Reyhan T. Larimer retires after 50 years as an architect and planner.

In August, Yale Project Manager Reyhan Larimer retired after working in architecture and project management for over 50 years. At Yale since 2000, she managed 55 projects, including new buildings, renovations, remodels, fit-outs, and upgrades, almost all on Yale’s medical campus. They included the Anlyan Center (TAC), the Amistad Street Building, and the School of Nursing renovation at West Campus, to name a few.

Recently, Reyhan sat down via Zoom with Deborah Berke, Dean of the Yale School of Architecture, to talk about her long and fascinating career. She talks in the interview about working with Louis Kahn and how amazing and immersive it was. She also remarks on transitioning from an architect to a planner and project manager. Lastly, Reyhan provides some advice to individuals considering a career in architecture or planning, which includes being resilient, being a synthesizer, and the great rewards of often long hours and hard work.

Born in Sivas, Turkey, Reyhan grew up in Istanbul and wanted to be an architect from an early age. She received a B.A. in Mathematics from Sweet Briar College in Virginia, and a B.A. in Architecture from North Carolina State University (NCSU) School of Design.

 After graduation, she worked for Louis Kahn from 1966 to 1974, having interned with him the previous summer. In the mid-1980s, after working with Louis Kahn, David Wisdom, and Associated and Venture Scott Brown, Reyhan transitioned from architecture to university planning and project management. At the University of Pennsylvania, she worked in its Facilities Planning Department for 15 years, focusing on historical restoration work. For her, it was a good fit, and she loved working on historic properties. At Yale, she continued to work on renovations large and small, making a significant impact on the medical campus.

Watch this 6-minute video to find out more about Reyhan’s long and storied career journey.