About Us

For passionate architecture fans, which are many, Modernist houses evoke a true love. These houses connect people to nature and the land through carefully designed spaces that are relaxing, compelling, and utterly addictive. For many, Modernist houses are livable sculptures, and many of these mid-century sculptures are endangered. Their locations, often on prime real estate, can be worth much more than the houses, making demolition and development an attractive option. By connecting detailed information, histories, and maps, we help Modernist houses in danger be purchased or otherwise preserved.

We raise awareness about Modernist preservation and preserve the legacy of exceptional design for future generations. We have been recognized with 16 awards for local, state, and national leadership in historic preservation, giving thousands of people access to the most exciting residential architecture, past and present. We connect people with their past or their future dream homes and preserve histories for future generations. We started as Triangle Modernist Houses in 2007 and became a nonprofit 501C3 in 2009. By 2013, the project expanded statewide to become NCModernist®. In 2015, we launched the national site USModernist® which hosts national and international tours; the largest open digital archive of well-known mid-century Modernist houses and architects in America; an architecture magazine library, and the USModernist Radio podcast. 

George Smart

Founder/CEO. George's wife refers to this project as "a 15-year seizure."

Michela O'Connor Abrams

Chief Advancement Officer. We won't DWELL on her design experience.

Rebekah Laney

Development. She just left you a voicemail.

Angela Roehl

Tours. Angela books exciting architecture tours then leads them. She really hates this.

Virginia Faust

Monitors iconic houses across NC day after day, for years.

Catherine Westergaard Cramer

Research. She can find any Modernist house. Resistance is futile.

Carie Chesarino

Archivist. First day on the job, she solved a huge cold case.

Iva Kravitz

Strategy and PR. It's pronounced kray-vitz. She knows everybody.

Michael Locke

Research. He shoots thousands of houses in LA. With his camera.

Ron Gallagher

Newsletter Editor. He corrects grammer, too.

Trevor O'Donnell

By night, Social Media. By day, a walking Wikipedia on Palm Springs.

Frank Harmon FAIA

National Affairs. Sends alerts when our fenestration needs a parti hat.

 

 

 

Kelly Policelli

Archivist. Without a tank, does amazingly deep dives into architect project lists.

 

 

 

 

---