A Message to David’s Readers
It is with deep sadness that we share the news that David Brussat, the voice and spirit behind Architecture Here and There, passed away on November 25th, 2025.
David built this blog with great love—love for architecture, for beauty, for cities, and for the conversations that brought so many of you here. His wit, insight, and unwavering belief in the value of thoughtful design made this space much more than a blog. It became a community.
For years, David invited readers to look more closely at the world around them, to question, to debate, and to delight in the craft of architecture both old and new. His writing will remain here so that all who admired his perspective may continue to learn from it, revisit it, and share it with others.
David is survived by his wife, Victoria Somlo, and his son, William “Billy” Brussat, whom he cherished above all else. A Celebration of Life will be held in the spring; details will be shared when available.
Thank you to all who have read, commented, challenged, and supported David’s work over the years. This community meant a great deal to him.
With gratitude,
The family of David Brussat
Architecture Here and There 
Deepest sympathy to Victoria, Billy and all of David’s friends, colleagues and readers / debaters.
I had the pleasure of meeting David at an RSA lunch at the Newport home of Ronald Lee Fleming way back in June 2015, and greatly enjoyed his writing – and our occasional “sparring” over an issue of architectural principle or personal taste.
A couple of things we did agree on though:
an intense and visceral dislike of the appalling Tour Montparnasse – a blight on the Paris skyline, and a permanent reminder that eternal vigilance is required if the beauty and heritage of our cities is to be preserved, and, not unrelated to that point;
the urban tragedy that was the destruction for “modernization” of the original, glorious Pennsylvania Station in NYC.
I have a copy of “Lost Providence” on my shelves, and will think fondly of David whenever I leaf through it.
Rob Stephenson
Bendigo, Australia
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David’s reflections on that wonderful day in Newport are here:
https://architecturehereandthere.com/2015/06/16/newport-bellevue-house-ronald-lee-fleming/
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Good writer. Thoughts and condolences.
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I am sorry to hear of David’s passing. As an architect brought up in a modernist university it was a breath of fresh air hearing the other side of the argument.
When I visited Providence, he provided me with a delightfully detailed list of must-see architecture in the city and I was very appreciative.
Rest in Peace ❤
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ICAA NewEngland | In Memoriam: David Brussat A Champion of Traditional Design
https://www.classicist-ne.org/pantheon
David was a fellow board member at the ICAA New England. I enjoyed our many train rides from Providence to Boston for board meetings. Aside from his wonderful writing, David’s commitment to “beauty” using traditional and classical architecture was unending. To me, David was built to fight like legendary Henry Hope Reed, I can see them spending time together… I wish there were more following in their image.
Condolences to all.
Peace!
David Andreozzi
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I left the following message in the comments section not knowing I would
register as “Anonymous”.
Catesby
God rest David’s soul. He was a feisty commentator and a cherished
colleague.
My deepest sympathy to Victoria and Billy.
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God rest David’s soul. He was a feisty commentator and a cherished colleague.
My deepest sympathy to Victoria and Billy.
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It is with tremendous sadness that I hear of the death of David. David was a
true maverick who had the courage to speak of his convictions. I had
the privilege to go to lunch with David four times and each time was a
memorable experience. When I think of the beauty of what Providence
has become, I think of David, because the pen is mightier than the sword
and David was the warrior. I only disagreed with David on one thing and
when my time is over on this planet I look forward to meeting up with
David and discussing who was right. Best wishes David, enjoy the
beautiful architecture on the other side. Love, Christopher Bleyer.
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The high-rise residential fire in Hong Kong at the end of last month resulted in 159 deaths. I was about to see what David had to say about it, but I didn’t expect that he had already passed away. Truly regrettable.
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David shared a love for architecture and for cities that felt great. When I finished my BA and M.Ed in art history, I knew a lot about painting but not nearly enough about architecture. So I was very grateful to David.
Hels
Art and Architecture, mainly
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So sad to hear this news! Condolences to Victoria and Billy and all who enjoyed David’s passion. We will miss him. Peace!
Ann B. Daigle
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Sorry to hear of his passing, as I enjoyed his writings. My condolences to the family.
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sorry to hear this. I enjoyed reading his comments. Prayers for the family
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I took regret David’s passing, and send my sympathies to his family. David was a voice for beauty, good urban planning, and rational discourse in a world that needs to be reminded of such things. Best to the architecture here and there community
Barry
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Our deepest sentiments of sympathy & respect to to the family & friends of the beloved, David Brussat.
May Our True Risen LORD Bless David along with family & friends – and his many readers – on Earth and in Heaven – Amen – Alleluia!
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With Kind Regards,
Jack Lancellotta & Family
(RI JAYCEES)
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Jack Lancellotta & Family
RI JAYCEES.JCI Senate)
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I feel in a state of shock to learn of David’s passing. For years he steadfastly ploughed the furrow of architectural humanity, praising the humane and ecorriating the architectural crimes of the so called modern architecture. His is a voice that is irreplaceable.
On a more personal note, although I live in Europe, I was able to meet David on a number of occasions, and he became a friend. He was supportive of my writings criticising modern architecture, for which I will always be grateful.
His deep love for his family often emerged from his writings, and the sadness I feel must be so much worse for his beloved wife Victoria and his beloved son Billy.
Dear David, please rest in peace, your friend Malcolm
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Mr. Brussat’s passion for architecture and his critiques on preservation were of great interest to us here at Spokane Preservation Advocates. We will miss his keen insights and commentaries.
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My condolences to the family. I am a regular reader of this blog and I once did a guest post years ago. I never met David in person. We were just pen pals. I will miss his passion and his vision for a more beautiful world for everyone to enjoy. He will be missed.
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Pingback: In Memory of David Brussat – The Bridgehunter's Chronicles
Pingback: In Memory of David Brussat – The Bridgehunter's Chronicles
Dear Victoria, David was such an important person in Providence, reminding all of us why we love this city and what architecture can mean. I will really miss his columns. At one point, he was working on a book and I wonder if that has been published. Frank and I send sincere condolences to you and Billy. His voice will be missed. Sincerely, Liz
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It has been a sad year, as we have lost two friends, Leon Krier and now David… Our deepest sympathy goes out to their families.
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I am very sorry to learn of this loss. I followed David online and had the chance to be with him only once, a few years ago at an ISSA dinner in Boston where he was a valued guest. I will miss his insight, and Providence will be the poorer for his passing.
Bill Carroll William Westfall Resident of Richmond, Virginia Professor Emeritus School of Architecture University of Notre Dame
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My deepest condolences to all of you
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