David E. Sellers, 86, of Warren, Vermont, peacefully passed away on February 9, 2025, surrounded by his two children, Trillium and Parker.
A native of Chicago, David moved to Warren in 1965, where he and a group of friends from Yale’s Architecture School explored their vision for building a community. Together, they purchased land and applied their architectural knowledge by designing and building homes – an innovative endeavor for its time.
This entrepreneurial spirit fueled a legacy of artistic and creative collaboration that has impacted the Mad River Valley and beyond. David's work spanned numerous projects that are woven into the fabric of the community, including the ambitious Warren Fourth of July parade floats, the Prickly Mountain community, the Skatium, the Madsonian Museum of Industrial Design, the Mad River Rocket Company, the Warren-Sugarbush Airport, the Pitcher Inn, Northern Power, and Vermont Castings, as well as countless friendships along the way.
Dave’s influence as an artist and architect extended far and wide. For over five decades, he designed homes, hotels, and other structures as well as furniture, light fixtures and a chess set. In 2017, the American Institute of Architects awarded him a Lifetime Achievement Award for his exemplary contributions to the field. Dave also shared his expertise with the next generation, teaching students at Yale, MIT, Yestermorrow, Goddard College, and other institutions, leaving a legacy of mentorship and inspiration.
Dave had an ability to make people feel good about themselves with his warmth, humor, optimism, and storytelling. He used this skill on his radio show “Sprawl Talk” on WMRW, where the stories, lessons, and legends were shared and recorded.
When others saw problems, he saw opportunities. He believed positive change is always possible and had a strong sense of civic duty, which led him to volunteer on the Warren Planning Commission, the Central Vermont Regional Planning Commission, the town select board, the Vermont Council on the Arts, and even briefly on the Warren Volunteer Fire Department.
He was survived by his two children and their spouses, Trillium and Ben Rose of DC and Parker and Sabra Gandhi Sellers of Santa Monica; his three grandchildren Katherine Rose, Rohan, and Rumi Sellers; a younger brother Ed Sellers; nieces and nephews, and many dear friends. He died of heart complications in a hospital in Los Angeles. A memorial service to celebrate Dave’s life will be held at a later date in Warren. In place of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Madsonian Museum of Industrial Design.
