In Memoriam: David C. Ashley

On December 24, 2022, we lost one of the founders of Ashley McGraw Architects, David Ashley. Ashley was an architect, environmentalist, writer, and visionary. In David’s own words, he “believed strongly in the worth and dignity of all living things and of the planet, its natural resources, and the sun that supports us all.” 

Ashley graduated with a Bachelor of Architecture from Syracuse University in 1955. He then practiced architecture in New York City, San Juan, and Scarsdale before returning to Syracuse as a Partner in the firm of Curtin, Gere & Ashley (1967-1980). In 1980, he decided to launch his own firm, Ashley Associates, which in 1993 became Ashley McGraw Architects when Ed McGraw became Dave’s partner.

“Early on, Dave said to me, Ed you can take this wherever you want it. Which meant, you're free to realize your full potential, and I'll help you where I can,” recalled McGraw. “You could take risks, you could make mistakes. He would challenge you always -- a lot.” Together, they grew Ashley McGraw Architects into an award-winning design firm and an early leader in New York State in the field of sustainable design. 

A self-described dedicated environmentalist, Ashley was the first person in Central New York to be certified by the United States Green Building Council as a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Accredited Professional. He was also a member of the task force which developed NY-CHPS, the New York State version of CHPS (Collaborative for High Performance Schools) for use in our state schools. He worked on research projects funded by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority and the U.S. Department of Energy. He was also named the Green Building Advocate of the Year at the New York State Green Building Conference in 2009.

Ashley’s commitment to responsible and innovative architecture is evident throughout the firm’s history and projects throughout Upstate New York in the educational, civic, and senior housing sectors.

But more than all of this, Ashley was a mentor. “Thoughtful and caring, intense and exacting, Dave made everyone who worked for him a better professional and person,” recalled Matthew Broderick, current President & CEO of Ashley McGraw Architects. “Along with Ed McGraw, he established the core of Ashley McGraw Architects’ company culture, which is focused on professional excellence and collegial care. Meaning, we value our clients and products greatly but never more than we value the health, well-being, and joy of our own Ashley McGraw family members.”

Amongst Ashley’s other numerous accolades:

  • Nationally recognized thought leader - lectured on green building principles at the E-4 Conferences for EBA and NYSERDA, Fifth National Solar Conference, NYSERDA Green School presentations, New York State Green Building Conference, American Institute of Architects (AIA), Council of Educational Facility Planners, American Society of Interior Designers (ASID), Society of Military Engineers, and subcontractors’ associations.

  • Taught courses in engineering, energy and lighting design at Syracuse University’s School of Architecture

  • Patents for Watersaving Toilet and Drafting Instrument

  • Luther Gifford Prize

  • LeBrun National Design Competition

  • President’s Award, AIA Central New York Chapter

  • Construction Specification Institute, Syracuse Chapter, Environmental Award

  • AIA Central New York Chapter Design Award, Outstanding Design for the New Onondaga County / City of Syracuse Courthouse

  • American Concrete Institute Central New York Chapter Excellence in Masonry Design & Installation - Bronze Award for the New Onondaga County / City of Syracuse Courthouse

  • AIA Central New York Chapter Design Award for City of Syracuse Fire Station No. 6

  • AIA Central New York Chapter Design Award for Florida Union Free School S. S. Seward Institute

  • AIA Central New York Chapter Design Award, Top Award for Syracuse City School District Hughes Academic Magnet School

  • AIA Central New York Chapter Design Award, Top Award for Chenango County Office Building

  • AIA Central New York Chapter Design Award, Top Award for Northern Onondaga Public Libraries

  • AIA Central New York Chapter Design Award, Merit Award for Phoenix Central School District

  • AIA Central New York Chapter Design Award, Merit Award for Toomey Abbott Tower Senior Housing

  • AIA Central New York Chapter Design Award, Merit Award for Syracuse City School District Roberts Elementary School

  • AIA Central New York Chapter Design Award, Top Award for Rome Mall Housing

  • AIA Central New York Chapter Design Award, Honorable Mention for All Souls Church

  • 1996 Chamber of Commerce's "Syracuse 100," No. 19 in Growth by Productivity and No. 50 for Most Significant Revenue Growth

  • 1999 Chamber of Commerce’s “Syracuse 100, “ for Growth by Revenue

  • 2000 Chamber of Commerce’s “Syracuse 100.,” Growth in Revenue and Significant Revenue Growth

New Onondaga County / City of Syracuse Courthouse, Syracuse, New York

Onondaga Hill Fire Station, Syracuse, New York

Rome Mall Housing, Rome, New York

Florida Union Free School S.S. Seward Institute, Florida, New York

North Syracuse Central School District - Roxboro Road Middle School (LEED Registered), Mattydale, New York

All Souls Church, Watertown, New York

Derek Goodroe