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, many thanks 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. 

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 food were 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

Destroyed in a dramatic and highly-publicized 1970's 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.