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2011 Events
Mod Squad and Sponsor Party
December 2011
This film chronicles the life and career of Louis Sullivan as an artist — and what he tried to do for American architecture. Much of the footage is made up of moving shots that trace building details and ornamentation not readily seen by the naked eye. Sullivan had a quixotic belief in the unbreakable connection between social values and architecture that never took root in the American consciousness. Sullivan never felt completely comfortable in either the vanishing world of nineteenth-century romanticism or the unsentimental and mechanized one of the twentieth century. The film looks at how Louis Sullivan's genius exerted such a tremendous influence on the development of the most famous architect who ever lived, Frank Lloyd Wright. December 2011
Next, the Mark Larson House on the James River. Architect Larson designed this Modernist renovation, built by Michael Shearman of Shearman Associates, in 2010. Photos by Al Wekelo.
Third, the 2011 Alex Cedeño House, aka the James River House, designed by Raleigh's Tonic Design and built by Shearman Associates. We met builder Michael Shearman of Shearman Associates, Tonic project manager Kevin Wade, and owner Alex Cedeño. Photos by John Suddath and Leilani Carter. We had lunch underneath the round 1960s Markel Building, designed by visionary Haigh Jamgochian. He originally planned a mushroom-pod-style building but budgetary restrictions led to a design based on a baked potato wrapped in aluminum foil. Each floor is covered with a single piece of aluminum. The crinkles were personally created by the architect with a sledgehammer. We met Jamgochian and learned about his vivid and wonderful career.
The day's ending highlight was the Walter and Inga Rice House designed by Richard Neutra and built on Lock Island. After walking across the one- lane bridge, one finds a jawdropping residence with absolutely stunning views overlooking the James River. "What a great learning experience ... not only did we get to see some of the modernist gems of Richmond, Virginia but we also heard first hand from Jam (Haigh Jamgochian) on not only how the battered aluminum was applied to the exterior of the Markel Building but why. Then to top off the trip we heard from Perry the singing bus driver on our way home ... what a treat! Thanks and can't wait for the next adventure." — Dale Briggs "We did it again! The stalwart breakfast deliverer Sharon, cold hands, hot coffee, and the best of tours, that always work despite glitches, and the bus driver who can glide an impossibally huge bus down tiny lanes. And he has a another career performing R&B, Motown! We cut the boredom of I-95 with some cool sound. THIS BUS ROCKED! And why not...TMH ROCKS!" — Leilani Carter "Thank you for providing a wonderful experience in Richmond. I loved all of the buildings we visited. I felt an especially strong affinity for the Rice House. A few months ago I went to Artspace for First Friday and chatted with glass artist Madonna Phillips. She was displaying a new work of art which departed somewhat from her usual style. It is entitled "The Glass Room." She had been inspired by a book of the same name, which was written by Simon Mawer. The book is about a family that occupied a very modern house (with a glass room) in Poland at the time the Nazis took over. I wanted to read the book that had inspired Madonna to create her beautiful work of art, so I bought the book, read it, and was very moved by it. Ever since I read it, I have been envisioning the house in my mind, and when I walked up the hill to the Rice house, there it was!" — Linda DeShaw November 2011 November 2011 November 2011 October 2011 October 2011 October 2011
October 2011
September 2011
Capital Area Preservation Awards  TMH won an Anthemion Award from Capital Area Preservation at Irregardless in Raleigh.  September 2011 Capital Bank Building, 333 Fayetteville Street, Raleigh  Sponsored by Pearce Brinkley Cease+Lee Architects. About 40 people attended at this classic Emery Roth and Milton Small office tower. September 2011
Preservation Durham Lunch and Learn Series, Pop's Restaurant, Durham.
August 2011 August 2011 Sponsored by
Live music by Third Expression. Booksigning by architect Brian Shawcroft. These exciting, informal happy hours are free and open to the public. We welcome architects, artists, designers, interior designers, realtors, engineers, contractors, property investors, building managers, Modernist homeowners, materials and furniture dealers – or anyone with a huge crush on great architecture. Over 85 attended! August 2011 August 2011
The 2011 John and Stacy Crabill House, aka Crabill Modern. Designed by Tonic Design and built by Tonic Construction. Commentary by John Crabill.
The 2010 Michael Hutchinson and Gerry Mauro House, July 2011
These exciting, informal happy hours are free and open to the public. We welcome architects, artists, designers, interior designers, realtors, engineers, contractors, property investors, building managers, Modernist homeowners, materials and furniture dealers – or anyone with a huge crush on great architecture. Well over 70 attended!
July 2011
The 1959 Carter Williams House Tour, Raleigh aka Blue Haven, named for its distinctive Carolina blue stone. Designed by Carter Williams FAIA. Landscape architect Dick Bell. 
Over a 40-year span, Carter Williams' firm gave shape to more than 600 projects throughout the state, including the NC Archives Library in Raleigh, buildings at East Carolina University, the renovation of the Governor's Mansion, and Raleigh's City Hall Complex. Each year the AIANC awards the F. Carter Williams Gold Medal, their highest honor, to an individual in recognition of a distinguished career or extraordinary accomplishments as an architect. This house, designed by Williams for his family, is a classic example of mid-century modern design. About 90 people attended, despite the blazing 100-degree day. Color photos by Leilani Carter.
July 2011
Congress of Residential Architects Charlotte 
George Smart spoke on Mayberry Modernism to the Charlotte Chapter of CORA at 131 Main on East Boulevard in Charlotte. About 35 attended. Thanks to Gail Jodon and
Modern Charlotte Realty for sponsoring the event.
July 2011 George Smart spoke on Mayberry Modernism to a graduate architecture class taught by Margret Kentgens-Craig and Frank Harmon. The next day he assisted those faculty members with a tour of five Raleigh Modernist Houses.
June 2011
South Square Area, Durham 
George Smart spoke on Mayberry Modernism to about 40 Durham-area Realtors.
May 2011
North Carolina Museum of Art, Raleigh 
These exciting, informal happy hours are free and open to the public. We welcome architects, artists, designers, interior designers, realtors, engineers, contractors, property investors, building managers, Modernist homeowners, materials and furniture dealers – or anyone with a huge crush on great architecture. Co-hosted by NewRaleigh.com. Well over 225 attended! Photos by Leilani Carter. May 2011
If you've ever enjoyed Popular Mechanics or reading plan books, you know the lure of the completely custom do-it-yourself house. In the early 1970s, Renaissance man Jay James designed and built fifteen 240-square-foot hexagonal structures and connected them together to form a wondrous 5000 sf house. The family has lived there and has loved it ever since. Dean Henry Kamphoefner of the NCSU School of Design regularly brought students to view and sketch this innovative concept house. James was a consummate jack-of-all-trades, and the residence features both passive and active solar power, including a mirror that tracked the sun. The house was open for public viewing for the first time in over thirty years. Despite the Memorial day weekend, over 140 people attended! Top two photos by Leilani Carter. May 2011
These exciting, informal happy hours welcome architects, artists, designers, interior designers, realtors, engineers, contractors, property investors, building managers, Modernist homeowners, materials and furniture dealers – or anyone with a huge crush on great architecture. An amazing 130+ people showed up! Photos by Leilani Carter. May 2011 40 people journeyed around Charlotte for a day of exceptional Modernist
"OMG the Charlotte tour is incredible. The houses are coffee table book quality. Great design and landscape ideas!" -- Leslie Glascock
"Once again, an impressively planned tour today with Charlotte Modern and a nice link to their audience, but I think TMH's tours have the special advantage of allowing in house photos. I had a hard time resisting!!! Thanks George for somehow providing us with that advantage!!!" -- Leilani Carter
1960 - The David and Lila Mann Residence,
1141 Lynbrook Drive, 2200 Cloister, Charlotte, a major renovation of an 1955 ranch. Fred Gregory designed a front addition in 2003. Dee Blackburn designed a second bedroom addition in 2009. 1956 - The Solomon and Shirley Levine Residence,
 2006 - The Catherine Powell Residence, 2522 Cornell, Charlotte. Designed by Stan Russell. 3647sf plus a 1061sf guesthouse. Built by Randy Causey. May 2011  About 20 people attended George Smart's keynote presentation Mayberry Modernism at Raleigh's North Regional Library, designed by Clearscapes and completed in 2006. May 2011
This year TMH supported Preservation Durham's annual neighborhood tour. April 2011
Through special arrangement, Mod Squad members got an exclusive tour of the Anderson House, the best-preserved example of Milton Small's residential work in Raleigh. Bottom photo of George Smart and Brian Shawcroft by Leilani Carter. April 2011
These exciting, informal happy hours are free and open to the public. We welcome architects, artists, designers, interior designers, realtors, engineers, contractors, property investors, building managers, Modernist homeowners, materials and furniture dealers – or anyone with a huge crush on great architecture. Co-hosted by GoodnightRaleigh.com. Sponsored by VMZINC. About 60 attended! Photos by Leilani Carter. April 2011 Featuring Fallingwater, Kentuck Knob, the Abrams House by Robert Venturi, the Duquesne Incline, and a short tour of downtown Pittsburgh.
"Another outstanding TMH trip... a friendly group of architecture lovers all enjoying FLW...what a great Easter gift. "A+", George !" -- Deborah Rodgers
"George Smart is the best event organizer ever!! He uses his charming and outgoing demeanor to get us into the most private of homes – and also the most special of tours! At Fallingwater, we saw areas of the house not regularly open to the public, were allowed to take photos wherever we desired, and topped off the day with wonderful hors d'oeuvres presented in a room of the house only a few visitors experience. George’s tours top all that I’ve ever been on. He’s the best!" - Lynn Sullivan "The most inspiring FLW tour yet, thanks George." -- Leslie Glascock "Many thanks for organizing and for the extra help you gave us."-- Fidelia Thomason Beth Harris / Leslie Glascock / Karl Sakas / Monica Hunter April 2011
Moderated by Historic Charlotte Executive Director Diane Althouse, the panel discussion included TMH's George Smart, Bob Ciucevich, principal and founder of Quatrefoil Consulting, Savannah, GA; and Peter Wong, Associate Professor of Architecture, UNC-Charlotte School of Architecture. Over 200 attended. Afterwards, there was a reception at the Bechtler Museum next door. April 2011
March 2011
About 60 people attended at the Cameron Village Library, designed by Louis Cherry of Cherry Huffman Architects (later RATIO). Photo by Matt Robinson. March 2011
Revealing the philosophy and heart behind the Rural Studio, the documentary is guided by passionate, frank and never-before-seen interviews with Mockbee himself. The film supplements Mockbee's words and the students' experiences with perspective from other architects and designers who share praise and criticism of the Rural Studio, including Peter Eisenman, Michael Rotondi, Cameron Sinclair, Steve Badanes and Hank Louis. Their dialogue infuses the film with a larger discussion of architecture’s role in issues of poverty, class, race, education, social change and citizenship. March 2011 The 1952 Jesse Dowdy Residence, the finest surviving example of Modernist architecture in Rocky Mount. Designed by architect George Harrell, who grew up in Rocky Mount and went on to start OmniPlan, one of the larger design firms in Texas. The 2009 Bobby and Kristi Walters Residence, Greenville. Designed and built by Tonic Design and Tonic Construction. 4042 total square feet, integrating photovoltaic technology, solar hot water, and geothermal HVAC systems. The 1962 Matthew and Edna Yenney Residence, Rocky Mount. Designed by John L. Thompson. Current owners John and Megan Hammer did an extensive renovation including a 1500 sf garage and guest house. "Your Down East trip was another in a long list of beautifully planned and executed trips. You sliced through the history of Modernism in NC: an early 50s house thoughtfully sited above the Tar River and seemingly untouched by time, a creatively renovated one which reflects how today's owners can make this kind of architecture timeless, and a remarkable new version of Modernism with all the bells and whistles that the 21st century has to offer. Congratulations!" -- John and Molly Chiles "The tour was my first but won't be my last. A well-organized and lovely tour of three beautiful and inspiring homes. Thank you." -- Marge Yanker, "I enjoyed meeting the group from Raleigh on the Downeast Tour this weekend. It was a great chance for M-squared Building Solutions and the Hammers to show off their beautiful Rocky Mount home." -- Michael Grover, contractor for the Yenney/Hammer renovation.
Appetite4Architecture
Cassilhaus, Durham February 2011  Cassilhaus, designed by Ellen Cassilly AIA and her husband Frank Konhaus. Built by Leon Meyers. Along with artist-in-residence, Ann Ehringhaus, they all hosted the Mardi Gras-themed evening. "With clear appreciation I offer my thank you(s) once again to Ellen, Frank and Jeanne for the fine dinner and gracious hospitality at this event. I certainly enjoyed meeting and conversing with many of the participants as well and look forward to doing what I can with your organization." -- Alan Davisson February 2011
February 2011
February 2011
Koolhaas HouseLife 2010-2011 Nowell's Architecture Movie Series
February2011
What's the latest on the new AIA North Carolina Center for Architecture and Design indowntown Raleigh? And what's the state of architecture in general? Is this a good time to hire an architect for a new house or renovation? Featuring Frank Harmon FAIA (architect for the new AIANC building); David Crawford, Executive Vice President of AIANC; and Steve Schuster FAIA of Clearscapes (who helped lead the effort to secure financing).Proceeds from this event benefited the AIANC building fund. Sponsored by VMZINC. "Thank you for arranging a most wonderful evening with Frank Harmon, Steve Schuster, David Crawford and the other extremely interesting and personable guests. The environment was very comfortable and the food excellent. I had great conversations and a real opportunity to get to know several very interesting people. Of course it was for an excellent cause - the new AIA Headquarters. We were offered updates on the project, met several generous donors, and you were a truly gracious host." -- Stan Pomeranz, LightTech January 2011
January 2011
Sketches of Frank Gehry 2010-2011 Nowell's Architecture Movie Series  Frank Gehry is a Canadian-American Pritzker Prize-winning architect based in Los Angeles. His buildings, including his private residence, have become tourist attractions and many customers seek Gehry's services as a badge of distinction. His works were by far the most often cited as being among the most important works of contemporary architecture in the 2010 World Architecture Survey, which led Vanity Fair to label him as "the most important architect of our age.” Gehry's best-known works include the titanium-covered Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain; Walt Disney Concert Hall in downtown Los Angeles; Experience Music Project in Seattle; Weisman Art Museum in Minneapolis; Dancing House in Prague; MARTa Museum in Herford, Germany; and the Art Gallery of Ontario in Toronto - but it was his private residence in Santa Monica which jump-started his career. One of Sydney Pollack's last films and his only documentary. |
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