Philip Johnson to retire at 98

At 98, groundbreaking architect Philip Johnson announced this week that he is retiring from his architectural practice, Philip Johnson/Alan Ritchie Architects.

During Johnson’s six-decade career, he designed the AT&T; Building (now the Sony Plaza Building) and Seagram Building (with Mies van der Rohe), both in New York. Closer to home, the Pritzker Prize-winning architect and his firm designed the Crystal Cathedral in Garden Grove.

“I am leaving the firm in good hands to my partner of 10 years and design collaborator for over 27, Alan Ritchie, who will continue our quality and design excellence,” Johnson said in a statement.

Johnson continued to work in the New York office until last fall, reporting like clockwork Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, the statement said, adding that more recently he maintained “a vocal presence” from his home in New Canaan, Conn. -- the famous Glass House he built in 1949.