Jonathan E. "Jon" Pettit, a Seattle-based managing principal of architect-engineer DLR Group, Omaha, and a 36-year industry veteran, died on Aug. 19 of cancer, the company announced on Sept. 3. He was 61.

PETTIT

Pettit led Seattle operations and provided strategic direction for DLR's growth into a regional design leader in the corporate, justice and education sectors, says the firm.

He also was key in building its retail and workplace practice nationally and, in the 1980s, led the firm's acquisition of architect John Graham & Associates.

DLR ranks at No. 101 on ENR's list of Top 500 Design Firms, with $116.3 million in 2012 revenue.

"Jon had the innate ability to both pull and push people to achieve," says Dale Hallock, DLR Group board member.