"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

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




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



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.

The 1964 Mitchum House, 7212 Benita Drive, designed by architect Aubrey Arant.	The 1956 Biggs House, 7201 Benita Drive, designed and built by Neal Arch Biggs, modified from a Better Homes and Gardens plan.
2015 Cloister Drive, renovations by Crutcher Ross.	The 1956 Hyman Polk House, 2101 Cloister Drive, designed by architect Jack Boyte.
The Lassiter House designed by A. G. Odell. Almost destroyed two years ago, the house has been beautifully restored.	The award-winning 1959 Holy Comforter Lutheran Church in Belmont NC, designed by A. G. Odell.
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. The 1982 Mike and Barbara Bernath House, the first house designed by architect Stan Russell that was built. Still with the original clients! 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



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

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April 2013
TMH Chicago Architecture Tour
Sponsored by

The group at the Farnsworth House


at the Chicago Architecture Tour



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

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April 2013
Thirst4Architecture Happy Hour, BuildSense, Durham





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.

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April 2013
The Larson House, Durham



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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April 2013
The Larson House Tour, Durham

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

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!

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March 2013
NCSU University Club, Raleigh

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

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March 2013
Pioneering Women in North Carolina Architecture
Chapel Hill Preservation



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

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March 2013
Leland Little Auctions
Hillsborough

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!

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.

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March 2013
Cary



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

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March 2013
Preservation Greensboro
Elon Law School, Greensboro



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

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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.



The Poulos-Tate House, designed by Lee Munson

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March 2013
Mayberry Modernism
The Forest at Duke, Durham



About 150 people attended.

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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.



The Owen and Dorothy Smith House, designed by Owen Smith

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



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.

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The Owen Smith House Tour
February 2013, Raleigh



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.

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January 2013
The Architecture of John Lautner
Durham



About 20 people attended.

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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.



The Knight House, designed by Alden Dow

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Appetite4Architecture
January 2013
18 Seaboard, Raleigh

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

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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.

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

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

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.