Practice Disrupted by Practice of Architecture

195: Saving Modernism: George Smart’s Mission to Preserve Design History


Listen Later

How does a personal passion project become the world's largest archive for modernist residential design?

In this episode of Practice Disrupted, Evelyn Lee sits down with George Smart, founder and CEO of USModernist, to explore how a personal interest blossomed into a vital national resource for architecture enthusiasts and professionals alike. George's journey takes us from a late-night internet search inspired by his own house hunt to leading a nonprofit that documents, preserves, and promotes modernist homes across America—and along the way, he offers insights into the importance of architectural heritage and community building.  

George opens up about the origins of US Modernist, starting 18 years ago as a local website cataloging houses in North Carolina's Triangle area after rediscovering childhood memories linked to his architect father. He details the organization's organic growth to national prominence and the pivotal moment a realtor's call about magazines in a wet basement led to the creation of a massive, freely accessible digital library of over 5 million pages. George discusses US Modernist's unique approach of archiving by architect, the critical role documentation plays in saving homes often dismissed as "that weird house down the street," and shares compelling stories of preservation successes, including moving an entire house to prevent its demolition.  

He and Evelyn discuss the surprising makeup of the modernist fan base (mostly non-architects!), the challenges realtors face with these unique properties, and how architects can better connect with potential clients by engaging with the communities that celebrate this architectural style.  

"The vibe in these homes is wonderful for living. It's more relaxed, it's more open, with light and air. The improvements in glass and steel and insulation and technology have made these great houses from the 50s even better now when they're remodeled." - George Smart  

The episode concludes with George's advice for architects looking to connect with this passionate audience and his thoughts on the future stewardship of USModernist.

Guest:

George Smart, HAIA, is the Founder and CEO of USModernist, the world's largest nonprofit archive dedicated to documenting, preserving, and promoting modernist residential design. What started as a personal project cataloging local houses has grown into a major national resource under his leadership. He is also the host of the popular US Modernist Radio podcast. Driven by a lifelong passion for modernism, partly inspired by his architect father, George has applied his background in strategic planning to build a dedicated community and extensive digital archive ensuring these unique homes are recognized and saved. He himself built and lives in a modernist home.  

Is This Episode for You?  

This episode is for you if: 

✅ You're an architect or designer interested in modernism, preservation, or connecting with passionate potential clients 

✅ You're a fan of modernist architecture and history

✅ You work in historic preservation, architectural history, or archives

✅  You're curious about how nonprofit organizations focused on architecture are built and sustained 

✅  You own or aspire to own a modernist home  

What have you done to take action lately? Share your reflections with us on social and join the conversation.

📍 Show Links:

  • Connect with George on LinkedIn
  • Follow George on Instagram
  • Learn more about USModernist
  • Listen to UsModernistRadio

📍 Follow Practice Disrupted on Social:

Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Pinterest | Twitter

Check out our past episodes 

Be a part of our community — join the conversation

...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store

Practice Disrupted by Practice of ArchitectureBy Evelyn Lee

  • 4.9
  • 4.9
  • 4.9
  • 4.9
  • 4.9

4.9

43 ratings


More shows like Practice Disrupted by Practice of Architecture

View all
NPR News Now by NPR

NPR News Now

14,166 Listeners

Fresh Air by NPR

Fresh Air

38,174 Listeners

Planet Money by NPR

Planet Money

30,917 Listeners

Design Matters with Debbie Millman by Design Matters Media

Design Matters with Debbie Millman

1,233 Listeners

99% Invisible by Roman Mars

99% Invisible

26,150 Listeners

Business of Architecture Podcast by Enoch Sears & Rion Willard

Business of Architecture Podcast

323 Listeners

Hidden Brain by Hidden Brain, Shankar Vedantam

Hidden Brain

43,424 Listeners

The New Yorker Radio Hour by WNYC Studios and The New Yorker

The New Yorker Radio Hour

6,654 Listeners

Las Culturistas with Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang by Big Money Players Network and iHeartPodcasts

Las Culturistas with Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang

8,598 Listeners

Code Switch by NPR

Code Switch

14,493 Listeners

About Buildings + Cities by Luke Jones & George Gingell Discuss Architecture, History and Culture

About Buildings + Cities

265 Listeners

The Daily by The New York Times

The Daily

111,157 Listeners

Worklife with Adam Grant by TED

Worklife with Adam Grant

9,259 Listeners

We Can Do Hard Things by Glennon Doyle and Audacy

We Can Do Hard Things

41,312 Listeners

The Headlines by The New York Times

The Headlines

419 Listeners