[1] At the time of his death, he was in private practice at AGA Public Realm Strategists in New York City and was also an adjunct professor at the Yale School of Architecture, where he taught from 1967 on.
Garvin also served in a variety of positions in New York City government including director of comprehensive planning.
[6] While International Olympic Committee ultimately rejected New York City's bid for the games in favor of London's, planners continue to draw inspiration from Garvin's plan as they pursue initiatives such as the Hudson Yards Redevelopment Project at the site of the proposed “Olympic Square,” the 7 Subway Extension, and parks along the East River in Brooklyn and Queens such as Brooklyn Bridge Park.
When Doctoroff became deputy mayor for economic development during the Bloomberg Administration, Garvin joined the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation (LMDC), which was responsible for planning the rebuilding of Lower Manhattan, including the World Trade Center site, following the September 11th Attacks.
[9] He also served on the boards of directors for several professional organizations including the Forum for Urban Design, the Ed Bacon Foundation, the Trust for Public Land, and the Society for American City and Regional Planning History.
In addition, he administered architectural design competitions for a number of prominent projects including the rebuilt World Trade Center, the 2012 NYC Olympic Village, the Domino Sugar Refinery in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, and Shelby Farms Park in Tennessee.
[12] Garvin was a member of the Yale Russian Chorus in its early years, contributing substantially during trips to Russia in the late 1950s because of drawing skills, and his knowledge of and enthusiasm for American abstract art.