Practice Disrupted by Practice of Architecture 195: Saving Modernism: George Smart’s Mission to Preserve Design History
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: