Karen Buchanan

First Executive Director
The Dallas Architecture Forum

1956 to 2026

Karen Ann Buchanan, the first Executive Director of The Dallas Architecture Forum (The Forum), passed away peacefully on February 23rd, 2026, in Dallas. Creative, caring, dedicated, and thoughtful are some of the many positive attributes that describe Karen and also Russell Buchanan, FAIA, her devoted and loving life partner. Karen was an avid reader, a fabulous cook, and the smartest person in the room. She had an infectious smile, a gentle demeanor and a fierce wit. She never met a stranger and always made room for everyone at the table. Her favorite saying was, “We’re lucky to be us.” Conversation was lively around Karen’s dinner table with her masterful cooking generously offered to her guests. Somewhat like a Dallas version of the literary Algonquin Roundtable in New York, people left Karen’s house “smarter than when they started” while enjoying her hospitality. Karen at times had an initial litmus test for people she met – do you read The New Yorker and Dwell, and really care for people in need? If the answers were “yes”, then you and Karen were probably kindred souls who would develop a friendship that would enrich both lives.

After a successful career in business, Karen joined The Dallas Architecture Forum as its inaugural Executive Director in November 2001. Karen brought her organizational skills, singular focus and determination to grow The Forum while continuing to encourage the creative ideas The Forum Board members had. Karen also supported Russell in beginning The Forum’s Panel Discussion Series, where topics of regional and national importance are discussed by local subject matter experts in lively conversation with each other and program attendees. In March 2005 Karen passed the baton to current Forum Executive Director Nate Eudaly so that she could manage and continue to grow Russell’s studio on a full-time basis. In her last years, Karen enjoyed a slightly slower pace of life while continuing to make family, friends, and new arrivals to Dallas, including Dallas Morning News architecture critic Mark Lamster and family, welcome in her home.

In deep appreciation of Karen, and in recognition of the lasting positive impact she and Russell achieved by establishing the Panel Discussion Series, The Dallas Architecture Forum is creating an annual Panel that will be named “The Karen Buchanan Memorial Panel” in her honor. Should individuals or organizations desire to support this initiative, they may donate in tribute and memory of Karen to this fund – see link below. Karen will be missed greatly by family, friends, and the Dallas design community; but her legacy will live on and continue to positively impact Dallas.

Karen Buchanan Memorial Panel

Donations in honor of Karen to support the Karen Buchanan Memorial Panel fund can be made at this link

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Donations may also be made by check to The Dallas Architecture Forum, and mailed to P. O. Box 140769, Dallas, TX  75214.

Thank you!