Vaughan was born in Frederick Street, Cardiff and privately schooled in the town. He was articled to local architect W. D. Blessley, studied at
Cardiff School of Science and Art and won the Architectural Association medal in 1880. While serving in the Glamorganshire Home Guard of the
Volunteer Force he rose to the honorary rank of Lieutenant-Colonel. Vaughan in later life became a volunteer and fundraiser for the
King Edward VII Hospital, which he partly designed, with his work helping to fund an additional 350 beds and £500,000 in funds (much donated by shipowner, John Cory). Vaughan died in June 1919 "one of the best known men in Cardiff" He had a well-attended funeral at
St John's Church and was buried at the cemetery in Adamsdown. ==Notable works==