Architect. He was educated as an architect in Barcelona, graduating in 1872 from the Escuela de Arquitectura. After establishing himself as an architect he designed homes and factories for wealthy industrialist in the region of Catalin, Spain. In 1881 he came with his son to the United States settling in New York City, and by 1889 started a building company, Guastavino Fireproof Construction Company. Using his experience from Spain he revived an ancient form of tile and mortar building that had been practiced in the Catalan regions of Spain. This method called the boveda catalana, or Catalan vault, which used layers of thin tile bedded in layers of mortar to create curved horizontal surfaces. This procedure was also known as “timbrel” vaulting. This process would allow Guastavino to accomplish what others failed to consider or didn’t understand or didn’t think possible. The strength of his vaults and arches became a trademark of his work. One of his greatest achievements was called the “Guastavino arch.” It was used in the construction of the New York subway and other architect followed soon with similar designs. By 1900 he successfully transferred his patented building method to the United States and worked with the Country’s leading architects. After he retired to North Carolina he built a second home in the Black Mountain about twenty five miles from Asheville, North Carolina. His work is featured in many New York buildings including the Manhattan Municipal Building and the ceilings of Ellis Island’s Great Hall. The largest dome he created was the central crossing of the Cathedral of Saint John the Divine in Manhattan. In North Carolina he was commissioned to work on the Vanderbilt mansion as well as designing the Basilica of Saint Lawrence church outside of Asheville. Much of his design, or notoriety focused on the ceilings he designed, including the Washington DC museum, Grand Central Terminal, Carnegie Hall and many many others. One of his last works was drawing the plans for the Basilica of Saint Lawrence church outside Asheville. Unfortunately he died prior to it’s completion, but his son was able to complete the building after his death. To commemorate his efforts Guastavino was given a niche within the church for burial. (bio by: Saratoga)  Note: He is buried in a crypt of Saint Lawrence Church.