It is with our deepest sympathy and saddest regrets that we announce the passing of our founding member William “Bill” Rutledge. (May 2024)
As Bill adventured through life, his fearless approach was how he faced things in it. Whether it was starting his own architecture firm, having four kids and throwing them in the woody wagon to drive up mountain roads to backpack, building three homes for his family in Lake Forest Park – Bill just jumped in. With his quiet confidence, he knew he would figure it out and work hard to make things happen. This "can do" approach to life meant that he squeezed so much experience, love, and adventure into his 80 years. Those who knew him knew they were loved by him. We all will miss him terribly and will miss his great big hugs the most.
Bill received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Architecture from the University of Washington in 1966. After graduation, because of the draft, Bill enlisted in the Navy and attended Officer's Candidate School in Newport, RI. As a LTJG, his first duty station was to Naval Air Station Atsugi, Japan as Public Works Officer. After two years, he was then ordered to Vietnam with the Navy Corp of Engineers in Saigon. He became the Admiral's aide for part of this tour. He received a Commendation Medal for his service in Vietnam and was a proud veteran.
When Bill returned from Vietnam, he was excited to begin his architecture career and worked at a small local firm. Within a short time, Bill decided to launch his own architectural practice, William Rutledge & Associates. Bill's career spanned multiple decades. Some of his notable designs included multifamily projects, religious institution projects, and commercial office buildings. Closest to his heart was designing custom homes, including an AIA “Home of the month” in March of 1997. He served on the Shoreline Chamber of Commerce and on the Archdiocese of Seattle's Building Commission.
In 1991 he took on a partner, Dave Maul. The firm was re-established and given the name we all know it as today, Rutledge Maul Architects (RMA). Under this partnership, over the next 30 years, Bill and Dave have taken the firm to new heights and have accumulated a vast volume of projects in and around the Greater Seattle area.
His daughter, Cristy, followed in her dad’s footsteps working for him during high school and college, and eventually graduated in Architecture. She worked with her dad at the firm for several years.
Bill retired in 2019 leaving behind a legacy that is strong and enriched by his character and guidance. He was loving, gracious, had the best laugh and exuded such sincere kindness. He is survived by his loving wife, Merce, who we all love and adore at RMA, his four daughters, Lisa Welsch (Jeff), Cristy Weller (Mike), Heidi, Teri (Ryan), his sister, Kathy Brillault, his seven grandchildren, Caitlin, Audrey, Caroline, Nathan, Max, Quinn and Dusty and a large extended family including us here at RMA.
Lovingly, we say thank you Bill for everything. As a loving father, mentor and friend, you will be missed greatly!
