Inspiring Themes

In early 2014, CGD associates Andrea Kuhfuss and Stuart Stenger completed an exhaustive exercise to execute three phases of renovation and expansion of the Athens/Clarke County Public Library. As one of the most complex and challenging projects the firm has undertaken in decades, it is very satisfying to see this re-purposed building impacting the lives of Athens' citizens, and to see the unique design work in the children's library publicized as an exemplary use of material in a highly original design.

International flooring manufacturer Johnsonite recently featured Andrea and Stuart's creative work in a case study for their products showcasing the vibrant and intricate nautically-themed linoleum design that invites and leads children into the world of books and technology beyond.

As a leading regional design firm, CGD is well-known for its five decades of work designing libraries of all shapes and sizes. Capturing the imagination of young patrons is a critical component of successful public libraries. As a popular material known for its long lasting performance and sustainable characteristics, linoleum meets the performance needs of public buildings and can inspire the public with the creative use of color, texture and pattern.

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R.T. Jones Main Library

Metropolitan Library

Harlem Public Library

Speaking of Libraries. . .

Recently, the firm was commissioned to design an expansion of the Pickens Branch Library in Pickens County, Georgia. In association with Carlson Associates in Atlanta, CGD successfully completed the renovation of the Sequoyah Regional Library's R.T. Jones Main Library. The team was a natural choice to lead the effort to design the expansion and renovation of the Pickens facility.

The CGD team has developed outstanding ideas to re-organize the interior of the existing building and to maximize the available site area to meet future library and parking needs. Stuart Stenger and Andrea Kuhfuss, who have recently applied their considerable talents to the design of numerous libraries throughout Georgia, will lead the effort for CGD.

On October 1, the firm will help cut the ribbon on the new Metropolitan Library, a contemporary library that will support the revitalization of a historic suburb just south of downtown Atlanta.

CGD continues its ongoing design work for the new Harlem Public Library, the primary anchor of a master plan to provide a number of public facilities for this small suburb of Augusta, Georgia.

Charles Gunning & Kim Poole

All Things EURO

Those who work in a design firm share a common passion for beautiful things, be it buildings, furniture, art, or machines. CGD colleagues Kim Poole and Charles Gunning share a love of fine European automobiles that draw them each October to the EURO Autofest.

Kim, who has been with CGD for 30 years, has always arrived at the office driving flashy German and Italian vehicles. Currently, she sports about in a sexy little Fiat that looks like it would be at home in the curvy, free-wheeling roads linking the Amalfi Coast.

As CGD's technology guru, Charles' love for efficiently designed machines, gadgets and gizmos is the stuff of legend around the studio, but it could be that his passion for the taste of finely crafted beer may well exceed his interest in fine automobiles.

Regardless, Kim and Charles both invest their time and energy to organize and manage the festival each year, and we all enjoy seeing their passions in action. In the photo, Kim and Charles share a brief timeout during last year's festival.

Welcome Baptist Church Model

Easley First United Methodist Church

Church Chat

As the first commission that Kirk Craig and Earle Gaulden landed for the new firm named "Craig and Gaulden Architects" in 1957, the design for a new sanctuary for the Welcome Baptist Church on the western edge of the city of Greenville was an opportunity for these bright young designers to begin their mission to "modernize Greenville." However, the realities of southern culture brought them back down to earth fairly quickly and the ideas depicted in the model photograph were not fully executed. Despite the strong traditional lines of the constructed building, its striking steeple serves as an example of the young firm's aspiration to explore themes of originality, simplicity and efficiency.

Nearly six decades later, the firm continues its work to help institutions of faith explore design ideas that enable critical growth of their campuses and that enrich the experience of worshippers. Easley's First United Methodist Church is the latest church to engage CGD in this vital work. This longstanding, vibrant downtown church will work closely with the CGD team in the coming months to transform their worship space and create meaningful experiences for each of their members.

CGD takes great pride in the amazing portfolio of work that grew from that first commission in 1957.

Sonador

Lucy

Joel and Stella

Welcome to the Zoo

At CGD, we are proud of our deeply ingrained "family culture." While maximum efficiency is job one, we believe that our 58-year success story is largely influenced by our commitment to maintain a culture of fun and fellowship in the studio. Having resided next to the Greenville Zoo since the early 1970s, we are often confused as the "Architect's Exhibit," our staff visibly hard at work right behind the lion's cage as patrons loop through the Zoo grounds. The firm has several active projects with the Zoo. Joining all these themes together, the firm routinely welcomes family pets into the studio on Fridays.

One of our favorites is “Sonador,” the Powell's bright-spirited golden retriever who warmly welcomes guests into the lobby, lovingly visits with all employees and occasionally wanders into the side yard to have a curious gaze at the lions and giraffes. She's always happy to come to work and she brightens our day every time we see her.

Another regular is “Lucy,” the Poole's Corgi who holds fort with Kim at the front desk and who quietly but purposefully scours the office in search of an occasional M&M that finds a hidden corner.

Finally, Joel and Stella, Andrea Kuhfuss' fun-loving shelter babies raise the energy level of the office as they follow her around the office integrating interior design ideas with the architects.

What a zoo! But, what fun!