clemson University in 1964 and, after a year abroad in England, a graduate degree from the London Architectural Association School in 1965.

Graduation brought Bobby back to South Carolina where he joined his father at Lyles Bissett Carlisle & Wolff, an architectural and engineering firm that grew to over 400 employees across the Southeast. At a young age in his profession, Bobby was assigned the leadership of Comprehensive Design, which was a small subsidiary of the much larger LBC&W. After the retirement of his father, Bobby was named Chairman of LBC&W. Bobby touched many lives and loved to tell stories of his days with this prominent Columbia firm.

In 1978, with the sale of LBC&W to Combustion Engineering, Bobby opened the Columbia office of Stevens & Wilkinson. S&W, founded in 1919, is a well-respected firm in Atlanta, Georgia. As the Columbia office grew so did Bobby's role in the firm. He ascended to a seat on the Board, then served as President and ultimately Chairman, in which he served for 15 years. Under Bobby's leadership, S&W grew to a regional powerhouse with more than 300 professionals, including architects, engineers, and interior designers. With Bobby's leadership and guidance, S&W celebrated its 75th Anniversary in 1994, was honored in 2001 as "Firm of the Year" by the South Carolina Chapter of the American Institute of Architects, and the firm celebrated its 100th Anniversary in 2019. The success of the firm under Bobby's leadership was well known and in 2021, S&W merged with SSOE, a large, internationally known design firm with offices throughout the US and abroad. Bobby ended his long, distinguished architectural career as a leader and mentor with SSOE.

Part of an architect's lasting professional legacy are the buildings that are left to be enjoyed by future generations. Bobby's legacy includes many familiar buildings and projects that have enhanced the lives of Columbians and South Carolinians. Projects such as the Palmetto Center, which was instrumental in reshaping Columbia's Main Street District, extensive renovations to the South Carolina State House and the South Carolina Supreme Court, the South Carolina State Museum, the award-winning downtown Richland County Library, the Columbia Museum of Art, the South Carolina Court of Appeals, the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center, the Matthew J. Perry US Federal Courthouse, and others too numerous to mention. Each project stands as a testament to Bobby's visionary talent and unwavering dedication to enhancing public spaces in his beloved, native Columbia, the State of South Carolina, and throughout the South.

Working with his father, one of Bobby's early projects was The Heritage, a condominium high rise on Senate Street. His parents, Bill and Louise Lyles were among the first residents. Constructed in 1974, The Heritage marked the beginning of upscale, high-rise living in downtown Columbia. Bobby not only shaped its architectural legacy but also made it his home, with his wife Sally, since 1992. His dedication to The Heritage is evident in his 28-year tenure as Chairman of the Board of the Homeowners' Association, during which time he guided the building through a multi-million-dollar renovation in 2016. His dedication to excellence and community service, exemplified by The Heritage, a project intertwined with his family's legacy, and is still upheld as Columbia's finest under Bobby's stewardship. The South Carolina Senate recently passed a resolution acknowledging the 50th Anniversary of The Heritage, noting Bobby's involvement in the original design and his long tenure of stewardship.

In recognition of his lifetime of outstanding contributions to Columbia and the State of South Carolina, Bobby was awarded the Order of the Palmetto-South Carolina's highest civilian honor, bestowed by Governor Henry McMaster for his extraordinary lifetime achievement and service. Bobby's illustrious 59-year legacy as an architect is also distinguished by a $7 billion portfolio that has shaped the skylines of government, education and housing sectors in the Southeast.

Beyond his professional achievements, Bobby was an active participant in numerous community organizations. He served on the boards of the Columbia Museum of Art, Clemson Board of Visitors, was recognized as Clemson's Volunteer of the Year, Richland County Historic Preservation Commission, Greater Columbia Chamber of Commerce Executive Committee, Director of SC AIA, Midlands Business Leadership Group and the Cultural Council Executive Board. Bobby's commitment to community service earned him numerous accolades, including the 2001 Governor's Award for Historic Preservation and recognition as one of the icons of the 20th Century by the South Carolina Chapter of AIA.

In addition to his professional life, Bobby loved art in any media and was a dedicated patron. His collection, which covers the walls of his residence and office, includes numerous works from undiscovered artists in South Carolina as well as those he and Sally found on their travels, and works by art icons such as Picasso, Rodin, Warhol, and Jasper Johns. He and Sally's collection has been sought by museums for temporary exhibits and has been featured in a number of magazines and other articles.

Bobby's personal life was equally rich and fulfilling. He married Sally Sutherland Lyles in 1987, and together they became generous benefactors of many museums and charitable organizations in South Carolina and the nation. Bobby was a cherished family man, survived by his loving wife Sally, his son Robert T. Lyles, Jr. of Beaufort, SC, his daughter Hillary Lyles Shoaf (Wyatt) of Charlottesville, VA, and his granddaughter Elliott Watson Lyles of Charleston, SC. He was predeceased by his parents, William G. Lyles and Louise Stork Lyles, his brother William G. Lyles, Jr., and by Sally's parents, Lloyd and Sara Sutherland, who also had a deep friendship with and love for Bobby.

Bobby's infectious, friendly personality was highlighted, until his very last day, by his quick-wit and wonderful sense of humor, his love of life, and his unwavering commitment to his family, his friends and his Lord. He truly believed he was the luckiest man in the world, a claim not questioned by anyone who played cards with Bobby. He also expressed his joy through his love for the beach, the mountains, and cherished moments with loved ones and close friends, many of whom he had for most of his life and many others he made along the way. He found immense pleasure sitting on the deck of his beach house at Pawleys Island with a cocktail, warmed by the South Carolina sun, surrounded by friends, sharing humorous tales, and creating happy memories. This world has lost much laughter and goodwill with the loss of Bobby Lyles.

The family will greet friends in the lobby of The Heritage, 1829 Senate Street, on Friday, August 2, 2024, from 5:00 � 7:00 PM. A memorial service celebrating Bobby's life and legacy will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, August 3, 2024, at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, 1100 Sumter Street, Columbia, SC. A reception will follow at Satterlee Hall. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Clemson Architectural Foundation, Clemson, SC.

Robert "Bobby" Thomas Lyles will be remembered as a visionary architect, a dedicated community leader, and a loving husband, father, and grandfather. His contributions will continue to inspire and impact future generations. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

Dunbar Funeral Home, Devine Street Chapel, is assisting the family. Memories may be shared at www.dunbarfunerals.com.