Charles Gwathmey

GWATHMEY--Charles Gwathmey, Architect. Robert Siegel, Charles' Partner, as well as the office staff of Gwathmey Siegel & Associates Architects mourn the loss of its founding Partner and spiritual leader, Charles Gwathmey. Charles passed away after battling esophageal cancer for an extended period of time. He focused on the design of projects until his very last day. He loved being an architect, a commitment made as a teenager after touring through Europe with his parents, Robert Gwathmey, the well known artist and educator, and Rosalie, a photographer and textile designer. In addition to having a passion for creating architecture, he maintained an active involvement as an educator. He was a wonderful motivator who inspired all he came in contact with. Charles was also a very kind and caring person. He was fair minded and detested prejudice of any type. Charles and I collaborated for 41 years, often sharing a desk sitting face to face drawing and discussing ideas. We completed 400 projects ranging in scale from a birdhouse to a University, but more than any other building type, it was the exploration of the single family residence, initially summarized in the Amagansett, New York home for his parents completed in 1966, that set the foundation for and substantially shaped many of the architectural principles around which the work of our firm revolves. Charles Gwathmey's contribution to architecture is immeasurable. The opportunity to work with him has been a great experience for all who have passed through our office. As his partner and lifelong friend, I have experienced a wonderful and unique relationship. We looked forward to and enjoyed being with each other everyday, despite the complexities of life and the pressures inherent in the practice of architecture. I feel a great loss which at this point cannot be put into words. My wife, Hazel, and I send our deepest condolences to his wife, Bette-Ann, his son, Eric, and his daughter, Annie. Robert Siegel, Partner Gwathmey Siegel & Associates Architects