Keynote:  Mayberry Modernism
By TMH Founder George Smart

Mayberry Modernism - North Carolina's Modernist Legacy:  What's our state's greatest secret?  We have the third most modernist houses than anywhere in the country.  Explore some of the state's modernist gems, many still glorious, some endangered, and some destroyed forever.  Available up to 60 minutes in length, including time for questions and answers.

About George Smart

George Smart grew up in Triangle architecture. His dad was a Raleigh architect for over 40 years who, like many in his generation, was inspired by the exciting designs of Frank Lloyd Wright's and others in Modernist movement.  His mom made documentaries on architecture in the 1960's.  As a management consultant and executive coach, George showed no interest whatsoever in architecture until 2007.

"George Smart's Mayberry Modernism presentation is entertaining, informative, and inspiring. When the hour is over you are left wanting to know more. This is okay since the website has so much great information to explore, and you feel as though you now have a proper map for your journey." -- Mark Allison, AIA

"I was Googling for modern houses one night and it was like that scene from Alien," jokes Smart.  "Something very powerful exploded from my DNA!  One search led to another, then to a list, then to a website, then to tours, then trips, then dinners, then movies, then happy hours.  Triangle Modernist Houses is now the most detailed archive in America for residential Modernist architecture." 

"I do want to thank you for making the trip to Wilmington and speaking to AIA Wilmington and the Cameron Art Museum.  We were pleasantly surprised at the large turnout that we had at the event, especially for a Monday night.  Everyone with whom I spoke afterwards said that they were impressed with your knowledge of modern architecture and really enjoyed all of the images that you presented.  I hope that you can bring this lecture to all of the AIA sections in North Carolina!" -- Laura Miller, AIA, LEED AP

In just three years, George Smart and TMH have been honored with historic preservation awards from the City of Raleigh, Preservation North Carolina, the Vernacular Architecture Foundation, Preservation Durham, Capital Area Preservation, and Preservation Chapel Hill.

"Thank you so much for your exciting presentation to the Winston-Salem Section of the AIA.  I got a lot of great comments from several people afterwards and it was one of the most well attended luncheons ever." 
-- Chad Everhart, AIA, NCARB

The Triangle's most passionate advocate for Modernist architecture, George facilitates the public's discovery of these "livable sculptures" through presentations around the state.  His knowledge of North Carolina modernism combined with the innovative use of technology for preservation has quickly established a national reputation for research and advocacy.

 
Photo by Teri Saylor.

"George Smart gives a fascinating and informative slideshow and presentation about some of our true architectural treasures - the wealth of Modernist homes in our area."  -- Mark Zimmerman