Honoring Jerry Allison, the Creative Force Who Made ‘Joy’ Part of the WATG Blueprint

As WATG celebrates its 80th anniversary, we’re taking a moment to honor one of our original visionaries—the ever-curious, always-creative, and occasionally mischievous Jerry Allison.

Jerry didn’t just help found WATG. He helped shape its soul.

Jerry believed design should delight. Whether he was crafting resorts that revived cultural traditions or dragging colleagues onto water rides in full business suits, Jerry brought energy, optimism, and playfulness to everything he did.

Jerry’s love for design sparked early. In junior high, he entered a city-wide competition to design the façade of Seattle’s high school stadium for the World’s Fair. He designed two entries, one for himself, and one for his girlfriend. She won. He came second.

“That’s when I realized… designing something that might actually get built? That’s a pretty neat way to spend your life.”

From there, he never looked back. Influenced by professors like Wendell Lovett and early mentors like Ralph Decker, Jerry honed not just his creative instincts, but a deep sense of professionalism grounded in integrity and curiosity. When he joined Pete Wimberley in Hawaii, the seeds of WATG were sown and a legendary partnership began.

Jerry’s approach to architecture was refreshingly human. He believed that great design wasn’t about ego or trend-chasing. It was about listening to people, embracing local culture, and delivering experiences that spark joy—for clients, for guests, and for the communities surrounding a project.

One project that embodies this ethos is Tanjong Jara, a nature-focused resort in Malaysia. Jerry really thought about the site which was set in a rainforest. He embedded himself and his team in the local context, collaborating with artisans, reintroducing traditional crafts like weaving, brickmaking, and silverwork, and even designing parts of the hotel to be built live in front of guests.

“We brought in the artisans, had them carving the bar in the bar. Guests watched it happen. Then they’d go out and buy something from the same carver. It wasn’t just design, it was revival.”

The result? A one-of-a-kind destination that helped preserve local heritage while creating immersive guest experiences. It also earned the prestigious Aga Khan Award.

The following piece, titled “Creativity: A Primer for the Process,” is a personal reflection written by Jerry Allison. In it, he explores the elusive nature of creative thought—where it begins, how it flows, and what it means to truly observe the world. Both thoughtful and candid, the piece invites readers into his inner dialogue on design, imagination, and the value of curiosity.

Working with Jerry meant you’d never have a dull day. He’d show up with gifts. He’d send hand-written Post-its with sketch ideas and hilarious instructions. One Halloween, a staff member dressed up as “Jerry,” complete with a sweater and a flurry of sticky notes. He loved it.

He also had a habit of convincing colleagues to join him on spontaneous adventures, like hopping on a water ride at a Malaysian theme park. In suits. Soaked. Twice!

“He talked me into going again. And I did. That’s just what Jerry did, he made everything fun.”

Jerry believed that creativity needed room to breathe, and people needed space to grow. In a document he penned years ago titled Creativity, he outlined his philosophy: encourage experimentation, embrace failure, and never stop being curious.

“Nothing should pinch the mind of a young architect. Control it? Maybe. But don’t pinch it.”

He created work environments that were open, joyful, and deeply collaborative. And he mentored with a light touch—more “try this” than “do this.” He reminded us, constantly, that great design starts with great questions, and even better listening.

Jerry Allison taught us that architecture is about more than form and function, it’s about feeling. And that if we do our jobs right, we don’t just build beautiful hotels, we create spaces that leave a mark on people’s lives.

He’s no longer here to sneak Post-its onto desks or launch us into unexpected water rides, but his legacy, his voice, and his vision are still woven into every project we touch.

So, here’s to Jerry. And here’s to 80 years of WATG, designing joyfully, thoughtfully, and always with a bit of mischief.