These grants are named for Macon Smith who retired from architecture in 1995. From 1996-1999 Smith was instrumental in the publication of an award-winning historical chronology of AIA North Carolina: “History of the North Carolina Chapter of the American Institute of Architects, 1913-1988: An Architectural Heritage.” He served on countless AIA boards and committees and won both the 2001 Deitrick Medal and the 2006 F. Carter Williams Gold Medal, the highest honors presented by AIANC. 

In early 2008, he spent many hours scouring his own records and driving around Raleigh with George Smart to get TMH get started.  See his bio and projects here.

TMH established the Macon Smith Research Grant Program in 2009 to support research into residential Modernist architecture and architects.  Grants of up to $1000 are available to private citizens, academics, or institutions. 

To apply, send an email with a Powerpoint proposal;  up to 300 total words and 10 photos in up to 5 slides, plus one slide of contact information.   

In July 2009, the first MSRG was awarded to David Hill, Assistant Professor of Architecture, NC State University, for travel to Oakland CA to interview architect George Matsumoto. 

 
In October 2011, David Hill won a second MSRG.  He and his students at the NCSU College of Design will create digital models of George Matsumoto houses to be posted on TMH and elsewhere.

Congratulations also to 2011 MSRG winner Tyler Merkel, who will create infrastructure for his website, Mid-century Michigan, as well as research Alden Dow houses for TMH.