Triangle Modernist Houses

Compiled by George Smart, Jr.                                                          

RAYMOND SAWYER, AIA (1925-)

Sawyer was born in Elizabeth City, NC and spent part of his childhood in Cincinnati OH.  He attended NCSU School of Design and graduated with a degree in Architecture in 1952.  During his third year, he won the Erickson Prize and the American Society of Beaux Arts first medal in Architecture. He worked for one year with Jim Webb before returning to Raleigh to work with Terry Waugh becoming an Associate and then a Partner.  Later Waugh returned to the faculty of the NC State School of Design and Sawyer had his own private practice. 

Sawyer designed the Historic Bath Visitor Center and Confederate ship Neuse cradle for that historic gunboat. He also transformed the old Thompson Gym into the University Theater in the early 1960s as well as other campus projects. In 1969 he joined the North Carolina Medical Care Commission and participanted in the design and development of coronary and other acute care hospital units across the state. He did continuing work with Campbell University and Hillyer Memorial Christian Church.  He retired from the state in 1992.

1962 - The Dr. and Mrs. Morley Kare House, 2204 Barfield Court, Raleigh. Sold to Nelson S. Benzing, Leif Valand's former partner, in 1969.  Sold in 1980 to Albin and Karen Johnson.  Sold in 2001 to current owners Sharon and Rob Smart.