McConnell Studios in Boylan Heights, Raleigh, will host North Carolina Modernist Houses’ 2015 George Matsumoto Prize awards for Modernist residential design on Thursday, July 23, from 6-8 p.m. Free and open to the public, the awards presentation will be part of a “Thirst4Architecture” design networking event.

Along with the awards presentation, entertainment for the evening will include free music, food, beer, coffee, and a chance to tour through McConnell Studio’s sculpture, lighting, architectural elements, and other custom-fabricated products. A game of “Modernist Musical Chairs,” sponsored by Ivy Simon of Palette & Parlor in Chapel Hill, will give guests a chance to win a Modernist chair. Leland Little Auctions, this year’s Prize sponsor, will also auction off a chair and ottoman by Mitchell Restoration.

Now in its third year, The Matsumoto Prize is the only professionally juried competition with cash prizes specifically for Modernist houses. Over 1700 public votes have been cast for the three top People’s Choice awards, which will also be presented that night. (To see the houses, go to http://www.ncmodernist.org/prize2015.htm.)

“These entries inspire people to dream of having their own Modernist house,” said NCMH founder and director George Smart. “Most people are surprised to know Modernist design doesn’t have to be expensive. It can easily be affordable, efficient, sustainable, and a house their families will love for decades. This year’s entries are terrific, and we’re looking forward to revealing this winners.”

NCMH's monthly Thirst4Architecture networking events are sponsored by Emilie Huin/Triangle Modern Homes, specializing in the sale of Modernist homes throughout the Triangle.

McConnell Studios is located at 324 Dupont Circle, Raleigh. For more information and directions, go to http://www.mattmcconnell.com.