Coral Gables in South Florida is lauded as one of America's finest early 20th century planned developments. It was the vision of George Merrick, the city's founder and master builder, to create a completely planned development. The architect Phineas Paist (1875-1937) played a major role in realizing Merrick's dream for Coral Gables as "colorist," "supervisor," and "designer." To better understand Paist’s ideas, his architecture, and his contribution to the architecture of Coral Gables it is necessary to examine his education and experiences during his formative years prior to his arrival in Coral Gables.