Charles E. Dagit Jr., an influential architect, Merion native, and civic leader known for his profound impact on architectural design, has passed away at the age of 80, writes Gary Miles for The Philadelphia Inquirer.  

With a legacy spanning three generations, Dagit designed over 300 projects during his 40-year career, leaving an indelible mark on the Philadelphia landscape. 

Dagit, who was deeply rooted in a family of architects, studied under the renowned Louis Kahn at the University of Pennsylvania, where he earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees.  

In 1970, he co-founded Dagit-Saylor Architects, which went on to garner numerous awards and recognition for innovative design. 

Notably, Dagit’s work includes significant projects on college campuses, at the Philadelphia Zoo, and the Magee Rehabilitation Hospital.

His own home in Gladwyne, designed in the 1970s, won accolades for its architectural excellence and featured a later addition of a Japanese Garden, illustrating his personal commitment to design. 

Beyond his architectural accomplishments, Dagit was also an accomplished sailor, winning national championships and exploring exotic waters with his wife, Alice. His contributions to education included teaching design at Drexel, Temple, and Penn, where he inspired future generations of architects. 

Read more about Charles E. Dagit’s impact on the architectural industry in The Philadelphia Inquirer.  

Interview with Charles E. Dagit Jr.