Pugh + Scarpa Architects  announced yesterday that firm principal Gwynne Pugh FAIA ASCE LEED launched Gwynne Pugh Urban Studio on September 1. The new architectural and urban design firm that will  specialize in the design of structures, urban design, planning, sustainability, and consultation to companies and public entities.

Pugh + Scarpa will continue to operate under its current name, business structure and leadership under the direction of Lawrence Scarpa and Angela Brooks.   In 2011, Pugh + Scarpa will change its name to Brooks + Scarpa.

Together, Pugh and Scarpa led Pugh + Scarpa Architects for 22 years. It won over 50 local, state and national AIA awards.  Most recently the firm was awarded the 2010 AIA National Firm of the Year award.

As a member and chair of the Planning Commission during its review of the revised land use and
circulation elements of the General Plan (LUCE), Pugh persuaded the majority of the Commissioners to increase the height and mass  limits on new commercial buildings.

Subsequently, he and Hank Koning, fellow architect and commissioner, made a short presentation
to the City Council, urging it to approve the amended Planning  Commission LUCE,  rather tham original version  that the community worked on for six years. The SMRR majority bought the Pugh/
Koning  presentation.