The architectural world lost a brilliant mind on Dec. 1, 2025. Warren Ronald Kark was born on Nov. 5, 1937 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, a sister and two great-grandchildren. He is survived by his wife Margie; three daughters – Maria Copeland (David), Lisa Kark and Elizabeth Hinkley (Jerry); 18 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.
Warren graduated first in his class in architecture at the University of Michigan and completed his graduate work at MIT. He was a professor emeritus at Virginia Tech and served as the first university architect from 1980 -1990. He authored the first university master plan and developed many concepts, such as the atriums, which influenced the character of the campus today.
Warren maintained a private practice from the 1960s until the present. He designed over 40 residences with a broad range of size and scope, always considering the inside and outside as one experience. He had an uncanny ability to visualize the potential of spaces and an unrelenting focus on details that delivered extraordinary results.
Warren learned the love of fishing from his mother who regularly night-fished Lake Michigan. He also enjoyed golf and international travel, visiting more than 60 countries. He loved renting a car in a foreign country and not minding being lost. It made for great memories.
At Warren’s request, there will be no formal services. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests gifts to the Hahn Horticulture Garden at Virginia Tech in Warren’s memory. Checks may be made payable to the Virginia Tech Foundation and mailed to Virginia Tech Gift Accounting, University Gateway Center (0336), 902 Prices Fork Rd., Blacksburg, VA 24061.
