A Tribute: Nils Luderowski
1942-2022
A designer and architect, Nils "pioneered the New Adirondack Style of architecture, a blend of Shingle, Craftsman, Prairie, and regional expressions, while maintaining an eye for modern living requirements and technology. His structures are thoughtfully designed to fit their surroundings, as if a part of the natural landscapes themselves, without losing the rich texture, color, and form that make his designs distinctive.” (www.luderowskiarchitect.com)
Craigardan began working with Nils in 2019 to design a new campus for the organization. It was an opportunity to think about how architecture can actively serve to connect artists with the environment around them, with their own work more deeply, and with each other and the community at large. Nils hiked the rough site with us multiple times — exploring views, discussing light and space, and gaining an understanding of place.
Nils quickly became an integral part of the new Craigardan. Since our earliest meetings he not only thought carefully about the buildings as our architect. As a designer and artist he helped to shape and guide the vision that is to become our new home: the arts center, gallery, community space, kiln pavilion, studios, housing, farm, and trails. He always brought wisdom, perspective, humor, and color to our notions of what Craigardan could and should be.
Nils has left his mark on the Adirondack vernacular, and he has left his mark on the present and future Craigardan. We are honored to be building a campus of his design, in his memory.