In remembrance, S. Edward Jeter, AIA, NCARB
In remembrance,
S. Edward Jeter, AIA, NCARB
1937 – 2024
It is with great regret that we share the passing of one of the firm’s earliest and most influential principals, Edward Jeter, who died on September 10, 2024 at the age of 87.
Born in Hartford, Connecticut, Ed was the son of JCJ Architecture’s founder, Sherwood F. Jeter. After earning a Bachelor of Architecture degree from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in 1961, Ed joined the firm of Jeter and Cook Architects which was then located in the Hartford National Bank Building, at the corner of Main and State Streets, in Hartford, Connecticut. While Sherwood was one of the firm’s owners, Ed started out like every new graduate architect at Jeter Cook - as a draftsman - learning the ropes and working his way through the architectural intern and licensure process.
With the retirement of both Sherwood Jeter and Arthur Cook in 1975, Ed became a partner in the practice with David Jepson. It was during this time the firm was renamed Jeter, Cook and Jepson Architects. Over the course of Ed and Dave’s partnership – with Ed focused on business and Dave on design – the firm grew and began to prosper. The hallmark of Ed and Dave’s partnership was to use their complementary skills and to maintain a balanced but conservative approach. During Ed’s tenure, the firm’s reputation as a strong architectural practice grew as the range and complexity of projects increased.
In addition to his day-to-day leadership with Jeter, Cook & Jepson, Ed maintained an extremely active role in many local community and professional organizations. In addition to involvement with the Rotary Club of Hartford, Ed held positions on boards of local, community/not-for-profit institutions including the Hartford Area Salvation Army and the Greater Hartford YMCA, the Bushnell Park Carousel Society and the Hartford Seminary; he served as a member of the Town of Avon’s planning and zoning commission from 1974 to 1981 and was as member of Avon Town Council for over 20 years, retiring from the position in 2001. Understanding the importance of maintain high standards in the professional practice of Architecture, Ed was an active member of the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards as well as the long-time Chairman and Board member of the State of Connecticut’s Architectural Licensing Board. Ed maintained a lifelong connection to his alma mater, RPI, serving on the Dean’s Leadership Council of the School of Architecture and he helped to fund an innovative curriculum focused on teaching the business side of architectural practice; [JL1] in addition to his efforts with RPI, Ed was a long-time member of the Advisory Board for the Department of Architecture at the University of Hartford.
Having been instrumental in steering his firm to a place of stability, growth and diversification, Ed retired from active practice in 2001. While he maintained many of his civic involvements, Ed looked forward to the opportunity to have more time for travel, sailing and spending time with his wife Michael.
Ed was a stalwart advocate for the profession and an individual who lived his life in keeping with his ideals and principles, he will be greatly missed by friends and colleagues alike.