Bystrom went on to become one of the most notable architects in Washington and in the United States. Throughout his career he received over 30 awards for design excellence, including two National Honor Awards from the American Institute of Architects.

Noted for his sensitive restorations as well as his striking original designs using native Northwest materials, Bystrom’s work has been published in architectural books and design journals worldwide. He was featured on the covers of Architecture, Progressive Architecture, Sunset, Popular Science and Historic Preservation magazines among others.

He was President of the Seattle Chapter AIA in 1984, served two terms on the Seattle Planning Commission, was a member of the Seattle Landmarks Preservation Board, and was a founding member of the Pike Place Market Historical Commission.

Bystrom lectured throughout the country on his architecture and juried numerous architectural competitions. He was elected to the College of Fellows of the American Institute of Architects and was awarded the Seattle AIA Medal. Both honors are given only to those architects who have made outstanding contributions to their profession.

He was the subject of a thesis by Are Risto Oyasaeter, which was displayed at the Nordic Heritage Museum and in Norway in the spring of 2000.

Currently a book is being written about him and his work by Grant Hildebrand and Bill Booth, professors of architecture at the University of Washington.

Bystrom passed away on August 10, 2017