Background
Harkness, John Cheesman was born on November 30, 1916 in New York City. Son of Albert and Sara Arden (Cheesman) Harkness.
Harkness, John Cheesman was born on November 30, 1916 in New York City. Son of Albert and Sara Arden (Cheesman) Harkness.
Bachelor of Fine Arts cum laude, Harvard University, 1938. Bachelor of Architecture, Master in Architecture, Harvard University, 1941.
Architect, Saarinen and Swanson, Birmingham, Michigan, Harrison, Fouilhoux and Abramovitz, New York City, Skidmore, Owings and Merrill, New York City, prior to 1945;
principal, The Architects Collaborative, Cambridge, Massachusetts, 1945-1995;
president, The Architects Collaborative, Cambridge, Massachusetts, 1966-1967, 77-84;
also board directors, The Architects Collaborative, Cambridge, Massachusetts
Chairman of the Board principles, The Architects Collaborative, Cambridge, Massachusetts, 1984-1986. Member design faculty Harvard Graduate School Design, 1946-1950, member visiting committee. Member visiting committee Rhode Island School Design.
Member capitol area planning board, Minnesota State. Architectural advisor Boston Redevelopment Authority for Park Plaza, Massachusetts Design Competition.
Ambulance driver American Field Service, 1943-1944. Private United States Army, 1945, European Theatre of Operations, North African Theatre of Operations, bronze cross of merit with swords from Polish Republican for action at the Battle of Casino, Italy. Fellow American Institute of Architects (architectural juror various design programs, 2d award alternate to Appleton Travelling fellowship).
Member National Academy of Design, Boston Society Architects (past president, 1st prize 1940), Massachusetts State Association Architects (past president), Architectural League New York, Harvard Graduate School Design Alumni Association (past president), Harvard University Alumni Association (former director 1988), Phi Beta Kappa.
Married Sarah Pillsbury, June 14, 1941 (separated). Children: Sara Harkness Super, Joan Harkness Hantz, Nell, Timothy (deceased), Alice, Frederick, John Pillsbury.