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2013 Events:

2013 Advisory Council:
David Crawford, AIA North Carolina / Kim Weiss, Blueplate PR / Caterri Woodrum, NC Museum of Art / Todd Kosmerick, NCSU Special Collections / Queron Smith, M&F Bank / Sarah Sonke, ModernHomeAuctions / Anne Stoddard, Grubb Ventures / Emilie Huin, Coldwell Banker HPW / Frank Harmon, Frank Harmon Architects / Adam Sebastian, Water Robbs Callahan Pierce / Judge Barbara Jackson, North Carolina Supreme Court / Wendy Hillis / Preservation Durham, John Taylor / Advancement Solutions, Shirley Drechsel.
NCModernist ModTriangle Architecture Movie Series
Raleigh Grande, December 2013
Regular or Super: Mies Van der Rohe

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About 80 people attended this 2004 documentary on the great Chicago architect.
December 2013
Knock Knock
The Rosenberg Reeves House, Durham

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Knock Knock: The Triangle's Most Unusual Houses is a collaborative series of articles between the Durham Herald-Sun and NCModernist to spotlight exceptional residential architecture.

NCModernist Sponsor/Mod Squad Appreciation Party
Durham
December 2013

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With musical guests Peter Lamb and the Wolves. About 160 people attended. Photos by Ormando Harris.

NCModernist First Friday at CAM
Raleigh
December 2013

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About 100 people visited NCModernist's booth at CAM during First Friday.

November 2013
Knock Knock
The Cheney House, Carrboro

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Knock Knock: The Triangle's Most Unusual Houses is a collaborative series of articles between the Durham Herald-Sun and NCModernist to spotlight exceptional residential architecture.


NCModernist Special Volunteer Appreciation Dinner
Tarantini's, Chapel Hill
November 2013

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20 of NCModernist's most wonderful and active volunteers and staff
attended a delicious Italian dinner by our friends at Tarantini's.

A Mad Men Evening
Architecture Lecture and Vintage Party
City of Raleigh Museum
November 2013

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A Mad Men Evening celebrates Raleigh's collection of remarkable architecture from the 1950s and 1960s. The evening brings to life that "mod" era and includes "Mayberry Modernism," a presentation by architectural historian George Smart, founder of North Carolina Modernist Houses. Explore the history of Raleigh's unique homes and buildings, which are now reaching the 50-year mark for historic designation. George's talk, filled with visually stunning slides, brought to life this exciting architectural style that travelled here from LA and Chicago via the founding of the NC State School of Design in 1948. About 85 people attended. Group photo by Leilani Carter. Photo of Ronnie Duncan and George Smart by Eleanor Stell.


MODTriangle Architecture Movie Series
November 2013

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Filmmaker Mike Dorsey introduced The Oyler House, a documentaryabout a house designed by architect Richard Neutra. Built in 1959, The Oyler House is set amidst the stunning Long Pine desert of California and was a humble commission in relation to Neutra's other projects. Featuring interviews with the original owner of the house (Dorsey's grandfather), Neutra's sons Raymond and Dion, and 2013 owner Kelly Lynch, the film provides insight into the mind of the remarkable architect and his special relationship to the Oylers. About 70 people attended.

Frank Lloyd Wright / Auldbrass Modernist Tour
November 2013
Yemassee/Beaufort SC

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Like the mythical Brigadoon, Frank Lloyd Wright's Auldbrass Plantation in South Carolina is open to the public for only two days every two years. This amazing complex of Wright buildings is owned by Joel Silver, a Hollywood producer. He has painstakingly restored the property and graciously allows the Beaufort Land Trust to have their major fundraiser on the grounds. NCModernist was the largest group attending the Auldbrass tour. 66 people attended.

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First we had a great welcome and southern BBQ lunch at the Sheldon Church Ruins in Yemassee SC. Then we toured Auldbrass in the afternoon with special guides for our group. We attended a special lecture event and reception Saturday night by Wright expert Dr. Anthony Alofsin, AIA.

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On Sunday we visited the AIA award-winning Low Country House,
designed by Raleigh's Frank Harmon, led by Frank Harmon.

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We visited The River House by Charleston architect Whitney Powers, led by Whitney Powers.

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Sunday had lunch on the grounds of the Inn at Middleton Place, a Modernist hotel designed by W. G. Clark.

"I had a great time on the SC trip. With all the emphasis on the Modernist buildings we visited (and they were all great!), I think my very favorite thing was the ruins of the Sheldon Church. Built in the 1740s, destroyed by the British during the Revolution, rebuilt in 1823, then destroyed again by the Union Troops during the Civil War (probably during Sherman's march to the sea) -- that poor church didn't stand a chance! But the ruins are hauntingly beautiful. My other favorite thing was the color that Frank Harmon and his brother chose for the woodwork and ceiling beams in "their" house. I have seen natural wood ceilings with white beams, natural wood ceilings with dark stained beams, and natural wood ceilings with matching natural wood beams, but the pale sage green beams were absolutely perfect with the natural wood ceilings in this house! Who would have thought? (besides Frank, of course!) Another great trip!" --Linda DeShaw


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October 2013: 52 people explored seven Modernist houses and one amazing recording studio in Wake, Durham, Orange, and Chatham counties on a beautiful misty fall day.

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The Protzman/Brown House, Chapel Hill, designed by Arthur Cogswell, renovated by Ken Friedlein.

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Carr House, Durham, designed by Kenneth Scott, renovation/addition designed by Kenneth Hobgood.

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The Manifold Recording Studio, Pittsboro. Built by owner Michael Tiemann and designed by Wes Lachot.

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The Chasen House, Raleigh, designed by Erin Sterling Lewis and Matt Griffith.

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The Kara Pittman House, Carrboro, designed by David Arneson, Center Studio Architecture.

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Live/Work, the studio of Tonic Design,
Katherine Hogan and Vinny Petrarca.

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The Fraenkel-Deupree House, Pittsboro, designed by Dail Dixon.

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The Hayes-Cucciara House, Pittsboro,
designed by Dail Dixon.

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ModaPalooza TWO was part of DOCOMOMO's national 2013 Tour Day

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The group entering the Hayes-Cucciara House, Pittsboro, designed by Dail Dixon. Photo by Leilani Carter.

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The group at Live/Work, with Vinny Petrarca. Photo by Leilani Carter.

"Great, as always." -- Marge Yanker

"George, we had a fantastic time on the tour. As always, you provided excellent commentary, clear directions, kept us on time and fed us well (the barbecue from Allen & Sons was perfect). The bus was comfy and the water bottles from LE Meyers, ClearVue and the Kitchen folks were great and will continue to get a lot of use. Beautiful homes to see, and the recording studio was a real treat." -- Laura Marshall


October 2013
Knock Knock
The Kelly House, Raleigh

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Knock Knock: The Triangle's Most Unusual Houses is a collaborative series of articles between the Durham Herald-Sun and NCModernist to spotlight exceptional residential architecture.


Mayberry Modernism
October 2013

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The Tobaccoland Kiwanis Club of Durham hosted at TROSA George Smart speaking on Mayberry Modernism. Architect Wade Williams, left, is shown with club President Rita Foley, and Smart. 15 people attended.


Mayberry Modernism
October 2013

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The Raleigh Kiwanis Club hosted George Smart at Highland Methodist Church speaking on Mayberry Modernism. 40 people attended.


The ModStar Tour
October 2013

19 people explored great Modernist houses from the comfort of one of the most tricked-out buses in North Carolina, visiting six houses hosted by the Ed Loewenstein Legacy Project and two other Greensboro-area Modernist houses open only to NCModernist guests.

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The 1951 Wilbur & Martha Carter Residence, designed by Loewenstein.

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The 1954 Edward & Frances Loewenstein Residence, designed by Loewenstein.

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The 1955 Sydney & Katherine Stern Residence, designed by Loewenstein.

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The 1959 John & Evelyn Hyman Residence, designed by Loewenstein.

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The 1968 Charles & Fannie Fountain Residence, designed by Gerard Gray.

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The 1962 John & Mabel Hiatt Residence,
designed by John Hiatt.

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The William & Ruth Hitt House, architect unknown. According to one of the past owners, the architect/builder used materials from one of his other projects, the Four Seasons Mall, which was under construction about the same time.
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The 1999 John and Martha Leath Residence, Burlington NC. Designed by Ellen Weinstein. David Swanson and Associates were the landscape architects. Photo by James West.
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We stopped for a group photo at the Greensboro Guilford County Government Center designed by Eduardo Catalano, one of the best examples in NC of Brutalist Modernism.

"I thoroughly enjoyed the trip/tour. The homes were outstanding, as always. Your organization and planning are also always exceptional. The bus situation I am sure concerned you, but it did not get in the way of a great experience. I am proud to be a member of the Mod Squad and be able to go with you to these events." -- Marge Yanker

"The day was gloomy and you made it bright! It was wonderful. The limo rocked us and we were treated with champagne and great food! What a life!The tour was absolutely fantastic offering a great variety of Modernist houses with so beautiful interior design, art and very friendly hosts.And George you plan everything so well it's always relaxing and smooth. Congratulations!Looking forward for the next one!" -- Michele Bernoux

"Thanks once again for organizing a great tour! I really enjoyed it. The houses were all very nice. The owners were all very nice and should be commended for opening and sharing their homes with us. The food as usual was all very good." -- Charles Rentsch


The MODTriangle Architecture Movie Series
Raleigh Grande Theatre
October 2013

Futuro House

Futuro: A New Stance for Tomorrow (1998)

This short film is a journey back in time about the rise and fall of the plastic Futuro house, a Space Age utopia that was a complete marketing failure. In 1965, Dr. Jaako Hiidenkary asked architect Matti Suuronen to design a ski cabin. This project turned into a story full of international colour and drama, tracing the development of Suuronen's "purely mathematical idea" into a multipurpose commodity eventually destroyed by time and public opinion. But it was really a cool concept!

Eichler Film

People in Glass Houses: The Legacy of Joseph Eichler (2012)

The film reveals Eichler’s genius departing from cookie cutter suburban tracts of the postwar era. His single-family innovations were part of intentional communities built around common use parks and pools, where Eichler neighbors gathered for patio cocktails and annual 4th of July block parties.

In one San Jose CA subdivision, three generations of the same family own Eichler homes. They speak about returning to a simpler time when kids played ball on cul-de-sacs at night and share resources for maintaining the integrity of the original glass wall structures.

About 70 people attended. Nearly everyone walked away with a door prize!



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September 2013, Raleigh

NCModernist's George Smart was a juror for this annual food drive/design competition.

The Frank Lloyd Wright/Fallingwater Tour 4
Pennsylvania
September 2013

24 architectural adventurers made the pilgrimage, NCModernist's fourth, to
one of America's best-known houses by its best-known architect!

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Frank Lloyd Wright's masterpiece, Fallingwater: included the Sunset Tour, their very best, concluding with a private reception.

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Kentuck Knob, also by Wright, is just down the road from Fallingwater. Still in private ownership, we had a full tour of the exceptional house some say is overshadowed by its more famous sibling.

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The Irving and Betty Abrams house, Pittsburgh, designed by Robert Venturi. Interior design by Noel Jeffrey. No walls separate the home's kitchen, living room, bars and dining room which are all visible as soon as you enter the first floor. The home's most dramatic feature is a floor-to-ceiling window that is shaped like a ship's wheel and cut into eight pieces.

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After touring these great houses, we relaxed on a cruise through the architecture of downtown Pittsburgh area.
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"Thank you for organizing the trip to PA.It was great!Deborah and Sharon were wonderful hosts.Thank you for allowing me to mark one more thing off my bucket list." -- Terri Large "The trip was absolutely fabulous! Thanks so much to you, Deborah and Sharon." -- Dorothee Thielisch

"The Fallingwater trip was wonderful. In the views of Nan and me, everything progressed smoothly and on time.We had plenty of time for each event, never felt rushed, there were no "hiccups", and even the rain on Saturday was a positive as it provided more water under the house than our guide had seen in a long time, making it even more dramatic.We had a great time." -- Jerry Tester


Thirst4Architecture/Historic Happy Hour with Preservation Durham
September 2013
Straw Valley, Durham

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Dail Dixon, Kim Weiss, and Deborah Rodgers

About 70 people came to Straw Valley Cafe, a magical oasis of buildings that's been restored from a Modernist house and a retail building into a coffee bar, wine bar, stores, a courtyard, and event hall. Co-hosted with Preservation Durham. 70 people attended. Group shot by Leilani Carter.

September 2013
Knock Knock
The Hock House, Chapel Hill

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Knock Knock: The Triangle's Most Unusual Houses is a collaborative series of articles between the Durham Herald-Sun and NCModernist to spotlight exceptional residential architecture.

Mayberry Modernism
Raleigh Regional Area Realtors
September 2013

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George Smart spoke on North Carolina's Modernist houses to about 25 realtors.


August 2013
Knock Knock
The Williams House, Durham

Knock Knock: The Triangle's Most Unusual Houses is a collaborative series of articles between the Durham Herald-Sun and NCModernist to spotlight exceptional residential architecture.


Thirst4Architecture
August 2013
McConnell Studios, Raleigh

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About 135 people attended McConnell Studio's always-spectacular Thirst4Architecture on a uncommonly cool Carolina evening. Photos by Leilani Carter.


Mayberry Modernism
AIANC, Raleigh, August 2013
Co-hosted with Capital Area Preservation

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George Smart spoke on North Carolina's Modernist houses to an enthusiastic group of 50 people.


July 2013
Knock Knock
The Obrist House, Durham

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Knock Knock: The Triangle's Most Unusual Houses is a collaborative series of articles between the Durham Herald-Sun and TMH to spotlight exceptional residential architecture.


Matsumoto Prize Awards + Thirst4Architecture
AIANC, Raleigh
July 2013

TMH officially became NCModernist at a special T4A at the AIA Center for Architecture and Design in Raleigh, featuring the all-architect rock and roll band Eyes Go Lightning, drinks provided by Foundation Bar and Alphin Design Build, a champagne toast by Alison Steele to celebrate the change from TMH to NCModernist, and tours of the building's audio-video systems by Smart Homes and Business. About 110 people attended.
Drinks provided by:

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Alison Steele, A+S Designs

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The crowd spills outside.

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Phil Szostak and Alison Steele

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The band, Eyes Go Lightning

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The staff of in situ studio and their clients for the Chasen House. Photo by Leilani Carter.

After Thirst4Architecture, the 2013 Matsumoto Awards were awarded:

The People's Choice winners (those that got the most public votes):
1. The Dragonfly House, by Michael Ross Kersting
2. The Chasen House, by Erin Sterling Lewis and Matt Griffith
3. The Rank House, by Katherine Hogan and Vinny Petrarca

The Matsumoto Prize (those chosen by the professional jury of architects):
1. The Rank House, by Katherine Hogan and Vinny Petrarca - $3,000 prize
2. The Chasen House, by Erin Sterling Lewis and Matt Griffith - $2,000 prize
3. The Mountain Cabin, by Chad Everhart - $1,000 prize


Thirst4Architecture
Byrd Tile, Raleigh, June 2013

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Featuring food, drinks -- and music by Ron Moss. About 70 people attended. Photos by Leilani Carter.


May 2013
Knock Knock
The Christie House, Durham

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Knock Knock: The Triangle's Most Unusual Houses is a collaborative series of articles between the Durham Herald-Sun and TMH to spotlight exceptional residential architecture.


May 2013
Thirst4Architecture Happy Hour
in situ studios, Raleigh

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A whopping 175 people connected with architects Matt Griffith and Erin Sterling Lewis and their unique style of small, green, affordable, energy-efficient Modernist houses.


ModShop IV
Charlotte, May 2013
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42 people attended this Modernist day trip with four houses from Historic Charlotte's Mad About Modern and the rest arranged independently by TMH.

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The 1964 Mitchum House, 7212 Benita Drive, designed by architect Aubrey Arant.
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The 1956 Biggs House, 7201 Benita Drive, designed and built by Neal Arch Biggs, modified from a Better Homes and Gardens plan.

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2015 Cloister Drive, renovations by Crutcher Ross.

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The 1956 Hyman Polk House, 2101 Cloister Drive, designed by architect Jack Boyte.
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The Lassiter House designed by A. G. Odell. Almost destroyed two years ago, the house has been beautifully restored.

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The award-winning 1959 Holy Comforter Lutheran Church in Belmont NC, designed by A. G. Odell.

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The 1989 Marilyn K. and Jerome T. Rodgers House, designed by Overcash Harris of Charlotte. The project architect was Tony Miller, who also did subsequent renovations and additions.

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The 1982 Mike and Barbara Bernath House, the first house designed by architect Stan Russell that was built. Still with the original clients!

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And, on the way home, we stopped at IKEA.

"The trip was well worth missing my grad school reunion!" -- Maria Wall

"Thanks for the trip. I loved it. It was awesome. I hope to see you next time." -- Dorothy Powers

"Today's trip was my first with TMH, and it really was wonderful! Thanks very much for the taking us to those amazing homes and to the Church which will always stay with me.As a former tour guide I am very impressed with how well organized the trip was. I hope to be on another trip soon!" -- Margaret Sachs


April 2013
Mayberry Modernism
Prudential Carolinas Realty, Durham

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George Smart spoke on North Carolina's Modernist
houses to a Durham Prudential office. 10 people attended.


April 2013
TMH Chicago Architecture Tour
Sponsored by

Logo VMZINC

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Frank Lloyd Wright's Home and Studio

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Frank Lloyd Wright's 1910 Robie House

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The IIT Campus, by Mies Van der Rohe

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The 1951 Farnsworth House by Mies Van der Rohe in Plano, Illinois.
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Frank Lloyd Wright's Unity Temple in Oak Park
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The Chicago Architecture Foundation River Cruise
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The Willis Tower, one of the tallest buildings in the world
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The Brick Weave House by architect Jeanne Gang

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The group at the Farnsworth House

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at the Chicago Architecture Tour

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24 people spent three exciting days hitting some of the high points of Chicago-area architecture. Group photo by John Morris, who joined us for the Chicago Architecture Cruise, as did Raleigh Modernist homeowner Adrianne Joergenson, who is finishing up a master's degree in architecture in Chicago.

"What an experience and a wonderful trip! You planned everything so well that it was very easy to be part of the group of "adventurers"!I enjoyed the great variety thatthis tour offered, (so many different styles of architecture) and appreciated the great enthusiasm and knowledgeof all the guides who spent a lot of time with us.A special thanks to you and your lovely wife who helped a lot and always with a great smile.Looking forward to the next trip." -- Michele Bernoux

"Thanks George...for an awesome and well-organized TMH/VMZINC Chicago Architecture Tour. It is reallydifficult to pick out the highlights from Chicago's great architectural landmarks ... from Frank Lloyd Wright's Home and Studio and tour of Oak Park area;the Farnsworth House by Mies Van Der Rohe;the Robie House; and learning about the buildings downtown viatheboat; etc." --Dale and Kayla Briggs

"The trip was great. Isn't Chicago a world class city? (Too bad about the winter climate!). My favorite activities were the Oak Park walking tour and the Chicago River boat trip. As I mentioned to you earlier, the first time I took a FLW Oak Park tour, I was a junior in college (age 19). A group of us (art and architecture students from Tulane) took the train from New Orleans to Chicago over spring break. We spent a full day touring the Art Institute, and another full day in Oak Park and River Forest, touring the FLW buildings. It was the beginning of my lifelong love affair with FLW's work. Although I have traveled to Chicago many times since then on business, this was the first pleasure trip I have taken to Chicago since that one, so many years ago. And what a pleasure it was! Thanks for all you do." -- Linda DeShaw

"Loved the trip!I hadn't realized how much Chicago has to offer.It's like a laboratory for architecture in the US.The trip was very well organized.Could have done without Friday's dinner!Thanks so much for putting together such a stellar experience." -- Kitty (aka Catherine) Bergel


April 2013
Thirst4Architecture Happy Hour, Buildsense, Durham

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We joined Randy Lanou and Erik Mehlman of Buildsense and their team's amazing new Green offices, complete with wind power, solar power, sustainable materials, even a charging station! They transformed an old Tire King into a state-of-the-art green building that is home to BuildSense, ClearVue Glass, and a yoga studio. Through the implementation of numerous energy saving strategies and clean energy generation systems, the building utilizes about 35 percent of the energy required to power a typical building of the same size and use. The project awarded the Triangle Business Journal’s Green Commercial Project of the Year. Over 60 people attended.


April 2013
The Larson House, Durham

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Knock Knock: The Triangle's Most Unusual Houses is a collaborative series of articles between the Durham Herald-Sun and TMH to spotlight exceptional residential architecture.


April 2013
The Larson House Tour, Durham

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Owner Wendy Robineau with Frank Harmon. Harmon's wife Judy was the landscape architect for the front entrance.

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The spectacular 1973 Arthur and Florence Larson Residence in Durham was commissioned to Chapel Hill architect Jon Condoret in 1971. Over the next few decades, the Larsons frequently entertained their friends and fellow Duke faculty, including many classical music concerts in the large living room. Photos by Wendy Robineau and Leilani Carter.

Originally, the Larson house was 4825 sf. When the Larsons sold, new owners engaged a renovation designed by California architect Fu-Tung Cheng and built by Landmark Renovation. Landscape architect Judy Harmon did the entry design. In 2011, there were master bedroom renovations, expanding the house to 6040 sf. Over 400 attended!


March 2013
NCSU University Club, Raleigh

George Smart spoke on Mayberry Modernism to the Construction Specifications Institute to an audience of 35.


March 2013
Pioneering Women in North Carolina Architecture
Chapel Hill Preservation

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George Smart spoke about early women architects in North Carolina. 12 people attended at the Horace Williams House. Four won door prizes!


March 2013
Leland Little Auctions
Hillsborough

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TMH's programming connects hundreds of people within the architecture-loving public during the warmer months through networking events called Thirst4Architecture (T4A).

These free, exciting, informal happy hours are free and open to the public. We welcome Modernist homeowners, architects, artists, designers, realtors, engineers, contractors, property investors, building managers, Modernist homeowners, materials and furniture dealers – or anyone with a huge crush on great architecture. T4A events focus on building relationships, generating passion about good design, creating strategic alliances, and connecting people to each other. There are no presentations -- just come join the fun and make new design friends and contacts!

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Featured free refreshments and a look at the operations of the Triangle's largest art, furniture, and wine auction house. Hillsborough Mayor Tom Stevens was there to welcome the 95 people who attended.


March 2013
Cary

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George Smart spoke on Mayberry Modernism to an excited crowd of 65 real estate agents.


March 2013
Preservation Greensboro
Elon Law School, Greensboro

Preservation Greensboro Incorporated Greensboro North Carolina

George Smart spoke on Mayberry Modernism to an enthusiastic audience of 40 people in a building designed by Edward Loewenstein.


March 2013

Knock Knock: The Triangle's Most Unusual Houses is a collaborative series of articles between the Durham Herald-Sun and TMH to spotlight exceptional residential architecture.

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The Poulos-Tate House, designed by Lee Munson


March 2013
Mayberry Modernism
The Forest at Duke, Durham

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About 150 people attended.


Febrary 2013

Knock Knock: The Triangle's Most Unusual Houses is a collaborative series of articles between the Durham Herald-Sun and TMH to spotlight exceptional residential architecture.

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The Owen and Dorothy Smith House, designed by Owen Smith


February 2013
Eames: The Architect and the Painter
Raleigh Grande, Raleigh

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The husband-and-wife Charles and Ray Eames are widely regarded as America’s most important designers. Perhaps best remembered for their mid-century plywood and fiberglass furniture, the Eames Office also created a mind-bending variety of other products, from splints for wounded military during World War II, to photography, interiors, multi-media exhibits, graphics, games, films and toys. Over 85 people attended.


The Owen Smith House Tour
February 2013, Raleigh

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Owen Smith was the longest practicing architect in North Carolina until he died in 2012. The 1960 Owen and Dorothy Smith Residence, designed by Owen Smith, is 5,000 square feet, one of Raleigh's largest Modernist houses of the mid-century era. The house has not been on public tour since 1960. Smith used the basement for about a decade as an architectural office with a staff of six. Smith and his family have owned it for over 50 years. Beautifully maintained, the house will be going on the market later in 2013. Over 300 people attended.


January 2013
The Architecture of John Lautner
Durham

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About 20 people attended.


January 2013

Knock Knock: The Triangle's Most Unusual Houses is a collaborative series of articles between the Durham Herald-Sun and TMH to spotlight exceptional residential architecture.

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The Knight House, designed by Alden Dow


Appetite4Architecture
January 2013
18 Seaboard, Raleigh

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Ellen Cassilly, Phil Freelon, and Nneena Freelon. What did internationally-known architect Phil Freelon do when faced with designing his family's 2200sf penthouse condo in downtown Durham's Kress building? He hired an architect! Phil, his wife Nneena, and architect Ellen Cassilly discussed their unique collaboration on one of Durham's most unique residences. The 1933 building is one of the largest and most elaborately decorated Art Deco buildings in North Carolina and was the site of lunch counter sit-ins during the 1960's.

"The dinner with Nnenna Freelon, Phil Freelon and Ellen Cassilly was the most fun! Not to mention interesting, mentally stimulating AND great food. An experience not to be forgotten....many, manythanks to George, Ellen, Phil and Nnenna. " -- Bill Speigel

"Another great dinner. I'm learning so much about architecture at these dinners. Thanks so much for the time and care putting them together." -- Sarah Sonke

"A wonderful evening. Ellen, Phil and Nneena were fabulous and I learned so much. Thank you George and all the special guests. Dinner great, conversation exciting and group participants outstanding."-- Marge Yanker

"I thoroughly enjoyed the A4A dinner Tuesday evening. Thank you for arranging so many informative and enjoyable events!" -- Ann Cowperthwaite

"Each Appetite4Architecture follows a different course, and they've all been unique. But last night, guests Nneena and Phil Freelon added an new dimension: a high profile professional couple, jazz vocalist, and major civic building architect, shared their design process with one of our favorite residential architects, Ellen Cassilly, in creating a very Durham urban experience! And there were so many new and fresh faces who, made professional contacts, and were surprised to learn about how much TMH offers our design community." -- Leilani Carter

"I have to say my first TMC event was just a delight. I’m sorry I have been missing TMH and the Mod Squad prior to this. The Freelons and Ellen Cassilly hit a home run with the space and their free-running description of the process. Nneenna will probably understand if I quote the title of the first track on Soulcall: Better Than Anything. The collaborative love shows through. The use of iPads was unobtrusive and solved a problem I was afraid I might have, not being able to visualize the project." -- Ken Coit


Appetite4Architecture
January 2013
18 Seaboard, Raleigh

A4A dinner events are rare opportunities to enjoy easy, informal discussions in an upscale dining environment. You have direct access to some of the area's best residential architects to explore design, homebuilding, the economy, furnishings, real estate - or anything else on your mind! There are no presentations or powerpoint slides -- just great conversations with award-winning cuisine.

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Featuring John Reese, Mike Rantilla, and Vinny Petrarca; winners of the 2012 juried Matsumoto Prize for North Carolina Modernist residential architecture. This unique competition featured $6,000 in cash awards and a blue-ribbon jury of internationally known architects.

"I thoroughly enjoyed the Appetite4Architecture dinner. The food was excellent, as expected.. But the conversation was really stimulating and educational. I learned things I never knew about the architectural process, the amazing qualities of zink, how to consider space in a structure and the challenges of dealing with neighbors when building an unusual custom design. The diversity of participants was also a delightful surprise. Many different professions were represented and at least half were people who had moved to North Carolina from other states. These dinners are well worth their price and I can see how they sell out quickly." -- Sarah Sonke, Modern Home Auctions

"As a first time participant in the TMH Appetite4Architecture series, I wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed the evening. Listening to the perspectives of the prize winning architects on the elements, inspirations and passions that drove the creation of their award winning designs while having to balance the practical constraints that come with getting a home built was both fascinating and educational. The small group environment is a great way to facilitate conversation and allow everyone to be engaged in the discussions. It is also a great way to meet other people that share a passion around modernism. I'll definitely participate again in the future!Thank you for providing such an interesting venue." -- MaryBeth Selby

"Thank you again for the opportunity to attend the TMH Appetite4Architecture dinner last night. It was such a pleasure to spend the evening engaged in thought-provoking discussion with incredibly talented, award-winning architects, and to meet so many interesting individuals who share a common passion. I'm looking forward to the next Appetite4Architecture event, and am so excited to be a part of this dynamic community that has been brought together though TMH." -- Emilie Huin, Coldwell Banker Howard Perry and Walston

"It was a great networking opportunity and an excellent way to receive the architectural inspiration and a buyer/seller/homeowner’s point of view that drives the passion to preserve and build modern homes in the Triangle. The conversations from last night has really sparked my interest in researching modern homes, and hopefully living in one someday. It was a pleasure." -- Chandra Hester, VMZINC

"It was a wonderful dinner and I thank you at TMH all for making it happen. The format, venue and foodwere just great, and I think everyone enjoyed the discussions with our prize winning architects. I hope to attend more of these dinners in the future. Again, thank you for the evening." -- Amy Rice

"I truly enjoyed participating in this event! George Smart and Kim Weiss facilitated a thought-provoking and interactive discussion which was educational, insightful and fun. While the food, drink and atmosphere were superb, I became so engaged in the salon-type discussion, my "appetite for architecture" was energized above else. Thanks so much for hosting such a creative and intimate event that encourages our community's preservation of and passion for modern design." -- John Reese, Weinstein Friedlein


The Nowell's Architecture Movie Series
January 2013
The Pruitt-Igoe Myth (2011)
Raleigh Grande Theatre

NCModernist

Destroyed in a dramatic and highly-publicized 1970s implosion, the giant Pruitt-Igoe public housing complex has become a widespread symbol of failure amongst Modernist architects, city and Federal politicians, and the residents themselves. This film explores the social, economic and legislative issues that led to the decline of conventional public housing in America while tracing the personal and poignant narratives of several of the project's residents.