Background
Pokorny, Jan Hird was born on May 25, 1914 in Brno, Czechoslovakia. Came to the United States, 1940, naturalized, 1945. Son of Jaroslav and Theresia (Harrer) Pokorny.
Pokorny, Jan Hird was born on May 25, 1914 in Brno, Czechoslovakia. Came to the United States, 1940, naturalized, 1945. Son of Jaroslav and Theresia (Harrer) Pokorny.
Engineer-Architect, Technology University, Prague, 1937. Master of Science in Architecture, Columbia University, 1941.
General practice architecture, Prague, 1938-1939; designer, Winn-Roensch & Brezner, Detroit, 1942; designer, Leo Bauer, Detroit, 1942-1944; designer, Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, New York City, 1944-1945; owner firm, Jan Hird Pokorny (architect), New York City, 1945-1971, 77—; partner, Pokorny & Pertz, 1971-1977. Association professor Columbia School Architecture, 1958-1974, director evening program in architecture, 1957-1973, professor architecture Graduate School Architecture, Planning and Preservation, 1974-1982, professor emeritus, since 1982. Architect member Art Commission City New York, 1973-1977, James William Kideney awardN.Y. State Association of Architects, 1992.
Board directors American Fund Czechoslovak Refugees, 1959–2008, secretary, 1964-1971, chairman, 1971–2008. Trustee Grand Central Terminal Trust Fund, New York City. Vice president Fine Arts Federation New York City, president Bohemian Benevolent and Literary Association, New York City, 1987-2008.
Landmark commissioner New York City, 1996-2008. Fellow American Institute of Architects (awards of merit 1955, 61,74, New York state association award 1975, Bard award 1985, Arthur Ross award). Member National Academy Design.
Clubs: Century Association.
Married Marise Angelucci, 1967. 1 son, Stefan Alexander.