Triangle Modernist Houses

Compiled by George Smart, Jr.                                                          

JAMES ARGERSINGER "JIM" SCOVIL, AIA (1916-1993)

Jim Scovil received a BA in Architecture from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in 1938.  He worked for American Homes in New York City prior to WWII.  After serving in the war a few years, he worked for Cy Williams, a builder on Long Island.  Most people don't know he designed Natalie Wood's "dream house" from the movie "Miracle on 34th Street," located at 24 Derby Road in Port Washington, New York.

Scovil came to Raleigh to work in 1950 for Leif Valand where he did a number of homes in Cameron Village as well as projects for developer Ed Richards.  Among many projects, he designed St. Michael's Church, Tower Shopping Center, the Hillsborough Street Y, the Velvet Cloak Inn, and many buildings for Shaw and St. Augustines universities.  Scovil left Valand to join with William Clyde (Cy) McGee, Jr. to form Edwards, McGee and Scovil.  When Edwards died it became McGee and Scovil in 1964.  Gene Rairden joined in 1963 and by 1970 the firm became McGee, Scovil and Rairden.  Then McGee left in 1979, resulting in a name of Scovil and Rairden.  During 1994-1998, the firm was Rairden and Toby Savage.  The firm continues today as Rairden Architecture.   

1952 – The James and Elizabeth "Betty" Scovil House, 2900 Fairview Road, Raleigh.  Sold in 2003 to current owners Martin and Carol Scovil Brinkley, his granddaughter.  Renovations and additions in 2006 by Walter Davis of Davis/Kane Architects.