A Milwaukee architect whose portfolio included a substantial portion of the Milwaukee Art Museum has died.
David Kahler was a longtime leader of Kahler Slater, perhaps the city’s largest architectural firm. He died recently at the age of 89.
“David’s vision and commitment to design excellence and community service set a course that continues to guide the firm,” said Kahler Slater CEO Al Krueger, in a May 14 statement. “His legacy lives on in the work we carry forward.”
Kahler joined the firm in 1965 when it was known as Fitzhugh Scott, according to the Encyclopedia of Milwaukee.
From 1974 to 2002, he and Thomas “Mac” Slater led the firm, which was renamed Kahler Slater.
“As an architect, Kahler set a standard that balanced rigor with imagination. He emphasized clarity of thought, respect for context, and honesty in materials, while encouraging bold ideas and thoughtful questioning,” according to a Kahler Slater statement.
Kahler’s earliest works included University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee’s Golda Meir Library, completed in 1967.
He also led the Wisconsin State Capitol’s phased restoration from 1991 to 2002.
But Kahler’s most high-profile work may be the Milwaukee Art Museum’s Bradley Wing addition, completed in 1975.
He also collaborated with Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava on the museum’s Quadracci Pavilion, which opened in 2001. Kahler retired from the firm that same year.
In addition, Kahler, recognized as a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects. was known for his mentorship and leadership.
Architect Jim Shields recalls attending the art museum Bradley Wing’s opening more than 50 years ago.
Shields was then a student at UWM’s School of Architecture and Urban Planning – where he’s now an associate professor.
“It was an exciting experience: a vast facade of glass facing Lake Michigan, expansive walls of exposed cast concrete with aggressive contemporary art throughout,” said Shields, who’s also a design principal at HGA Architects & Engineers.
“It showed what was possible in Milwaukee and gave me hope for the future,” Shields told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
Information on services wasn’t immediately available.
Tom Daykin can be emailed at tdaykin@jrn.com and followed on Instagram, Bluesky, X and Facebook.
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Architect David Kahler has died. His work included Milwaukee Art Museum
Reporting by Tom Daykin, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
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