Newton Griffith collection

Newton Ellis Griffith was born January 30, 1924 in Omaha, Nebraska. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in architecture from the University of Minnesota in 1946, before receiving his master’s degree in architecture from Harvard University in 1949 under the tutelage of Walter Gropius and Marcel Breuer.

Beginning in 1949, Griffith designed professionally with the firm of Thorshov and Cerny, Inc., becoming an associate in 1953. He practiced a mid-century modern style of architecture characterized by open floor plans and large windows influenced by a simultaneous organic architecture movement. Best exemplified in the design of his own home at 7028 Wexford Road in Edina, Minnesota, movement between rooms is without barriers amongst a seamlessly open floor plan. Floor to ceiling windows and simple elevation changes integrate the home with the greater context of its site. The Griffith home was named one of the 20 best of the year in 1962 by Architectural Record magazine.

Griffith was a corporate member of the American Institute of Architects and served on various committees in Minneapolis, such as the National Preservation of Historical Buildings Committee. In 1960, he, with his partners Richard Peterson and Wilbur Clark, Jr., founded the architectural firm of Peterson, Clark and Griffith. Griffith was president of the firm until his death on June 2, 1968.