Albert S. Komatsu, founder of the architecture firm that bears his name and famous for his work on midcentury modern architecture in the city and civic projects such as the Japanese Garden at the Fort Worth Botanical Garden, has died at the age of 97.

Komatsu founded the firm in 1959, and his still-operating company is known for everything from tiny homes to historic courthouses to the Japanese Garden, the serene landmark at the Fort Worth Botanical Garden. The firm, now led by his son Karl Komatsu, has designed or managed more than 1,200 projects.

“He left landmarks around this city, not just for what he did, but because of the kind of man he was,” said former Fort Worth Mayor Mike Moncrief, a longtime friend. “The Japanese Garden is a landmark not only for those who live here but also for those who come to visit. We can all appreciate this special gift from a special and very talented man.

Moncrief also reminded that when he called on Komatsu to do something for the public, it always responded positively.

“He always said, ‘Yes.’ “That’s how he was,” he said. Moncrief also recalled his work for non-profit organizations.

“He made these contributions willingly and openly,” he said.

Albert Komatsu was born in Portland, Oregon, in 1926, the son of Japanese immigrant Hisakichi Komatsu, who worked for the Spokane-Seattle Railroad. As part of the internment of people of Japanese descent during World War II, Komatsu’s family was sent to a camp in Idaho in 1942. Albert Komatsu eventually joined the US Army. He was assigned to an engineering group because of his strong math skills, according to a video Komatsu made with the Fort Worth Japanese Society.

After the war, he attended the University of Minnesota on the GI Bill and earned a degree in architecture. He was drafted into the military during the Korean War and came to North Texas after his discharge. He worked for Wyatt Hedrick of Sanguinet, Staats and Hedrick, designers of several classic Fort Worth buildings. He opened his own company in 1959.

St. Along with many Fort Worth commercial and civic projects, such as the sanctuary at St. Stephen’s Presbyterian Church, the Summit Office Park, Fire Station No. 8, the YWCA of Fort Worth, and the original master plan of the University of Texas at Arlington campus, Komatsu also has several midcentury He also designed the modern house.

Fort Worth businesswoman and philanthropist Marty Leonard said she and her husband chose Komatsu as their architect because of his work on the Leonard family farmhouse.

“We moved into this house in 1972 and I’ve loved it ever since,” he said.

Current president Harvey Yamagata said he helped found the Fort Worth Japanese Society in the mid-1980s and led the organization for several years.

“He contributed a lot and really gives us a lot to live for in the community,” he said.

Komatsu retired a few years ago but continued on for a few more years.

He is survived by his son, Karl Komatsu, and his daughter, KERA executive Sylvia Komatsu. His wife, Toyoko “Toy” Tanaka Komatsu (83), died in 2009.

Bob Francis is the business editor of the Fort Worth Report. Contact him at [email protected]. News decisions at The Fort Worth Report are made independently of our board members and financial supporters. Read more about our editorial independence policy Here.

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