Craig Gaulden Davis, Inc.

Last week, CGD was saddened with the news that our co-founder, Earle Gaulden, passed away. Much of Earle’s life’s work are places where great memories are made. Enjoy the images and tribute below from David Dixon. - Earle was a complex man and a mentor to many. While we could reflect voluminously on his life and career, three brief thoughts come to mind: Beethoven, Books, and the Bottom Line All who worked at CGD in the late 1900’s were spectators to Earle’s love of classical music. When asked who his favorite composer was, he quickly responded, “no question, Beethoven.” His passion transformed the musical tastes of many of us through the years. We all knew that if he felt strongly about it, we should seek to treasure it in our own lives. While the music itself is very complex, it is made simple to the ear. This is a wonderful synopsis of Earle’s work in design – complex ideas, made simple. How beautiful it was to hear that he attended the Greenville Symphony’s concert in recent weeks to see Beethoven’s 9th. Earle loved books and was a voracious reader who loved the public library. His most significant contribution to South Carolina was his design work on over fifty libraries. When meeting with library clients, he would peruse the new materials section and scribble notes of books that he wanted to read. It could almost be believed he had read the entire collection of many libraries. His home was filled with great books. He talked intelligently about the subject matter of many genres, able to connect big themes and ideas with the everyday events of the world. Earle never sidestepped difficult challenges and had a charming way of moving all discussions toward the bottom line – quickly and efficiently - in a manner that was agreeable to all parties. His diplomacy was legendary, even as his tolerance for wasted words was quite low. Full of integrity and honesty, he would listen closely and effortlessly bringing multiple points of view into alignment. Even as the leader, he was always deferential to others, never seeking glory for himself. His goal was to make things better. Earle Gaulden made a lot of things better. The world will miss his touch. Roper Mountain Science Center Greenville County Museum of Art Greenville Theatre Greenville County Schools Converse University

Steelcase highlights a CGD high school library transformation in Maryland. A word from our client captures it all: “This project breathed new life, and new light – literally – into our space. It’s transformed our community,” president Brian Kohler says. “It’s now a space where students feel welcomed, comfortable and relaxed. Now, students are there from the start of our school day at 7:50 in the morning until 7:50 at night.” #thoughtfuldesignpositiveimpact

Our team spent time in Portland last week at the A4LE LearningSCAPES conference. Scott was formally inducted as an LE Fellow and we continued to share the impact of biophilic design and student-centered learning with our partner Will Anderson from Richland Two. It was so cool (and unexpected) to have an illustrator capture the talk live while they presented! Design conversations were abundant with like-minded professionals and school district leaders. We love these interactions and how they continue to spark the imagination of how the built environment can impact learning. #thoughtfuldesignpositiveimpact Scott Powell Jim Determan, FAIA

Our belated 'End of Summer' newsletter shares projects in Fountain Inn, Green Valley Country Club, and the new Oak Hill Elementary School. We share CGD team news and conference takeaways about AI, our climate future, and Erin Brockovich. Have a look ?? https://lnkd.in/gF7_FQSU

Going to LearningSCAPES? Next week, join the team in Portland to learn the results of the design strategy and post-occupancy assessment at Bethel-Hanberry Elementary School. Our design team works with school districts to incorporate approaches that will result in the greatest benefits to students’ academic and social development. These approaches include student-centered design features that promote flexibility and variety in learning spaces and biophilic design features that boost cognition and well-being through access and connections to nature. See you there! Jim Determan, FAIA Scott Powell Will Anderson

Some of our team spent three days getting ? inspired? about the future of architecture at AIA’s ASPIRE in Asheville. We’ll be sharing some take-aways from our team! A few more will only go to our newsletter subscribers. Sign up here: https://shorturl.at/RPYfa #thoughtfuldesignpositiveimpact #architecture

We are pleased to share that Andrea Kuhfuss, principal and Director of Interior Design, is a member of Leadership Greenville's Class of 51! Since 1973, the 10-month leadership program brings together a diverse group of leaders who look into complex issues that affect our area including: Managed Growth and the Economy, Quality of Life, Human Services, Local Government, Justice, Education and State Government. We look forward to seeing the impact of this year's group. Congratulations Andrea and to the Class of 51! Greenville Chamber

At 23 years old, Hayden Duncan, has a relatively long history with Craig Gaulden Davis. He came to intern with us after his freshman year at University of Virginia and every summer and winter break since, even through graduate school at Clemson University. We've seen Hayden excel through each stage of his training and after joining us full time in June 2023 has already become a licensed architect, completing the AREs and AXP hours in record time. He is an accomplished designer and valuable team member. We're thrilled to have you and congratulations! #architecture #thoughtfuldesignpositiveimpact

Congratulations, Scott Powell, for being named an LE Fellow by the Association for Learning Environments! We are so proud to have a leader committed to making a lasting impact on student lives! #thoughtfuldesignpositiveimpact?#architecture?#k12architecture?#k12design?#learningspacedesign

ICYMI // Our summer newsletter includes new staff, projects, and publications we are excited about! Have a read here: https://lnkd.in/esagXDCt #thoughtfuldesignpositiveimpact #architecture