Wendy Prellwitz AIA

Principal Emeritus

As a PCA founder, Wendy’s values and vision are central to our philosophy of a respect for shared humanity. Her contributions to our practice continue to inspire.

01

Wendy in a nutshell

  • I’m from  Pittsburgh. However, I lived in Cambridge for the past 50 years.

  • Your education  Rhode Island School of Design: MFA 1972; B Arch 1976
    School of the Museum of Fine Arts: continuing education classes in fine arts 1986-1989; printmaking master classes, 2008-2021

  • Any notable accomplishments/awards?  I founded Wendy Prellwitz Architect in 1981 that became PCA with David Chilinski in 1982; Co-founder of the Cambridge Arts Center, Maud Morgan Arts in 1996 and project grand opening in 2010, continued teaching & service - present; Exhibited paintings & prints, 1994 - present. Started teaching and facilitating printmaking & painting workshops in Peconic, NY 2019- present. Painting Fellowship, Ballinglen Arts Foundation,1998, returning fellowships, 1994-2014; Maud Morgan Arts Spirit Award, 2016; Grant-in-Aid, The Saint Botolf St. Foundation, 2002.

  • Any community service?  Agassiz Baldwin Community Board 2002 -2022; Maud Morgan Arts Advisory Committee chair 1998- 2020; Chandler Art Gallery Committee, 2012-2020

  • A project I’m proud of is  SO MANY! Maud Morgan Arts; S&S Restaurant; Benedict Residence; South Station; UConn Dining Hall; Paramus Park, Legacy Place, MarketStreet and before that Harborplace when I was at BTA

  • A place that has affected me is  life-long memories of Peconic Bay and my great-grandparent's house and studios.

  • Materials that excite me are  glowing light behind plastic light blocks, behind textured papers; fabrics especially Marimekko; colorful contemporary materials unusual wood grains; variegated stone; patterned + sandblasted glass.

  • I love Cambridge because  It's a feeling and I just love it! There's a variety of interesting people. It's a smaller scale city than Boston. Cambridge is a thinking valued, liberal, exciting place.

  • I’m influenced by  painters who paint light, structure, color such as Richard Diebenkorn, Amy Sillman, Matisse, Bonnard and architects who think about people & invent new forms - Ben Thompson, Alvar Aalto, David Adjaye, Gaudi, Diller & Scofidio.

  • I’m concerned about  Racial justice

  • Coffee or tea?  Espresso

  • SketchUp or Revit?  Nope! Hand draw

  • Quote that guides me right now:  "Go to the limits of your longing" - Rilke

  • One thing most people don’t know about you  I love to dance.

  • What would be your personal motto?  Stay open

  • The most fulfilling thing I've done  Raised two girls

  • My best vacation  Japan, Mallorca, Florida