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Founder George Smart toasts 18 years of preservation at Raleigh’s newest Modernist estate.
George Smart never set out to become “Mr. Modernism.” But what began as a late-night Google search for modern houses in Raleigh led him to rediscover his architect father’s world and found NCModernist and USModernist—the world’s largest archives of modernist homes. Along the way, he’s slowed the demolition of hundreds of mid-century gems, launched tours like Modapalooza and even started a podcast, all while building a community around design once thought too niche to survive.
Now, to mark 18 years of preservation, NCModernist is hosting Moon Over Modernism Oct. 11 at the 17,000-square-foot Holton House in North Raleigh. Designed by architect Joe Trojanowski, the new estate will host a wine bar, jazz by Peter Lamb and the Wolves, close-up magic and, of course, a big dose of modernist inspiration. Here, we chat up Smart about all things modernism.
What about modernist houses resonated enough for your career change?
Two things really: My dad was an architect and so I got exposed from an early age, and secondly, modernist houses are just really interesting. They have a wonderful relaxing vibe. They are generally well built. People adore them and love them, and I wanted to build a community of people who would work to preserve our best mid-century homes.
How has documentation slowed the loss of these homes?
The good news is because of NCModernist, we’ve greatly slowed the rate of destruction. By making the public aware of these houses and encouraging them to buy and care for them, we’ve saved hundreds across the state.
Tell us about the Moon Over Modernism fundraiser.
Every year we host a party at either a new modernist house or a classic mid-century one. It’s a fun way for people to get dressed up, have great drinks, food and jazz, and get together to support the organization for an evening. The Holton House is an extraordinary place to highlight what’s possible in modernist design today.
Fave memory from past events and tours?
We’ve had wonderful participation from homeowners… Those tours take people through new modernist houses and show you can still design dream homes today. Many assume modernist houses are always expensive, but the style was born out of affordability and simplicity.
What’s next for NCModernist?
A lot of people love modernism, but it’s not always their top priority in life—it might rank ninth or tenth. That’s why we keep offering so much public programming… We want to make modernism accessible and discoverable, so when people are ready to engage, we’re there.
As Smart puts it, the true success of NCModernist is not the number of parties or tours, but how many homes are saved. With an ever-growing archive and events that draw fresh eyes to the movement, Modernism’s future in NC looks stronger than ever.
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