David Gauld

Interviewed by Head of School, Blair Fisher.

David Gauld, 2022 Distinguished Alumnus of the Year. A member of St. Paul’s first graduating class in 1974, David went on to Harvard College and Harvard Graduate School of Design. At Harvard, he was a student of Japanese architect Arata Isozaki, who later hired Gauld to open his U.S. office in New York City. Over the course of ten years, Gauld worked with Isozaki on the design of several museums, including the Guggenheim Museum SoHo and the Center of Science and Industry in Columbus, Ohio. Gauld began his own office in 1997, named David Gauld Architect. His widely published and award-winning projects include retail stores, public buildings, and private homes throughout the country. Most notably, he was the architect for the recent $12 million renovation and expansion of the Bass Museum of Art in Miami Beach.

Gauld lives in New York City with his partner of 36 years, but returns regularly to the South to visit family and friends, including some cherished St. Paul’s classmates. Growing up in Mobile, he spent many happy days on Alabama’s white-sand beaches, and now enjoys a beach house he designed at New York’s own version of Gulf Shores. In addition to his architectural work, Gauld is currently writing articles for magazines about some surprising family history he recently discovered.

Blair Fisher: You are a part of the first graduating class at St. Paul’s, a Harvard graduate, and a world - renowned architect. What led you to your decision to become an architect?

David Gauld: Thank you, but I am not world-renowned. That’s Arata Isozaki, the Japanese architect I worked for. He won the Pritzker Prize. Unfortunately, he just passed away at the end of December. He is the world-renowned architect. I got to enjoy a little bit of the limelight because of him, and because of our work together on projects. I would say that I chose to be an architect because when I was a kid, I was always drawing houses and designing buildings. I even made a mold once of an airport. So, I decided when I was 11 that I was going to be an architect because it’s something I’ve always enjoyed.

Blair: Did St. Paul’s help prepare you for your career in any way?

David: Oh, well sure! St. Paul’s helped me get into Harvard. I was inspired at St. Paul’s to get involved in extracurricular activities, as well as my studies. And playing football and being in various student clubs. Those are all things that Harvard looks at in the selection process. I definitely feel like it got me the first step.

Blair: A lot of St. Paul’s alumni say that they recognize how high the expectations were and how hard they made them work to meet those expectations. Did they have the same really high expectations when you were here as far as work ethic and discipline?

David: Yes, and I wanted that. I wanted to work hard. I wanted to learn. But I did find at St. Paul’s, that was the expectation and I was very happy with that. I came from a school where it wasn’t the expectation. I was really ready for St. Paul’s when I got there. I was very glad they challenged me.

Blair: So, David, what project are you most proud of in your career?

David: My favorite project is the Bass Museum of Art in Miami

David was a member of the Varsity Football team

Beach, which I first worked on over 25 years ago as an employee of Isozaki, and then completed a new expansion 5 years ago as the primary architect. It’s really special to design a building that is open to the public, that the public uses and for a cultural purpose. For an architect, it doesn’t get better than that. I also love the private houses I’ve done, but they’re only enjoyed by a few people. One in particular is a house I designed on a mountainside in Asheville, NC. Because the client was my sister and brother-in-law, I get to enjoy the house as a frequent guest.

Blair: That’s fantastic. When you’re not working, what are your interests and hobbies?

David: That’s a good question. I really love to travel. I do consider that as part of my education as well. In the city, I love to go to museums, which is interesting that I’ve worked designing several museums - my own and with Isozaki. But I really love museums, and I love art, so that’s sort of like a weekend activity for me. And the beach! I’ve learned to love the beach, and the beaches in Alabama, Gulf Shores specifically.

Blair: You’ve been to Mt. Fuji and Qatar. Do you have any places still on your bucket list?

David: I tend to return to my favorite places now when I travel, like Paris, but I’m curious to see Angkor Watt in Cambodia and Machu Picchu in Peru.

Blair: So, David, you were named St. Paul’s Episcopal School’s 2022 Distinguished Alumnus of the Year. What was it like returning to St. Paul’s? How was it different when you came back?

David: It was a great honor to be recognized in this way. Life has its peaks and valleys, and one can get discouraged at times. This day was one of the peaks. Being back at St. Paul’s brought back a lot of positive memories. It was gratifying to see how the school had grown not only in size, but also in excellence.

Blair: Thank you very much. My last question for you: 50 years! Next year is the 50th anniversary of your class. As a St. Paul’s alum, what advice do you have for the graduating class of 2023?

David: Often the old wisdom bears repeating: life is short, so don’t hesitate to go after what you want. And try to find the right balance between accomplishment in work and enjoyment of life.