John Olson

John was born in central Minnesota somewhere west of Lake Woebegon. His parents put him on a train to college in 1960 where he discovered Boston weather was incredibly mild, so he stayed. He now lives in Manchester by the Sea in a 1900 vintage carriage house with his wife Jane and a ragdoll cat. They are currently proudly following their daughter Alex’s career as an artist. As a Sputnick era high school grad, he planned on going into Physics. John’s physics career ended after the first day of calculus, so he pursued his lifelong interest in architecture. He graduated from Harvard with a Bachelor’s Degree in Visual Studies, a Master of Architecture and a Master of Architecture in Urban Design. After graduating, he joined Stull Associates for 12 years working on multifamily and elderly housing and public schools. In 1980, John founded the firm which soon became Olson Lewis. Beginning with hospitality projects for Sonesta Hotels, the firm expanded into residential, educational and life sciences areas of expertise. He has been an avid golfer since the age of 10. Collecting is also a hobby. Collections over the years have included robots especially Gobots, an antique rose collection, a Swedish glass collection, golf and tennis sportscards from the 1920’s and 1930’s and contemporary art that fills the carriage house. John is still actively working on OL+ projects.