Vermont’s ‘DaVinci’: Architectural Legend David Sellers Dies at 86

David Sellers, an internationally renowned architect, entrepreneur, teacher, and visionary, died in early February of heart complications while visiting family in Los Angeles. At 86, he left an indelible mark on his community and the world of architecture, particularly in Vermont’s Mad River Valley.

A Meticulous Mind and Visionary Spirit

“A large planet in many people’s solar systems has set,” wrote Kate Stevens, one of Sellers’ friends, in an email. “He was inventive, endlessly curious, with a telescoping intellect, and infectious imagination.”

Pioneering the Design/Build Movement

Born in Chicago and educated at Yale University, Sellers was a key figure in the design/build movement. In this innovative approach, architects also physically build their designs, adjusting plans as they go.

“In the art form of architecture and designing things, it’s like an orchestra,” he once said. “It’s a constellation of instruments—the stairs, the railings, the lights, the heat, the windows, the view, the air circulation, the porches. And you try to put them together into a symphony.”

Award-Winning Career

Architectural Digest named him one of the Top 100 architects in the world twice, and the American Institute for Architects awarded him a lifetime achievement award in 2017.

A Chance Encounter Leads to Prickly Mountain

In 1965, Sellers and some friends moved to Vermont on a whim, sparking what would become a lifelong connection. They purchased 450 acres on a hill in Warren without a plan, naming it Prickly Mountain after accidentally sitting on a raspberry bush.

The Tack House, made from plywood and found items, was the catalyst for Prickly Mountain becoming a creative hub. Over the years, seven buildings were constructed for Goddard College, including the iconic Tack House and the Pyramid House.

Entrepreneurial Ventures

With a penchant for innovation, Sellers founded or co-founded several enterprises, including Vermont Castings, the Mad River Rocket sled company, and the Madisonian Museum of Industrial Design in Waitsfield.

Connecting People Through Architecture

“Above all, Dave was a connector and communicator,” said Don Mayer, a Prickly Mountain resident. “He would connect people to each other in a way that most people cannot do. He’s had a significant positive impact on so many people and in so many ways.”

A Passion for Renewable Energy

Sellers and Mayer collaborated on the North Wind Power project, refurbishing old windmills and eventually winning a government grant for the initiative. This endeavor became Northern Power Systems.

Legacy of Joy and Innovation

Sellers had a profound impact on those around him, influencing countless individuals through his creative spirit and unwavering positivity.

“He was really playful,” said his daughter Trillium Rose. “He always moved toward joy and laughter.” Rose recalled her father’s guiding principle: “don’t find fault with things; find the good.”

David’s Unforgettable Stories and Laughter

Melinda Moulton, a key figure in Burlington’s waterfront redevelopment, emphasized Sellers’ ability to bring people together and his infectious wit.

“He was super creative, coming up with great ideas and thoughts, and always with a laugh and a huge sense of joy in his demeanor and his personality,” Moulton said. “He had a great laugh, he’d throw his head back and laugh and was just such a joy to be around.”

David’s Approach to Life

Even in his personal life, Sellers embraced the principles he embodied in his work. His daughter recounted an anecdote where he declared a state championship for curling, a game he enjoyed immensely, by reaching out to the USA Curling News magazine.

A Model of Human Connection

Moulton described Sellers as a “Vermont Leonardo da Vinci,” emphasizing his contributions to both architecture and human relationships.

“He was so human and made you feel very human in a beautiful way,” Moulton said. “So I think, I think that’s the legacy: that we all should try to aspire to have that kind of lightness of being and seeing the world through the kind of lens that he saw, which was seeing things always with a curiosity.”

Final Thoughts

David Sellers’ life was a testament to creativity, joy, and human connection. Through his innovative designs and community contributions, he left a lasting legacy, inspiring generations to build not just buildings, but bonds of friendship and understanding.

Perhaps one of his iconic sayings best captures his spirit: “don’t find fault with things; find the good.” Indeed, David Sellers found the good in life and shared it with everyone he encountered, making the world a brighter place.