Michael Burditt Cadwell, son of John and Mary Cadwell, died peacefully on August 9, 2026, after a long illness. Michael enjoyed an idyllic childhood on the family farm in Pittsford, Vt., and attended Otter Valley Union High School ’70, Williams College ’74 and the Yale School of Architecture ’81. He then worked for the firms of Turner Brooks, Cesar Pelli, and Wiemann and Lamphere.
There followed scholarly pursuits in architecture at the Ohio State University, where he spent 31 years, eventually becoming director of the Knowlton School of Architecture, Landscape Architecture and Planning before retiring in 2020. Michael published widely, most notably with his books Small Buildings and Strange Details. He was awarded Fellow of the American Institute of Architecture and fellowships to the American Academy in Rome, the MacDowell Arts Colony and the Woodstock Art Colony.
Throughout, he was lovingly supported by his wife, Jane Murphy; son, Gus Murphy; dog, Manny; and brothers, Ashley, Steven, Jared, Alden and Jason, and their families.
Michael was blessed with a full and rich life, manifested in a unique combination of low comedy and high endeavor. He enjoyed guitar playing, skiing, soccer and triathlon. Most of all, he enjoyed time with Jane and Gus and his extended family at gatherings in Maine and Vermont. There was love and laughter.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Pittsford Village Farm (pittsfordvillagefarm.org/donate) or to the Michael B. Cadwell Endowed Scholarship Fund — Fund # 483652 (giveto.osu.edu/makeagift/details/483652).
This article appears in August 19 • 2026.