Tributes

Jonathan Dyer, long time Main Line resident and prominent Philadelphia architect, died peacefully at home on Saturday, May 4 2014 surrounded by family. Born in 1945 to the late Dr. William Wallace Dyer and Mabel Overholtzer Dyer, Mr. Dyer was a graduate of The Haverford School and Princeton University. Upon graduation from Princeton in 1967, Mr. Dyer began his career working for Vincent G. Kling and Associates, where he designed master plans for both Washington National (now Reagan National) Airport and Philadelphia International Airport. This was followed by a position at Friday Architects, a “boutique” Architectural firm that specialized in design services for urban community groups, small business and residences. In 1971, Mr. Dyer and his family moved to London where he worked for T.P. Bennet & Son, a London architectural firm that specialized in significant public urban projects. He returned to Gladwyne and began working for Ewing Cole as a Project Director on projects such as the Meadowlands Race Track, the County Library in Norristown, Hahnemann Hospital, and Lankenau Hospital. With his first wife, DeeDee Heyward Dyer, and childhood friend, Stephen Stack, as partners, Mr. Dyer started Londinium Ltd. an import business located on Lancaster Avenue in Bryn Mawr, PA in 1976. The business imported antiques, prints, wool clothing, crafts, food, glassware, and other products from the UK and quickly became a favorite shop for many on the Main Line. In 1979 Mr. Dyer joined Space Data Group, which grew into Space Design Incorporated (SDI), where he held the position of President until 2013. During his 30 years as principal at SDI, Jonathan designed and / or managed the documentation and contract administration of more than $1.5 billion worth of construction projects involving more than 50 million square feet. A pioneer in the use of Computer-Aided Design in Philadelphia, Space Design had developed and maintained the most comprehensive database of buildings in the Philadelphia region. At SDI, Mr. Dyer oversaw major projects for the Boston Stock Exchange, Philadelphia Stock Exchange, Quaker Chemical and Hesser College. At the time of his death Mr. Dyer had opened a privately owned practice that specialized in adding additional value to buildings while maintaining their historic architectural integrity. Mr. Dyer was licensed to practice Architecture in 18 states. He was a member of the American Institute of Architects, Philadelphia Chapter and a Certificate Holder, National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB). He was a Member of the Uniform Construction Code Appeals Board for Lower Merion Township, a Former Executive Vice President of Wynnewood (PA) Civic Association, and a former President, Gladwyne (PA) Civic Association. An avid golfer, Mr. Dyer had been a member of Merion Golf Club and Bachelors Barge Club. He was also an accomplished photographer. He will be remembered for his wonderful sense of humor and his love for his family and friends. Mr. Dyer is survived by his wife of 21 years, Gina Abrevaya Dyer; daughter Elizabeth Stuart Dyer Mesires (George); sons Alexander Heyward Dyer (Alison), Samuel Wallace Dyer, and William Henry Dyer. He also leaves behind a brother, W. Wallace Dyer, Jr. (Joanne C.) and three grandchildren, Xander, Audrey and Thomas. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday May 10th, 11:00 AM at Willistown Friends Meeting, 7069 Goshen Rd, Newtown Square, PA 19073. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to The Haverford School, 450 Lancaster Ave, Haverford, PA 19041.

Tributes

Jonathan Dyer

May 30, 1945 - May 4, 2014