Derwin Lynn Abston (1959-2002) was a Project Designer for the National Air and Space Museum Center that you are now visiting.
Derwin attended the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, where he earned the degrees of Bachelor of Science in Architecture in 1981 and Master of Architecture in 1983. After graduation he began a passionate 18-year career as an architect, drawing on his rare blend of artistic talent and technical expertise to master every facet of his profession, from design to construction administration. Derwin was admitted to the American Institute of Architects (AIA) in 1989.
For Derwin, being an architect was a labor of love. He spent 13 years of his architectural career at HOK and was highly respected among his peers. As a mentor to many architects, he devoted much of his time to helping architectural interns gain experience. He was patient, kind, and dedicated to helping others reach the level of experience he possessed. He helped those who worked on projects other than his own. His quiet ways, sharp wit, and sense of humor appealed to many of his colleagues. It was not uncommon to see co-workers at his desk asking for his opinion or guidance on an issue. He helped his colleagues develop design concepts or work out construction details.
He enjoyed participating in a design project from beginning to end; from schematic concept to design development, then on to developing the construction details and administration of the construction contract. In the National Air and Space Museum Center he was involved in all phases of the Project.
Derwin showcased his mastery of construction details especially in the building's theater, the meeting space above the theater, and the glass floor beneath the information desk in the fuselage portion of the building. He also developed the design and details for the elevator tower on the West side of the main Hangar and the Grand Stair at the end of the mezzanines. Pay close attention to these areas as you walk through the building.
Other buildings that Derwin designed with HOK include The Cato Institute Headquarters, Washington, D.C.; The United States Secret Service Agency Headquarters, Washington, D,C; and The Nature Conservancy Headquarters, Arlington, Virginia. He was proud to have the opportunity to travel to the capitals of Uganda, Tanzania, and Kenya to work on the design of the American Embassies and AID buildings.
Derwin is greatly missed by his family and fellow professionals.