Hobart Medal of Excellence
Richard (Toby) Pugh ’67
Walt Disney Imagineer
During the course of his storied career, Richard (Toby) Pugh ’67 flew more than 100 combat missions in Vietnam, became a registered architect in the U.S. and China and spent 20 years as designer and executive at Walt Disney Imagineering (WDI)—the creative force behind the Walt Disney Company properties. As the former director of facilities’ standards and specifications for WDI, Pugh’s work combined design, innovation and storytelling to create unique experiences for Disney resorts around the world. In addition to serving as the director of code compliance for Hong Kong Disneyland and as the lead architect of Disney California Adventure Park, Pugh provided global support for the architectural development, engineering, production and construction of Walt Disney Company properties.
He began his career at WDI in 1996 after working as project architect and manager on several nationally recognized projects. With more than 30 years as a registered architect, Pugh is licensed in New Mexico, and has been licensed in California and Florida, and became licensed in Hong Kong while he lived there.
Outside WDI, Pugh privately practiced in Albuquerque, N.M., and Los Angeles, Calif. In addition to running his own firm, Pugh and Associates Architects in Albuquerque, Pugh has worked at FMBSM Architects Inc., Barker-Bol & Associates and Architectural Research Consultants Inc. In 2015, Pugh was elected to the prestigious College of Fellows of the American Institute of Architects, an honor received by less than 4 percent of AIA's global membership of more than 85,000. Pugh was recognized for his "notable contributions to the advancement of the profession of architecture," based in part on his advancement of accessible design and of data-based specifications information management in the U.S. and in Asia.
Before earning a Master of Architecture from the University of New Mexico, Pugh served as an electronic warfare officer aboard B-52s in the U. S. Air Force. With highly specialized training, Pugh was responsible for operating systems to protect aircraft and gather intelligence on enemy threats by identifying and blocking enemy radar, communications and weapon systems during the Vietnam War.
At HWS, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Pugh was a member of Phi Sigma Kappa, the Interfraternity Council, the Schola Cantorum, campus bands and St. John's Guild.
As an alumnus, he has served as a reunion volunteer and currently serves as a volunteer in the Salisbury Center for Career, Professional and Experiential Education. His service to HWS is further expressed through dedicated support of the Annual Fund and the Gearan Center for the Performing Arts. He is likewise a member of the Wheeler Society.
Pugh currently lives in Ranchos De Taos, N.M. with his wife Elizabeth Baker. He has one adult daughter, Meredith.