At Eustis Chair, we have the privilege of working with visionary architects whose designs shape not just buildings, but communities. Few have done that more elegantly than Graham Gund. The renowned architect, preservationist, and art collector passed away on June 6, 2025, at the age of 84, leaving behind a legacy of thoughtful, enduring design.
Gund was the founder and principal of Gund Partnership, a Cambridge-based architecture firm responsible for over 100 major institutional and cultural projects. From world-class museums and libraries to college campuses and independent schools, Gund brought a timeless approach to each space he touched, balancing beauty, history, and function with extraordinary care.
A Westminster Alum with a Vision for Campus Life
Graham Gund was a proud graduate of Westminster School in Simsbury, Connecticut. Years after graduating, he returned to the campus to help shape its future.
His designs for Armstrong Dining Hall, Armour Academic Center, and Cole Library within that center represent the heart of student life at Westminster today. Each building is grounded in tradition, yet tailored for modern use—a hallmark of Gund’s design philosophy.
We had the great honor of working directly with Mr. Gund on designing the furniture to match these spaces. Together, we developed the Westminster stacking and non-stacking chairs, which remain in use throughout campus. Like the buildings they were designed for, these chairs reflect a blend of historical character and functional strength, tailored to the needs of a thriving academic community.
As Westminster shared in its tribute:
“Graham transformed the campus with arch
itecture that invites students to gather, share ideas, and build friendships. His designs have become integral to daily life at Westminster.”
Dining with Purpose at The Taft School
Gund also brought his architectural vision to The Taft School in Watertown, Connecticut, where he designed a stunning new dining hall that reimagined a central part of campus life.
Working closely with Gund’s team, Eustis Chair developed the Taft stacking chair to match the scale and spirit of the new space. The design blends classic Gothic revival architecture with durable materials and comfort—a perfect example of how Gund merged old-world elegance with present-day needs. (View the project)
An Architectural Legacy Spanning Institutions and Museums
Graham Gund’s contributions extend far beyond school campuses. His firm’s portfolio includes signature projects for institutions like the Cleveland Museum of Art, Boston Children’s Museum, Long Wharf Theatre in New Haven, and the American School in London. His designs often respected and elevated existing architecture, especially in historic preservation work.
He was a graduate of Kenyon College, the Harvard Graduate School of Design, and a former chairman of the board at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, where he was also a life trustee. His passion for art and architecture was evident not just in his buildings but in his lifelong dedication to collecting and supporting the arts.
(Read more in the Boston Globe)
Built to Endure—In Form and Spirit
At Eustis Chair, we are proud to have contributed in a small way to several of Graham Gund’s most beloved projects. We offer our deepest condolences to the Gund family and the many communities shaped by his work. His legacy will continue to inspire architects, educators, and designers for generations to come.