Mark Lymer

architect, MARC Architecture

I grew up in Phx/Tempe. Studied Fine Art, painting and drawing at ASU, 1970-75. Finished degree in Baltimore in '77. First Prize student show and also graduating senior scholarship. Then worked in a frame shop in Balto for a couple years. A good one that did gilt, etc. I handled good art too, like Rembraendt, Lautrec, etc. Also exhibited my stuff all over that town. At 30 went back to school for architecture at ASU. Finished full time study in 89, took extra time to finish M Arch in '93. During that time I was as designer for the hardscape, shade structures and fountains at the Deck Park on Central Ave in Phx. In '90 moved to Palo Alto and worked at Spencer Associates. I was the designer for the Bay Area Children's Discovery Museum in Sausalito. after that petered out, moved back to AZ. Then worked in Verde Valley, at Architecture Works, a 2 man firm, it's still going strong. I also lived in a cabin south of Sedona above John McCain's summer home for a couple years. Since then worked with a commercial firm in Phx, and HDA, a school firm in Gilbert, ran Versar Inc. a firm out of Virginia that has an office here, for a couple years. We specialized in muni pools and recreational projects. Designed Eldorado Muni Pool, Gilbert Greenfield Pool, and Shadow Mountain Pool. Been on own, and out of my house to present. Notable projects include renovation and new construction of Mark Mitsubishi/Kia on Rural in Scottsdale. Have been acctive in the Tempe, Gilbert and Clarkdale communities on several boards and commissions. Was named 2009 City of Tempe 'Neighbor of the Year', for service over 8 yr period to my neighborhood in downtown Tempe. Also active in local chapter of AIA up to 2010; serving on the Board of Directors and as East Valley Liaison, and as Committee Chair for 3 years on the re-write of the Guide to Architecture in the Metro Valley. (not published yet) I still paint and am starting a new series of watercolors of Arizona landscapes in south AZ soon.