Alexander Ewing, 93, architect

Alexander Ewing, 93, of Media, a Philadelphia architect who started out with 30 workers in 1961 and with Stanley Cole built EwingCole, an engineering and design firm with offices on both coasts, died Friday, May 29, at home.

The cause of death was complications from a stroke, his family said.

Mr. Ewing worked with his father, architect George M. Ewing, from 1945 through 1960. In 1961, he broke off and formed his own firm, initially called Alexander Ewing & Associates.

One of Mr. Ewing's first projects was the completion of the Rohm & Haas Building (now Dow Chemical) at Sixth and Market Streets in Center City.

It was during the project that Mr. Ewing met Cole, who was working for Rohm & Haas. In 1964, Mr. Ewing persuaded Cole to join him, and together they built a 300-person architectural, engineering, and interior design firm based in Philadelphia with offices in New York City and Irvine, Calif.

Another early project was the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia Building at Sixth and Arch Streets. EwingCole completed work on the building in 1976 and moved its offices there in 1977. Cole died in 2013.

Mr. Ewing was born in Chester and graduated from Swarthmore High School and the University of Pennsylvania in 1943 with a bachelor's degree in architecture.

Joe Kelly, EwingCole treasurer, said Mr. Ewing's legacy in leading the firm was his deep-rooted relationships with clients that lasted for decades.

"He was more than a client's architect," Kelly wrote in an e-mail.

Longtime relationships with the Phillies and the New York Giants blossomed into commissions for buildings such as Citizens Bank Park and the MetLife Stadium. Mr. Ewing kept in touch with health-care providers, too; those connections produced Geisinger Health System based in Danville, Pa., and many buildings on Geisinger campuses throughout Pennsylvania.

Mr. Ewing was forward-thinking in providing for the ownership transition of the company.

"In his words, he didn't want the young blood to work to support the old codgers," said his daughter, Mitty.

From the start, Mr. Ewing planned for an orderly transition. His goal was to have broad-based employee ownership; the company now has more than 40 owners, all of whom are employees.

Alec, as he was known to colleagues and friends, was more than the founder of EwingCole, according to a tribute issued by company officials John C. Gerbner (chief executive officer), Mark Hebden (president), and Kelly.

He became a trusted adviser to many, ranging from CEOs of hospitals and owners of sports teams to architects, engineers, and support staff at EwingCole.

"Beyond being a caring adviser and a mentor, he was often a 'conscience' to his colleagues and friends in both business and life matters," the tribute read.

An expert at time management, he also was generous with his attention.

"He was a treasured, generous, and loyal friend, sometimes trusting to a fault, always resilient and optimistic," his daughter said. "He also was very charming."

As a father, he made it home for dinner and was a master teller of bedtime stories, his daughter said. His favorite hobby was golf, which he played into his 80s.

In addition to his daughter, he is survived by his wife of 70 years, Anne Maddock; two sons, Sandy and John; five grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; a niece; and a nephew.

Services will be private.

Donations may be made to Tyler Arboretum, 515 Painter Rd., Media, Pa. 19063.