Gary Unger started his architectural studies at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri, and finished up the six-year program at the University of Texas. Prior to founding CPG Architects in 1980, he was the worldwide director of planning and design at American Express. He is also the founder of Link Systems, a real estate software business that provides lease and facility management services to enhance CPG's architectural services. At CPG, Gary has worked on thousands of projects for such clients as General Electric, Snapple, Nestle, Newman's Own, and Dannon, along with many financial trading firms. He lives in Stamford, Connecticut.
Gary Unger has had a career that can be a model for others hoping for a successful life in architecture and interior design. His new book, Your Architecture Career, is a very useful addition to the very limited bibliography of books on this important subject. It should be on every young architect's and interior designer's personal bookshelf. -Bradford Perkins, FAIA, chairman and CEO of Perkins Eastman Architects, coauthor of Architect's Essentials of Starting, Assessing, and Transitioning a Design Firm Gary Unger's book, Your Architecture Career, is an insightful look into the past, present, and future of the profession. Gary puts his finger on the flaws and opportunities in the profession and provides a clear, broad view of its scope, complexities, and differences. He skillfully examines the tension in the profession between art, technology, and business. The book is a good splash of realism for young minds beginning in the profession and will give them a jump-start on their career. It will fill how-to-do-it gaps for a seasoned practitioner. It's a fun read for anyone with the faintest interest in the design and construction industry. -Chuck Thomsen, FAIA, former chairman of 3DI, creator of fast track construction scheduling concept, and author of Program Management 2.0 and Managing Brainpower This exceptionally comprehensive, well-written book does more than just describe-lucidly and in great detail-the practice and business of architecture. By sharing with readers his diverse professional experiences, personal knowledge, and extensive management expertise, Gary Unger has created a richly textured narrative about all aspects of an architectural career as well as a highly practical, detailed guide for aspiring architects and architectural firms. -Roger K. Lewis, FAIA, professor emeritus, University of Maryland, and author of Architect? A Candid Guide to the Profession Your Architecture Career provides important information and helpful tips for those launching a career in architecture, emerging professionals, and experienced architects. Topics include starting and progressing in a career in architecture, excelling in a career position, and the process of starting a firm with much detail. -Lee W. Waldrep, PhD, author of Becoming an Architect: A Guide to Careers in Design Many times, I have sat at a table opposite Gary Unger as he led a team through an innovative design, beginning with a goal. In Your Architecture Career, Gary leads you through your most important design to your most important goal-your career as an architect. -Joel Rollins, AV technologist and futurist, host of The Week on rAVe Radio In Your Architecture Career, Gary Unger presents unique insights collected from a successful career as the founder and leader of Stamford-based architecture firm CPG. The practical guidelines within this manual would be invaluable to anyone hoping to follow Gary's lead in having a successful and fulfilling professional life. -Doug Winshall, founder of ClearRock Properties