As executive architect alongside British minimalist John Pawson, Bruce Nagel realized Beachview as a home almost hidden within the dunes. Largely buried below grade, its stucco walls flawlessly match the sand, with only a single dome and rooftop terrace signifying its presence. Bruce had a hand in designing every interior element, embracing the challenge of crafting a dwelling that is both entirely of its landscape and a cohesive work of design.

In 1973, Bruce was tasked with redesigning the Architectural Hall at the University of Texas for his senior project. His hand-made model, known for its precision and craftsmanship, garnered widespread praise across the department and stood out for its creativity.

Bruce’s first commission garnered international attention with an interior defined by rough-sawn barn wood, crisp white tile, and expansive glass panes. A fixed skylight above suffuses the space with natural light, blurring the boundary between indoors and out. Celebrated by Paul Goldberger in Houses of the Hamptons and featured in architectural journals from Japan to Australia, this project established Bruce Nagel’s reputation for tactile, boundary-pushing design.

This 1989 design competition entry reimagined the East Hampton Airport as a bold architectural statement. Inspired by the form of an airplane wing, the structure featured stacked rear rooms that echoed the layered movement of wing flaps. The concept was to skin the building in actual aircraft components, giving it an aerodynamic shape that seamlessly blended function with motion—capturing the spirit of flight in built form.

In 2013, a client came to Bruce with a bold vision—to bring the essence of an authentic Italian villa to life. Drawing inspiration from his many trips to Florence, his most cherished destination, Bruce exceeded expectations by weaving together classic architectural elements: smooth plaster walls, elegant window balconies, and vines climbing the facade. The result was more than a home—it was a transportive, romantic interpretation of Italian living, masterfully realized.

In 1977, Bruce partnered with world-renowned architect Richard Meier to design the Taubman House. The residence is defined by glass-floored bridges linking two separate pavilions, and Bruce extended that motif to the front door: the canopy was designed to resemble a drawbridge, echoing the home’s unique architectural connection.