Since his death on June 6, at the age of 84, Graham Gund’s legacy is cemented in his work as both a visionary architect and a philanthropist. Having studied under modern architect Walter Gropius, Gund’s imprint can be seen in cities around the United States highlighting his commitment to preserving threatened buildings through adaptive use .

While his engagement with the National Trust for Historic Preservation began in 1971, he served on the Board of Trustees from 1990-1999 and was—along with his wife Ann—co-chairs of the National Trust’s 50th Anniversary Gala. He will be remembered especially for his generosity, leaving his mark on the preservation of National Trust Historic Sites for generations to come. In 1997, Gund provided a million-dollar gift to establish an endowed architect position at the National Trust.

To date, the Graham Gund Architect, a role focused on the National Trust’s 27 sites, has been held by four individuals—whose expertise, vision, and engagement has helped preserve National Trust Historic Sites for the future. To understand the impact of his transformative gift William A. Dupont, Barbara Campagna, Ashley Wilson, and Mark Stoner—past and present Graham Gund Architects—share their thoughts on the impact of Graham Gund on the National Trust and the preservation of historic sites.

William A. Dupont, FAIA | University of Texas at San Antonio

"Graham Gund’s extraordinary gift to endow a position for the National Trust’s historic sites had a transformative impact. The gift did much more than simply ensure the historic sites would always have an architect—it was an investment in the future of historic preservation. Gund’s stature in the profession and the magnitude of the gift immediately elevated the position to national prominence. As the inaugural Graham Gund Architect, I used the platform to help the National Trust be an exemplary leader in preservation of historic sites. Gund’s gift didn’t just support the historic sites—it redefined how a nonprofit could play a leadership role. The gift's impact continues to shape the field today. Thanks to Graham Gund for having the foresight and capacity to make it happen."

Barbara A. Campagna, FAIA, LEED AP | Barbara A. Campagna/Architecture + Planning, PLLC

“In addition to being a masterful postmodernist architect, Graham Gund was one of the biggest preservation philanthropists in the country. When he served on the National Trust’s board, he endowed the “Graham Gund Architect” position which was the chief architect of the National Trust. I had the honor of being the second chief architect to hold that title. I met Mr. Gund a few times and he was always a delight. We always laughed and he would ask “Who’s the real Graham Gund?!”

Ashley Wilson, FAIA | Ashley R. Wilson Architects PLLC.

"As the third holder of the Graham Gund Architect position, I really admired Graham's foresight in establishing the endowment. It underscored the importance of having an architect steward the National Trust’s portfolio, ensured consistent oversight, and positioned the organization as a nonprofit that was truly “doing the work”— giving the Trust more credibility in national preservation conversations. Graham Gund continually elevated the architecture profession and I was proud to 'share' his name for many years."

Mark Stoner, AIA, NCARB | National Trust for Historic Preservation

"I was sad to learn of the passing of Graham Gund last week, who was both a prolific and acclaimed architect and a collector and promoter of the arts, especially historic preservation. Apart from his work in and around Boston to preserve and rehabilitate dilapidated structures, his gift to the National Trust for Historic Preservation established and endowed my position, the Graham Gund Architect, to ensure proper stewardship of the Trust's historic sites and promote best preservation practices for both the sites and the organization. I am sorry to have never had the opportunity to meet Mr. Gund, , but I thank him for his gift of support to the National Trust and for his larger support of historic preservation across the county.”