Craig Gaulden Davis Secures Future for the South Carolina Governor's School of the Arts

Greenville and South Carolina are blessed to have the Governor's School of the Arts. The nine month residential school for high school students opened on the 8.5 acre site overlooking Falls Park on what was originally the Furman University's campus that has provided a catalyst for many further developments along the Reedy River and Greenville's West End. The school offers a free education to South Carolina's most talented students who study in the areas of dance, drama, music, creative writing and visual arts. Many of the Governor's School graduates have attended premier arts conservatories and are currently performing on Broadway or popular television shows (Madame Secretary, as an example).

By designing an addition to house the school foundation offices, Craig Gaulden Davis has assisted to secure the education of future generations of artists in South Carolina. Located on a steep site near the entrance to the campus, the 2,500 square foot addition blends beautifully with the existing buildings which were designed to resemble a hillside Tuscan village. Visitors and potential donors will be impressed by the student's artwork on display in the reception area as well as the spectacular views to Falls Park and the West End. The sunflower planting beds at CGD's recently opened Pedrick's Garden are visible from this new entrance. The building marks CGD's second contribution to the Governor's School as the firm oversaw the design and installation of a recent sculpture depicting the school's founder, Virginia Uldrick, in the circular entrance drive into the campus. The Governor's School is yet another jewel in downtown Greenville with Craig Gaulden Davis' fingerprints.

Hansen Recognized for Sustainability Contributions

At the US Green Building Council's Convergence conference in San Diego in late June, John Hansen was honored as the recipient of the President's Volunteer Service Award from President Barack Obama. The award recognizes, celebrates and inspires community volunteer leaders. John received the award for his leadership in conceptualizing and articulating the "desired future state" of the USGBC Chapter network.

John combined the Convergence conference with an extended family vacation. On his western odyssey, John and his family visited some of our nation's most treasured places including Mount Rushmore, Devil's Tower, Yellowstone National Park and the Grand Tetons. Burke, Catherine and Alexandra got to spend time with their grandmother in Salt Lake City while John and his wife, Elise, attended the conference and enjoyed visiting in John's home state of California. CGD is glad to have the Hansen’s safely and securely back home after a memorable summer.

CGD Community Works Together to Open Schools

Design is a team effort. Throughout the design process, architects work with a team of consultants to document the owner's vision. During construction, the team expands to include contractors, subcontractors, testing companies, inspectors and consultants.Educational projects have been a staple of CGD's portfolio for the past fifty eight years, and there is no building type that has more strict deadlines. Schools must open on schedule. This summer, CGD had five school renovation projects. To meet the required schedule, many dedicated workers clocked ten-hour days for six or seven days a week for most of the summer. Enduring abnormally extreme heat, they jackhammered, drilled, painted and did whatever was necessary to provide better places to educate children. The public will be impressed when they see these new spaces at their respective open houses, yet may not be aware of the sacrifices required by so many. Craig Gaulden Davis would like to thank the owners, contractors, consultants, inspectors and especially the craftsmen who have labored in the field fora summer of dedication to these important projects. We also thank their families for the sacrifices they have made. Together, we all make a great team!

Kuhfuss Recognized as Best and Brightest

Craig Gaulden Davis is pleased to announce that Andrea Kuhfuss has been selected as one of Greenville Magazine's Best and Brightest Under 35. In her twelve years at CGD, Andrea has proven to be a very talented designer who brings thoughtful and creative solutions to interior architecture. Andrea's professionalism and leadership skills led her to appointment as the 2014 President of the Carolinas Chapter of the International Interior Design Association (IIDA). As the leader of the firm's outstanding team of interior designers, Andrea's knack for combining color, texture and lighting is a critical ingredient in many of CGD's award-winning projects. Congratulations Andrea! Now Greenville will recognize what we have known for years - you are one of its best and brightest!

On the Boards: Sculpture to Honor Harriet Wyche Coming Soon

Craig Gaulden Davis led the design of Pedrick's Garden, an extension of Falls Park into the West End of Greenville. Within this area is another special space known as Harriet's Garden which will soon become the home of a new public art installation. Harriet Wyche was a champion of the effort to establish Falls Park on the Reedy. Her children have commissioned a sculpture by world renowned glass artist, Dale Chihuly, to honor her life and legacy. CGD is coordinating the design, installation and lighting. In July, CGD's Ed Zeigler and Charles Gunning flew to Seattle, Washington to see the sculpture along with Brad Wyche and his wife Diane Smock, Dan and Sally (Wyche) Coenen and Sandy Rupp, Owner of Hampton III Gallery. They were delighted to meet the sculptor and have the opportunity to visit his Ballard Studio and Boathouse (Hotshop) as well as Chihuly Garden & Glass. The Chihuly installation will honor a visionary leader and solidify Greenville's reputation as a city that recognizes the importance of public art.