Michael Graves

Date of Birth: July 9, 1934

Zodiac Sign: Cancer

Date of Death: March 12, 2015

Biography

Michael Graves was an influential American architect and designer, born on July 9, 1934, in Indianapolis, Indiana. He was a pivotal figure in the postmodern architecture movement and gained international recognition for his unique approach that combined classical elements with modernist sensibilities. Graves earned his Bachelor of Science in Architecture from the University of Cincinnati in 1958 and a Master of Architecture from Harvard University in 1959. He began his teaching career at Princeton University in 1962, where he influenced generations of architects. Graves founded his own practice, Michael Graves & Associates, in 1964. His notable projects include the Portland Building in Oregon, the Humana Building in Louisville, Kentucky, and numerous product designs for Target and Alessi. He was also involved in the design of household items, medical devices, and furniture, making design accessible to a broader audience. Graves received numerous awards throughout his career, including the prestigious American Institute of Architects (AIA) Gold Medal in 2001. His work remains influential in both architectural and industrial design circles.

5 Interesting Facts about Michael Graves

1. Michael Graves was a member of the New York Five, a group of architects who were prominent in the 1970s for their modernist designs.

2. He designed over 300 buildings worldwide, including the iconic Portland Building, which is considered a landmark of postmodern architecture.

3. Graves was paralyzed from the waist down in 2003 due to a spinal infection but continued to work and adapted his practice to focus on accessibility in design.

4. He designed over 2,000 products for Target, making high-quality design affordable and accessible to the general public.

5. Graves was awarded the National Medal of Arts in 1999 by President Bill Clinton.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Michael Graves

1. “Good design should be accessible to all.”

2. “The dialogue between client and architect is about as intimate as any conversation you can have because when you’re talking about building a house, you’re talking about dreams.”

3. “Architecture should speak of its time and place, but yearn for timelessness.”

4. “I believe in using the entire palette to tell my story.”

5. “Design is a way of life, a point of view. It involves the whole complex of visual communications: talent, creative ability, manual skill, and technical knowledge.”