Gwynne Pugh

Gwynne Pugh began his career at Posford Pavry & Partners, a London engineering firm. After completing his architectural engineering degree at the University of Leeds, Pugh moved to the United States to study architecture at UCLA, where he earned his Master of Architecture. He then worked in the LA Area for several years before forming his own small firm in 1984: Gwynne Pugh AIA & Associates. Here he established his reputation as an expert in construction, engineering, and design. He completed a variety of projects, ranging from bridges, to residential remodels, to a Disneyland hotel. In 1988, Pugh hired Lawrence Scarpa. Three years later they decided to become partners, changing their practice to Pugh + Scarpa. The two operated as principals for the entity until 2010, when they split up to pursue separate design interests.

Pugh is very involved in the local California community with his work in architecture, urban design, and consulting. He is the past Chair of the Santa Monica Planning Commission and serves as a consultant to the City.

He has served as a consultant to other cities in California, including Long Beach and Carson. He is an LEED-Accredited Professional and is considered an expert on sustainable design and engineering.

In 2010, Gwynne left Pugh + Scarpa, the firm he co-founded and built, to form his new enterprise, Gwynne Pugh Urban Studio (GP-US). He founded GP-US out of his desire to explore urban design and interact more with cities. His company focuses on architectural and urban design services, in addition to urban planning and consulting services to both private companies and public entities.

Gwynne Pugh has more than a decade of experience on a wide variety of sustainable projects. As senior principal at Pugh Scarpa Kodama (a collaboration between Pugh + Scarpa and Kodama Diseno), the firm designed the Colorado Court affordable housing project in downtown Santa Monica. This building was the first building of its type in the country to be energy neutral and the first of its kind to receive an LEED Gold rating. The Project has received numerous awards since its completion in 2002, including the 2003 AIA Cote 'Top Ten Green Building' Award, National Housing Award, and the 2003 National AIA Design Award. Other major sustainable projects Pugh has been involved in throughout his career include: the Lofts at Cherokee Studio, Step Up on Fifth, Bergamot Station Arts Complex and Artists' Lofts, Siquieros Mural, and the Rosa Parks multi-family housing complex.