SAN DIEGO, CA.- On July 26, 2015, architect Robert Mosher passed away in his San Diego home. Mosher, along with Roy Drew as part of the firm Mosher & Drew, was responsible for the 1949, 1959, and 1979 expansions of philanthropist Ellen Browning Scripps' La Jolla home, originally constructed by Irving Gill. These expansions were the first steps in creating the building that is now MCASD's La Jolla location.

Mosher's 1949 expansion rearranged the living spaces of Scripps' original home to create formal gallery settings. The home had been repurposed as a local art center in 1941, eight years after the late philanthropist's death. Mosher created office spaces from the second-floor bedrooms that are still used today by MCASD's administrative staff.

In 1959, Mosher, again with Roy Drew, constructed Sherwood Auditorium, the 500-seet auditorium named in honor of benefactor Franklin P. Sherwood. Along with this project, Mosher also added more "modern" motifs to the façade of the building.

Mosher designed the 1979 renovation of the Museum that refined previous additions to the building, and provided the geometric "International Style" appearance it was known for from 1980 to 1994.

"We are deeply grateful for Robert's significant contributions to MCASD," said Hugh M. Davies, The David C. Copley Director and CEO. "His crucial additions have provided the necessary structures to enable us to pursue our mission to serve diverse audiences through the exhibition, interpretation, collection, and preservation of art created since 1950. He was a tremendous friend to the MCASD family; his work has illuminated new architectural paths and will forever be a part of the Museum's history and future."

Mosher last visited MCASD La Jolla in November 2014 when he attended a free lecture by architect Annabelle Selldorf.

"I was favorably impressed with Ms. Selldorf's presentation," wrote Mosher in a letter to Davies, "which revealed her rational approach to architecture and clarity of thinking. Therefore, I wish to express to you and the Museum my admiration for embarking on this exciting project."