Gwathmey already caused a sensation when he was twenty years old; he designed a house for his parents; robert and rosalie; both artists; in long island (new york); that attracted the attention of numerous visitors for the combination of cubes; triangles and cylinders; and was considered one of the most influential buildings of the modern era. design is a process of discovery; stated gwathmey; as stated on the website of the studio that he founded; and where his extensive professional and teaching career is remembered; as well as some of the numerous awards he received for his work.