His designs, characterized by innovative use of space and materials, played a substantial role in defining the era of Hawaii Mid-Century Modern architecture.
Originally from San Francisco, Bauer relocated to Honolulu in 1940, influenced by Roy Kelley, a fellow classmate from the University of Southern California.
[2] Bauer's architectural career is notable for its contribution to Hawaii's post-World War II construction boom.
[3] A member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) from 1944, until his presumed death in 1984,[4] Bauer's work ranged from residential complexes to commercial, public, and religious buildings, all demonstrating a keen adaptation to Hawaii's tropical climate.
His work, notable for its aesthetic appeal, functional design, and environmental integration, places him among the leading architects of the period alongside contemporaries such as Alfred Preis, George "Pete" Wimberly, and Vladimir Ossipoff.