The Cal Poly Pomona community mourns the loss of a remarkable individual, Richard Chylinski, who played an instrumental role in shaping the Cal Poly Pomona architecture program. As we remember his extraordinary contributions and enduring legacy, we celebrate Chylinski’s unwavering commitment to excellence and his profound impact on the field of architecture.
Chylinski, together with Bernard Zimmerman, founded the Cal Poly Pomona architecture program in the 1960s within the Department of Environmental Design, housed in the College of Agriculture. Recognizing the program’s potential, Chylinski sought to elevate its status and shape its direction. He invited many of our most noteworthy instructors including, renowned architects Ray Kappe and Richard Neutra.
Chylinski’s journey towards architectural excellence began with his service in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. Following his military service, he pursued higher education at the University of California, Berkeley. In 1963, he earned his master’s degree in architecture from UC Berkeley and relocated to Southern California with his young family, where he established himself as a practicing architect.
Simultaneously, he embarked on a career in academia, joining the architecture faculty at Cal Poly Pomona. In 1966, Chylinski’s visionary spirit led him to co-establish the architecture program. Serving as the department’s director from 1966 to 1969 and as its chair from 1973 to 1976, he left an indelible mark on the program’s growth and development. In recognition of his exceptional contributions, Chylinski was honored as a professor emeritus upon his retirement in 2002. He was esteemed as a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects, a testament to his professional achievements.
Richard Chylinski’s impact as an educator extended far beyond the confines of the classroom. Known for his dedication and passion for teaching, he received numerous accolades from colleagues and students for his meritorious performance. One particularly poignant testament to his influence came from a former student who, despite initially failing Chylinski’s class, recognized the invaluable lessons learned and attributed that failure to their subsequent success. Chylinski’s commitment to holding students accountable and fostering their growth speaks volumes about his unwavering dedication to their development.
“[Professor] Chylinski was such a stabilizing force at Cal Poly following the departure of Ray Kappe and the rebuilding of the architecture program. While many of the faculty were somewhat ‘mercurial’, he was always respectful and professional. A true gentleman.” said Sanford Smith, AIA, former student and current senior vice president of real estate and facilities at Hoag.
Throughout his career, Chylinski collaborated with esteemed architect Charles Moore on several remarkable projects, including the iconic Sea Ranch in Sonoma County, the Psychoanalytic Building in Los Angeles, and the Burns Residents in Santa Monica. His work embodied a meticulous attention to detail, a deep understanding of functionality, and a keen eye for design. Chylinski’s contributions to the built environment left an indelible mark on Southern California’s architectural landscape.
Beyond his significant contributions to academia, Richard Chylinski was a beloved husband, father, and grandfather. Survived by his wife, Kathleen, his children Michael, Patrick, and Manya, and his cherished grandchildren Jackson, Piper, and Owen, Chylinski leaves behind a loving family whose lives he enriched immeasurably. While we grieve the loss of this remarkable individual, we also celebrate the profound impact he had on the lives of his loved ones.
The Cal Poly Pomona community will forever be grateful to Richard Chylinski for his visionary leadership, exceptional teaching, and profound influence on generations of architects. As we honor his memory, let us continue to carry forth his legacy by embodying the same dedication, passion, and integrity that he demonstrated throughout his illustrious career. Chylinski’s spirit will forever guide us as we shape the future of architecture.