Arthur Charles Erickson (June 14th, 1924 - May 20th, 2009) was an internationally celebrated Canadian architect and urban planner. He earned his degree in architecture from McGill University. Most of his buildings are modernist concrete structures designed to respond to the natural conditions of its location, especially climate.

Many buildings, such as the Museum of Anthropology in Vancouver, are inspired by the post and beam architecture of the Coastal First Nations. He is also known for numerous futuristic designs such as the Fresno City Hall and the Biological Sciences Building at the University of California, Irvine.

Life and career

Erickson was born in Vancouver, the son of Oscar Erickson and Myrtle Chatterton. He served in the Canadian Army Intelligence Corps during World War II. After graduating from McGill in 1950, Erickson taught at the University of British Columbia and designed houses in partnership with Geoffrey Massey. In 1963, Erickson and Massey submitted the winning design for Simon Fraser University. Erickson was mentor of many other noted local architects and urbanists, including founding members of many of Vancouver's premier design-oriented architectural firms.

In 1973 he was made an Officer of the Order of Canada and was promoted to Companion in 1981. His family announced that he died in Vancouver on May 20, 2009. Erickson lived in Point Grey with his life partner and interior design collaborator, Francisco Kripacz.