Showing talent as an artist when young, Stanford White joined an architectural firm, prior to moving to Paris and living with the family of Augustus Saint -Gaudens. White designed the pedestal for Saint-Gaudens' memorial statue of Adm. David C. Farragut. In 1880 White formed a partnership with two others and supervised the construction of many luxurious homes in New York City, Newport, and the Berkshires. He also designed the old Madison Square Gardens, and buildings for New York University and the University of Virginia. White also designed furniture, jewelry, picture frames, stained-glass windows, and grave markers.