After graduating from NC State’s School of Design in 1957, Abie Harris won the Paris Prize in Architecture, a national award that enabled him to travel and draw the historical architectural and urban icons in Europe and study at the Ecole des Beaux Arts in Paris. He taught in the College of Design, co-founded the architectural firm Envirotek, and for thirty-two years helped plan the NC State University Main and Centennial campuses. Named the Alumni Distinguished Alumnus from the School of Design in 1991 and retired as University Architect Emeritus in 1998. He was named a fellow in the American Institute of Architects and was awarded the NC AIA F. Carter Williams Gold Medal in 2014 for his work in campus planning. His architectural drawings were donated to the D.H. Hill Library’s Special Collections. Prepared the Penland School of Crafts Master Plan in 1999, he taught and served on their board for eight years. Since retiring his drawing and painting have intensified and he has frequent shows at his Studio/Gallery.
Abie Harris, FAIA, University Architect Emeritus, NC State University