Born on August 15, 1920 in Camas, Washington, Donald Malcolm Wilson graduated from Cleveland High School in Seattle. He became a draftsman at the age of 19 and then attended the University of Washington School of Architecture for over one year. By 1946, Wilson was associated with architect John I. Mattson serving as his chief designer, draftsman and specification writer. When Wilson officially received his architectural license on July 6, 1950, he was an associate in Mattson’s firm.
Listed on the Washington State Heritage Register, the Burlington Fire & Police Station, in Burlington is the only known building credited to Wilson to date. Company information from the Truss-Plus LLC Modular Structures Company notes that Wilson designed for them their patented “Arch-Truss System.” The building system incorporates a stud wall and roof truss in an easy to assemble folding roof frame system, designed to be used for sheds and small structures. While the exact date of this invention is unknown, it appears that Wilson created the unique building system in the mid 1960s.
Their is some indication that Wilson may have moved to Alaska in the 1970s, he passed away in Pirce County on July 3, 1997.
By Michael Houser, State Architectural Historian - Jan 2012
