Richard Sharp Smith
Richard Sharp Smith (July 7, 1853 – February 8, 1924) was an English-born American architect, noted for his association with George W. Vanderbilt's Biltmore Estate and Asheville, North Carolina. Smith worked for some of America's important architectural firms of the late 19th century—Richard Morris Hunt, Bradford Lee Gilbert, and Reid & Reid—before establishing his practice in Asheville. His most significant body of work is in Asheville and Western North Carolina, including dozens of buildings that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places or are contributing structures to National Register Historic Districts.
Richard Sharp Smith
- Name
- Richard Sharp Smith
- Born
- July 7, 1853
- Birthplace
- Yorkshire, England
- Died
- February 8, 1924
- Place of death
- Asheville, North Carolina, US
- Education
- Kensington School of Art
- Nationality
- United States
- Occupation
- architect
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Richard Sharp Smith (July 7, 1853 – February 8, 1924) was an English-born American architect, noted for his association with George W. Vanderbilt's Biltmore Estate and Asheville, North Carolina. Smith worked for some of America's important architectural firms of the late 19th century—Richard Morris Hunt, Bradford Lee Gilbert, and Reid & Reid—before establishing his practice in Asheville. His most significant body of work is in Asheville and Western North Carolina, including dozens of buildings that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places or are contributing structures to National Register Historic Districts.
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Richard Sharp Smith was an architect; nationality: United States. Richard Sharp Smith was born in 1852. Richard Sharp Smith died in 1924.
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In this article
Biography
Biography
While working for Richard Morris Hunt, Smith was the supervising architect for Biltmore. After Smith established his solo practice, Vanderbilt continued working with Smith to create additional buildings for the estate and the surrounding area. Smith designed more than 24 buildings for Biltmore Village for Vanderbilt between 1900 and 1920. During these projects, Smith developed a vernacular style that combined elements of Craftsman, Colonial Revival, English cottage, Shingle, and Tudor Revival architectural styles. This style was reflected in Smith's other house and church designs throughout Asheville in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In contrast, Smith used reinforced concrete construction for a significant number of commercial and public buildings in downtown Asheville and courthouses for Henderson, Jackson, Madison, and Swain Counties. Many of his projects were created in collaboration with his business partner, engineer Albert Heath Carrier. This allowed Smith to focus on clients and creative design, while Carrier managed the mechanical and structural engineering aspects of their projects. Their partnership was extremely prolific; between 1905 and Smith's death in 1924, Smith & Carrier designed more than 700 buildings. Between 1900 and 1920, Smith designed almost every significant building in downtown Asheville, including hotels, medical buildings, office buildings, schools, and theaters. Clay Griffith with the North Carolina State Historic Preservation Office says, "The influence of Richard Sharp Smith’s architecture in Asheville and western North Carolina during the first quarter of the twentieth century cannot be overstated."
Key facts
Key facts
• Name — Richard Sharp Smith • Born — July 7, 1853 • Birthplace — Yorkshire, England • Died — February 8, 1924 • Place of death — Asheville, North Carolina, US • Practice — Smith & Carrier Richard S. Smith, Architect Richard Morris Hunt Bradford Gilbert Reed Brothers • Significant Buildings — Asheville Masonic Temple Basilica of St. Lawrence Henderson County Courthouse Jackson County Courthouse Madison County Courthouse Swain County Courthouse Young Men's Institute • Significant Projects — Biltmore Estate Biltmore Village • Education — Kensington School of Art
Early life
Early life
Richard Sharp Smith was born in Yorkshire, England, the son of Saleta (née Watterson) and Jones Smith. He is thought to have studied architecture at the Kensington School of Art in London. He received additional architectural training in the office of George Smith, his cousin. He worked with various firms in Manchester before immigrating to the United States in 1882.
Career
Career
In 1882, Smith became an architect with Reid Brothers, an architectural and engineering firm in Evansville, Indiana. As Reid & Reid, this firm would go on to be one of the most important architectural firms in San Francisco; however, Smith only worked with them for a year. In 1883, he moved to New York City to work with the noted architect Bradford Lee Gilbert. Under Gilbert, Smith supervised the design and construction of railroad stations. However, Gilbert was also working on mansions for New York City's millionaires and a hotel, so Smith was exposed to a range of projects.
Biltmore
Biltmore
• Illustration — Biltmore, Asheville, North Carolina • Illustration — Walled Garden Gate • Illustration — Mill Pond Bridge, Biltmore Estate In 1886, Smith joined the firm of Richard Morris Hunt, at his New York City office. In 1889, Hunt assigned Smith to be the supervising architect for George W. Vanderbilt's Biltmore in Asheville, North Carolina. Biltmore was planned to be more than the largest home in America; it was also to be a working estate with expansive grounds designed by landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted. Smith oversaw the receipt of all materials and Biltmore's construction, along with supervising the principal contractor D. C. Weeks, and the work of carpenters, masons, metalworkers, painters, plasterers, stone carvers, stonecutters, wood carvers, and related craftsmen. He ordered limestone from the Hallowell Stone Company of Bedford, Indiana, and cement from the J. B. Speed Company of Louisville, Kentucky. Smith calculated his weekly orders based on the number of workmen and their skillset, the type of work being done, and the weather. Smith was more than just a supervising architect; he designed many secondary buildings, cottages, and other structures for the estate while on site. One is the former Mule Stable which is now used as the Deerpark restaurant. He also designed Eastcote, a residence for Chauncey Beadle who was sent by Olmsted to supervise the estate's nursery operations. Eastcote is a two-story traditional-styled house with a pebble-dash finish. Smith also designed River Cliff Cottage in 1892 as a place for Vanderbilt's friends to stay during the construction of the main house. However, the since demolished brick and rough-cast cottage was best known as the temporary residence of Olmsted and his wife. Smith also renovated the Benjamin Julius Alexander Brick Farmhouse, an existing antebellum structure on the property, to serve as Vanderbilt's residence during the construction of Biltmore. According to Olmsted, the estate's Walled Garden complex was a collaborative design of Olmsted, Hunt, and Smith. On October 30, 1891, Smith wrote Hunt: This day I send you by express blueprints of Vegetable Garden Walls for your approval. I have also enclosed a copy for Mr. Olmsted should you think it necessary he should see what we are about to do. I don’t think he has been consulted on the changes and additions, viz. setting back of Gardener’s Cottage twelve feet from the entrance and the retreat and tool house northwest corner of garden. These changes seem to meet with Mr. Vanderbilt’s approval. The last line also indicates that, after a year, Smith worked directly with their client, rather than through Hunt. Smith also designed the Gardener's Cottage and the gates for the garden. His other grounds-related projects include designing five iconic brick bridges for the estate in the early 1890s; these were constructed of bricks produced by the estate's brickworks and feature a Tudor-arch profile. One spans the stream that feeds the bass pond and includes pedestrian overlooks in its side walls. On April 8, 1892, Smith wrote Hunt, "The bridge plans are nearly completed, and will be sent you early next week. I think a brick arch will answer, the pressure per foot is 6 tons. This should be safe for brick. As to the appearance, stone would be a pleasing change." The cost to excavate and build this brick bridge was $9,570 (equivalent to $ in 2022). Although Vanderbilt and Smith appear to have discussed designs directly, Smith still sent his work to New York for Hunt's approval and to get the firm's official stamp. In addition, Smith sent Hunt weekly reports and they had a go-between who would come to Asheville periodically, while Hunt worked on other projects. When Hunt died in July 1895, his son Richard Howland Hunt, who had worked on some of the secondary buildings for the estate, took over management of the firm. At this point, Smith hired extra workers, pushing the project toward an end. In the spring of 1896, Smith wrote a letter to an associate indicating his plans to depart Biltmore for a proposed trip to Europe, after which he would return to Asheville and set up his architectural practice. Smith wrote, “So far as Estate work is concerned, I am unable to say as Mr. Hunt wishes me to stay until everything is completed at Biltmore House”. Smith was on-site at Biltmore from the start of construction in the summer of 1890 through essentially the house's completion in the fall of 1896 However, through his new practice, he would remain Vanderbilt's architect of choice for decades. Biltmore Estate and its related buildings are a National Historic Landmark.
R. S. Smith Architect
R. S. Smith Architect
• Illustration — Sunnicrest, Asheville North Carolina • Illustration — Charles S. Jordan House, Asheville, North Carolina • Illustration — Ottis Green House, Asheville, North Carolina • Illustration — Asheville Club, Asheville, North Carolina • Illustration — Langren Hotel, Asheville, North Carolina • Illustration — Asheville Auditorium (left), Asheville, North Carolina In the fall of 1896, Smith established his practice in the Paragon Building in Asheville. He advertised as "R. S. Smith, Architect, Paragon Building. Eight years with the late Mr. R. M. Hunt. Six years resident architect for G. W. Vanderbilt, Esq." During his first five years in practice, 1896 to 1901, Smith received sixty commissions. Vanderbilt continued to be a client, hiring Smith to design a manorial village outside the entrance to Biltmore. The resulting Biltmore Village included residential cottages, shops, a post office, and a hospital. With Biltmore Village, Smith developed an attractive look for the neighborhood surrounding the entrance to the estate, while also fulfilling his client's ambition to model ideal village life. Smith designed more than 24 buildings for Biltmore Village between 1900 and 1920. This includes all structures in the village except All Soul's Church, the Biltmore Estate Office, and the depot which were designed by Hunt previously; although Smith was the supervising architect for the church. Other Projects Vanderbilt also commissioned the Young Man's Institute (YMI) the first building Smith designed in Asheville proper. The YMI was a recreational center for Asheville's African Americans, many of whom worked for Vanderbilt, and also included space for shops and a doctor on the first floor. Smith used the same architectural styling for the YMI as the structures in Biltmore Village. In another project for Vanderbilt, Smith designed five large rental cottages, actually mansions, across the Swannanoa River on Vernon Hill overlooking Biltmore. Sunnicrest is the only surviving cottage and was restored by its owner, Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, in 2016. Smith's other early commissions were for houses and cottages in the Montford and Chestnut Hill neighborhoods of Asheville. Many of these homes have similar characteristics to those he designed for Biltmore Village. Biltmore Estate's Curator of Interpretation said, “Two beautiful examples of Richard Sharp Smith’s residential style—the Annie West House at 189 Chestnut Street in Chestnut Hill and the Charles Jordan House at 296 Montford Avenue—include pebbledash stucco, archways, and rooflines, much like his buildings in Biltmore Village.” The Preservation Society of Asheville & Buncombe County describes Smith's "true legacy to Asheville as his signature 'Biltmore-style' with its blend of English Arts and Craft styling combined with Elizabethan Tudor and Old World influences." Smith was very protective of his designs and "imitation of his work was a source of great irritation to him." In 1897, he sued builder James M. Westall for using his designs without permission, especially exterior features. Westall had previously built houses for Smith and went out on his own, undercutting costs by eliminating the architect.
Smith & Carrier
Smith & Carrier
Around 1905, Smith began working with Albert Heath Carrier (1878–1961), a Michigan-born engineer and inventor who moved to Asheville in 1884. Carrier looked after the mechanical and structural engineering aspects of their projects, freeing Smith to be creative and to pursue more clients. Smith's motto was, "We can do anything and we will." In 1910, the duo incorporated as Smith & Carrier. Between 1900 and 1920, Smith designed almost every significant building in downtown Asheville. His additions included hotels, medical buildings, office buildings, schools, and theaters. Some key buildings that no longer survive include the Asheville Club (remodeled into the Miles Building in 1925), the City Auditorium (encapsulated by the Asheville Civic Center, now called Harrah's Cherokee Center), the Langren Hotel, the Majestic Theater, the Pack Theater, the Plaza Theater, the Oates Building, the Paragon Building, St Genevieve's of the Pines Dormitory, Vance Public School, and the YMCA. He also designed courthouses for Henderson, Jackson, Madison, and Swain Counties. Smith was a practical choice for these institutional structures; he was the first architect in the region to utilize fire-proof reinforced concrete construction. Smith donated his services to design a monument for former North Carolina Governor Zebulon Vance as the centerpiece to Asheville's Pack Square. The 66 ft tall Vance Monument was part of the Downtown Asheville Historic District but was demolished in 2021. With more than thirty structures designed by Smtith, the Montford Area Historic District in Asheville has the greatest concentration of Smith's buildings outside of Biltmore Village. However, many fine examples of Smith's work can be found in Asheville's Albemarle Park, Chestnut Hill Historic District, and Grove Park. When Smith died in 1924, Smith & Carrier had designed more than 700 buildings. After Smith's death, Carrier completed some open commissions but not much more.
Professional affiliations
Professional affiliations
In 1901, Smith became president of the Southeastern Architectural League. He was one of the five founding members of the North Carolina chapter of the American Institute of Architects (NC-AIA) in 1913. He was president of the NC-AIA in 1917 and vice president in 1921. In 1915, Smith became the 36th architect in North Carolina to receive a license under the new Practice Act of 1915.
Personal
Personal
After moving to Asheville, Smith never returned to England. However, he "remained an English gentleman in his demeanor and appearance—tailored tweed suits, English walking caps, and cane." Smith's second wife was Isabella Cameron, a native of Scotland. He met her when she was a member of the household staff at Biltmore. They had four children—Emily, Sylvia, Hampden, and Richard Jr. Initially, the family lived in a rental house near downtown Asheville and on Blake Street in the Montford neighborhood. In 1902, Smith purchased 27 acre at the head of Chunns Cove, east of downtown Asheville, for $1,000 (equivalent to $ in 2022). There, Smith built his family's rustic home, Stoneybrook, using local stone; it was completed by 1903. The Asheville Citizen-Times wrote, “The quiet forms and rustic character of the house—the home of his family—most likely exist as an expression of Smith’s personality and his family life." For several years, carriage access to Stoneybrook was limited to eight months a year due to weather and the family rented a house in Asheville for the other months. As more people moved into Chunns Cove, the road and access were improved. However, Smith loved the outdoors and was known to walk the 3 mi over Beaucatcher Mountain from his house to Asheville, rather than using the family carriage or car. Stoneybrook is now on the National Register of Historic Places. Smith served on the vestry of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Asheville—he designed the church's Gothic Revival style building in 1914. He was also a member of the British American Club and the Asheville Masonic Temple; he designed a building for the latter in 1913. Smith died in 1924 at the age of 72 after several months of illness. He is buried in Riverside Cemetery in Asheville. After his death, his family continued to live in Stoneybrook despite financial challenges. Mrs. Smith sold the house to Walter Westwood in 1926, but purchased it back at auction in 1928 after Westwood defaulted on his loan. However, she sold off acreage over time, eventually selling the house again in 1932. She lived in the Chestnut Hill neighborhood of Asheville until she died in 1966.
Selected projects
Selected projects
The following is a selected list of Smith's buildings that survive. Most are listed on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP), are a Local Landmark (LL), or are part of a National Register Historic District (NRHD), a Main Street National Historic District (MSHD), or a National Historic Landmark District (NHL). • Project — Date — Location — City — Other contributors — Designation — References • Biltmore House — 1888–1895 — Biltmore Avenue — Asheville — Richard Morris Hunt — NHL • Biltmore Village Commercial Buildings — 1889–1910 — Brook Street and Biltmore Plaza — Asheville — NRHP • Biltmore Village Cottages — 1889–1900 — 18 Angle Street and 75 Hendersonville Road — Asheville — NRHP • Eastcote — 1890 — Biltmore Estate — Asheville — NHL • Gardener's Cottage — 1892 — Biltmore Estate — Asheville — NHL • Young Men's Institute Building — 1892 — 39 South Market Street — Asheville — NRHP, NRHD • All Souls Episcopal Church — 1895–1896 — 9 Swan Street — Asheville — Richard Morris Hunt — NRHP • Sunnicrest — c. 1895 — 394 Victoria Road — Asheville • Woodcote Stable — 1895 — Biltmore Estate — Asheville — NHL • Clark Carrier House (Rockbrook House) — 1895 — 3460 Greenville Highway — Brevard — NRHD • Dr. H. S. Lambert House — 1896 — 166 East Chestnut Street — Asheville — NRHD • Woodcote Barn — c. 1896 — Biltmore Estate — Asheville — NHL • Dr. Jules Ernest David Cottage — 1897 — 111 East Chestnut Street — Asheville — NRHD • Dr. Jules Ernest David Cottage Lot 1 — c. 1898 — 138 East Chestnut Street — Asheville — NRHD • Medical Building — 1898 — 16 College Street — Asheville — NRHD • Woodcote Servants Quarters — 1898 — Biltmore Estate — Asheville — NHL • Chanteloupnow Deerpark — c. 1899 — 1001 Estate Drive — Flat Rock — NRHD • Eastcote carriage house — 1899 — Biltmore Estate — Asheville — NHL • Mule Stable Cottage — 1899 — Biltmore Estate — Asheville — NHL • Annie West House — 1900 — 189 East Chestnut Street — Asheville — NRHD • Biltmore Shoe Store — c. 1900 — 8 Lodge Street — Asheville — NRHP • Charles Jordan House — c. 1900 — 296 Montford Avenue — Asheville — NRHD • Citizen's Bank Building — c. 1900 — Everette Street — Bryson City — Albert Carrier • Dorland Memorial Presbyterian Church — 1900 — Bridge Street — Hot Springs — NRHP • Dr. Charles S. Jordan House — c. 1900 — 296 Montford Avenue — Asheville — NRHD • Dr. Jules Ernest David Cottage Lot 3 — 1900 — 130 East Chestnut Street — Asheville — NRHD • Dr. Jules Ernest David Cottage Lot 5 — 1900 — 160 East Chestnut Street — Asheville — NRHD • Frederick Rutledge House — 1900 — 209 Cumberland Avenue — Asheville — NRHD • George Tayloe Winston House — 1900 — 2 Howland Road — Asheville — Albert Carrier — NRHD • House — c. 1900 — 27 Soco Street — Asheville — NRHD • Line Houses Number 1–8 — 1900 — Biltmore Estate — Asheville — NHL • E. Bruns Cottage — 1901 — 19 Bearden Avenue — Asheville • Biltmore Dairy — 1902 — Biltmore Estate — Asheville — Richard Howland Hunt — NHL • Biltmore Forest School — 1902 — 11250 Pisgah Highway — Pisgah Forest • Biltmore Village Cottage District — 1900–1924 — Swan Street, All Souls Crescent, and Boston Way — Asheville — NRHD • Biltmore Village Post Office — 1900 — Brook Street — Asheville — NRHD • Henry Clarke Carrier House — c. 1900 — Highway 276, Dunns Rock Township — Transylvania County — NRHD • Lambert Building — c. 1900 — 65–71 Biltmore Avenue — Asheville — NRHD • Miss Maria T. Brown House — c. 1900 — 177 Cumberland Avenue — Asheville — NRHD • Mrs. Lon Mitchell House — c. 1900 — 214 Montford Avenue — Asheville — NRHD • Mrs. Minnie Alexander Cottage — 1900 — 218 Patton Avenue — Asheville — NRHP • Norton House — 1900 — 1001 Estate Drive — Flat Rock — NRHD • Ottis Green House — c. 1900 — 288 Montford Avenue — Asheville — NRHD • Sawyer House — c. 1900 — 214 Montford Avenue — Asheville — NRHD • Maria T. Brown House — before 1901 — 177 Cumberland Avenue — Asheville — NRHD • H. E. Bruns House — 1901 — 25 Bearden Avenue — Asheville • Charles W. Brown Cottage — 1902 — 205 Montford Avenue — Asheville — Albert Carrier — NRHD • Dairy Barn — 1902 — Biltmore Estate — Asheville — Richard Howland Hunt — NHL • Dairy Foreman's Cottage — 1902 — Biltmore Estate — Asheville — NHL • Embrook — 1902–1903 — 93 Embrook Lake Drive — Flat Rock — b • First Presbyterian Church school — c. 1902 — Church Street — Asheville — Albert Carrier — NRHD • Foster Sondley House — 1902, 1905 — Haw Creek Road — Asheville • Horse Barn and Stable — 1902 — Biltmore Estate — Asheville — Richard Howland Hunt — NHL • Reems Creek Presbyterian Church — 1902 — 812 Reems Creek Road — Weaverville • William E. Breese Jr. House — 1902 — 315 East Main Street — Brevard — NRHP, NRHD • Henry House — c. 1903 — 148 West Probart Street — Brevard — LL • J. W. Moore Cottage — 1903 — 25 North Liberty Street — Asheville — NRHD • James H. White House — 1903 — 5 Hill Street — Marshall — NRHP • John A. Campbell House — 1903 — 255 Cumberland Avenue — Asheville — NRHD • Stoneybrook — 1903 — 655 Chunns Cove Road — Asheville — NRHP • Teneriffe — 1903 — 2531 Little River Road — Flat Rock — NRHD • The Belvedere — 1904 — 73 Merrimon Avenue — Asheville — NRHD • Henderson County Courthouse — 1905 — 1st and Main Street — Hendersonville — NRHP, NRHD • Grace Episcopal Church — 1905–1907 — 871 Merrimon Avenue — Asheville • Basilica of St. Lawrence — 1905–1909 — 97 Haywood Street — Asheville — Rafael Guastavino — NRHP, NRHD • L. B. Rogers House — c. 1905 — 85 North Liberty Street — Asheville — NRHP, NRHD • O. E. Hamilton Apartment Building — 1905 — 130–132 Biltmore Avenue — Asheville — NRHP, NRHD • O. E. Hamilton Apartment Building — 1905 — 134–136 1/2 Biltmore Avenue — Asheville — NRHP • Thomas C. Smith Jr. House — c. 1905 — 156 East Chestnut Street — Asheville — NRHD • Mark Brown House — c. 1906 — 144 East Chestnut Street — Asheville — NRHD • F. C. Bourne House — before 1907 — 114 Cumberland Avenue — Asheville — NRHD • McKenzie House — before 1907 — 101 Cumberland Avenue — Asheville — NRHD • Clarence Barker Memorial Hospital — 1907 — 2–6 Reed Street — Asheville — NRHP • Edwin. L. Gaston House — 1907 — Cumberland Avenue — Asheville — Albert Carrier — NRHD • Fraternity Building — 1907 — 36–38–42 South Broad Street — Brevard — NRHD • Madison County Courthouse — 1907 — 1 Main Street — Marshall — Albert Carrier — NRHP • Bert C. Mason Cottage — 1908 — 264 Montford Avenue — Asheville — Albert Carrier — NRHD • Bryson City Bank — 1908 — 16 Everett Street — Bryson City • Edwin L. Ray House — 1908 — 83 Hillside Street — Asheville • Kanuga Conference Center Cottages — 1908–1910 — Kanuga Conference Drive — Hendersonville — Albert Carrier — NRHP • Killarney — c. 1908 — 322 Killarney Street — Hendersonville — NRHD • Pleasant Hill — 1908 — 1168 Pleasant Hill Drive — Flat Rock — NRHD • Swain County Courthouse — 1908 — 101 Mitchell Street — Bryson City — Albert Carrier; Frank Pierce Milburn — NRHP • W. M. and Mary Harrison House — 1908 — 1 Latrobe Street — Asheville — NRHD • Zealandia — 1908–1920 — 1 Vance Gap Road — Asheville — Albert Carrier — NRHP • Beaumont — 1909 — 121 Andrew Johnstone Drive — Flat Rock — NRHD • E. W. Grove Office — 1909 — 324 Charlotte Street — Asheville — Albert Carrier — NRHD • James M. Chiles House — 1909 — 70 Gertrude Place — Asheville — NRHD • Legal Building — 1909 — 10 South Pack Square — Asheville — Albert Carrier — NRHD • Thomas Lawrence House — 1909 — 25 Lawrence Place — Asheville — Albert Carrier — NRHD • Ardmion House (later The Sky Club) — 1910 — Ardmion Park, Beaumont Street — Asheville — Albert Carrier • Argyle — 1910 — 3110 Greenville Highway — Flat Rock — NRHD • Hopkins Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church — 1910 — 21 College Place — Asheville — Albert Carrier • Misses Hawthorne Cottage — 1910 — 208 Pearson Drive — Asheville — Albert Carrier — NRHD • People's National Bank — c. 1910 — 225 North Main Street — Hendersonville — Albert Carrier — NRHD • Technical Building — c. 1910 — College Street — Asheville — Albert Carrier — NRHD • Alva Glen Cottage — 1913 — 104 Orchard Road — Asheville — NRHD • Black Mountain Firehouse — 1913 — 223 West State Street — Black Mountain — NRHD • J. R. Oates House — 1913 — 90 Gertrude Place — Asheville — Albert Carrier — NRHD • Jack Camp House — c. 1913 — 10 Holmwood Street — Asheville — NRHD • Mrs. A. F. Hall — 1913 — 20 Watauga Street — Asheville — Albert Carrier — NRHD • Smith-McDowell House — 1913 — 283 Victoria Road — Asheville — NRHP • William Johnson Jr. House — 1913 — 2 Edwin Place — Asheville — Albert Carrier — NRHD • Breezemont — c. 1914 — 150 Cherokee Road — Asheville — Albert Carrier — NRHD • Eagles Home — 1914 — 77 Broadway — Asheville — Albert Carrier — NRHD • Elks Home — 1914 — 55 Haywood Street — Asheville — Albert Carrier — NRHD • Fraternal Order of Eagles Building — 1914 — 73 Broadway — Asheville — Albert Carrier — NRHD • Jackson County Courthouse II — 1914 — W. Main Street — Sylva — Albert Carrier — NRHP, NRHD • St. Mary’s Episcopal Church — 1914 — 337 Charlotte Street — Asheville — Albert Heath — NRHP, NRHD • Asheville Masonic Temple — 1915 — 80 Broadway — Asheville — Albert Carrier — NRHP, NRHD • Brevard Presbyterian Church Manse — 1916 — 116 W. Probart Street — Brevard — Albert Carrier — LL • J. R. Bush House — 1916 — 6 Edwin Place — Asheville — Albert Carrier — NRHD • Locke Craig House — 1916 — 25 Glendale Road — Asheville — Albert Carrier — NRHD • B. H. Crosby House — before 1917 — 36 Watauga Avenue — Asheville — NRHD • Gertrude Brown House — before 1917 — 218 Cumberland Avenue — Asheville — NRHD • J. E. Call House (Jewell Apartments) — before 1917 — 175 Cumberland Avenue — Asheville — NRHD • Dr. J. L. Adams House — before 1917 — 40 Watauga Avenue — Asheville — NRHD • J. P. Hansen House — before 1917 — 40 Cumberland Circle — Asheville — NRHD • Haywood Building — 1917 — 38–58 Haywood Street — Asheville — Albert Carrier — NRHD • Jenkins Hotel — 1917 — 55 Haywood Street — Asheville — NRHD • William Jennings Bryan House — 1917 — 107 Evelyn Place — Asheville — Albert Carrier — NRHP, NRHD • Dr. O. F. Eckel Cottage — 1919 — 48 Coleman Avenue — Asheville • Lt. Lawrence Laughran Memorial — c. 1919 — Riverside Cemetery — Asheville — NRHD • Methodist Episcopal Church — 1919 — 801 South Trade Street — Matthews — Albert Carrier • Burnham S. Colburn Residence — 1920 — 7 Stuyvesant Road — Biltmore Forest — Albert Carrier • E. W. Grove Apartment Building — 1920–1929 — Asheville — Albert Carrier — NRHD • Lewis Funeral Home — 1921 — 189 College Street — Asheville — Albert Carrier — NRHD • Anderson Auditorium — 1922 — 318 Georgia Terrace — Montreat — Albert Carrier • Chestnut Hill Cottage — 1922 — 16 The Circle — Asheville — NRHD • Chipmunk Cottage — 1922 — 18 The Circle — Asheville — NRHD • Forest Ranger's Cottage — 1922 — Biltmore Estate, Racket Club Road — Biltmore Forest — Albert Carrier — NHL • In-the-Oaks recreation wing — 1922–1923 — 510 Vance Avenue — Black Mountain — Albert Carrier — NRHP • Overland-Knight Building — c. 1922 — 205 College Street — Asheville — Albert Carrier — NRHD • Samuel and Addie Stringfield House — c. 1922 — 28 Walnut Street — Waynesville — Albert Carrier — NRHD • Twin Oaks Cottage — 1922 — 7 Banbury Cross — Asheville — Albert Carrier — NRHD • Warden's Cottage — 1922 — Biltmore Estate — Asheville — Albert Carrier — NHL • Foreman's Cottage — 1923 — Biltmore Estate — Asheville — Albert Carrier — NHL • Loughran Building — 1923 — Haywood Street — Asheville — Albert Carrier — NRHD • St. Mary's Episcopal Church Rectory — 1923 — 337 1/2 Charlotte Street — Asheville — Albert Heath — NRHD • McConnell Hall — 1924 — Mars Hill College — Marshall — Albert Carrier — NRHD • Sylvan Theater — 1927 — Mill and Main Street — Sylva — Albert Carrier — NRHD • Busbee Road Gate House — c. 1928 — Biltmore Estate — Asheville — Albert Carrier — NHL • DeVane House — c. 1940s — 229 South Caldwell Street — Brevard
Life and career
Dated record
Life and career
The full dated record · 2 entries
1852
Richard Sharp Smith was born on 1 January 1852.
1924
Richard Sharp Smith died on 1 January 1924.
Primary material
Documents and archives
reference work
- “Richard Sharp Smith”, English Wikipedia, consulted as further reading
Reputable secondary · Wikipedia
authority record
- Wikidata, structured authority record Q7328981: Richard Sharp Smith
General reference · Wikidata
Notes from the source article
Cited by Wikipedia
Notes from the source article
These works are cited by the source article, in its own numbering. They are recorded as its citations, not as sources VALÉORINE has verified.
- 1.NC State University Libraries. Richard Sharp Smith (1852–1924). North Carolina Architects & Builders.
- 2.Griffith, Clay. Richard Sharp Smith House: National Register of Historic Places Application. North Carolina State Historic Preservation Office. January 22, 2009.
- 3.Architect is Dead After Long Illness. Asheville Citizen-Times. 3. February 9, 1924.
- 4.Noted Architect Dies in Asheville: R. S. Smith Designed Many Beautiful Buildings and Monuments. The News and Observer (Raleigh, North Carolina). 5. February 9, 1924.
- 5.Best, John Hardin, and Kate Gunn, eds. An Architect and His Times: Richard Sharp Smith, A Retrospective. Asheville: The Historic Resources Commission of Asheville and Buncombe County, 1995.
- 6.Griffith, Clay. Biography: Richard Sharp Smith. North Carolina Architects & Builders. NC State Universities Libraries. 2009.
- 7.Ross, Judy. Richard Sharp Smith: A Western North Carolina Legacy. Biltmore. July 8, 2018.
- 8.Biltmore Estate (Additional Documentation and Boundary Reduction) - National Historic Landmark Nomination. National Park Service.
- 9.R. S. Smith, Architect. Asheville Citizen-Times. 4. 1896-08-05.
- 10.Slusser, Dale Wayne. Richard Sharp Smith & The "Biltmore-style". Preservation Society of Asheville & Buncombe County.
- 11.Southern Railway Passenger Depot (Biltmore Depot) -- Asheville, North Carolina: A National Register of Historic Places Travel Itinerary. National Park Service.
- 12.Bishir, Catherine W. A Guide to the Historic Architecture of Western North Carolina. UNC Press. 1999.
- 13.Restored Sunnicrest Dedicated. Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College. 2019-04-24.
- 14.Purdum, Helen. Proximity Park Historic District: National Register of Historic Places. North Carolina State Historic Preservation Office. June 2008.
- 15.Marshall, Alli. Working on a Building. Mountain Xpress. September 24, 2008.
- 16.Calder, Thomas. Asheville Archives: The Langren Hotel Brings the Latest Amenities to the City, 1912. Mountain Xpress. January 16, 2018.
- 17.The Miles Building Asheville, NC's Official Travel Site. Explore Asheville.
- 18.Fleming, Karl. WNC Architects Join in Noting 100 Years of Progress. Asheville Citizen-Times. D1. February 17, 1957.
- 19.Black, David R. (1978.). "Downtown Asheville Historic District" . National Register of Historic Places - Nomination and Inventory. North Carolina State Historic Preservation Office, p. 7.2. Retrieved August 25, 2023.
- 20.University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Zebulon Vance Monument, Asheville. Commemorative Landscapes of North Carolina. 2010-03-19.
- 21.The Unique Architecture of Albemarle Park. Albemarle Park.
- 22.Bishir, Catherine W. Smith and Carrier. North Carolina Architects & Builders. North Carolina State University Libraries. 2012.
- 23.Church Purchases on Thursday P.M. Site for Building. Asheville Citizen-Times. 9. September 4, 1914.
- 24.Biltmore Estate -- Asheville, North Carolina: A National Register of Historic Places Travel Itinerary. National Park Service.
- 25.Swaim, Douglas. Cabins and Castles: The History and Architecture of Buncombe County, North Carolina. Preservation Society of Asheville-Buncombe County. 1981.
- 26.Young Men's Institute Building-- Asheville, North Carolina: A National Register of Historic Places Travel Itinerary. National Park Service.
- 27.All Souls Episcopal Church and Parish House -- Asheville, North Carolina: A National Register of Historic Places Travel Itinerary. National Park Service.
- 28.Page, Charlotte. The Rockbrook House and Richard Sharp Smith. Rockbrook Summer Camp. 2012-02-09.
- 29.Thompson, Deborah J. Historic and Architectural Resources of Transylvania County, North Carolina, including the incorporated towns of Brevard and Rosman, ca. 1820–1941, National Register of Historic Places Multiple Property Documentation Form. North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources. June 21, 1993.
- 30.Chestnut Hill Historic District - National Register of Historic Places Inventory-Nomination Form. North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources. 1978.
- 31.Slusser, Dale Wayne. Richard Sharp Smith & Dr. Jules Ernest David: The J. E. David Cottages on East Chestnut Street. The Preservation Society of Asheville & Buncombe County.
- 32.Survey and Planning Unit (September 1973). "Flat Rock Historic District" (pdf). National Register of Historic Places - Nomination and Inventory. North Carolina State Historic Preservation Office. Retrieved 2015-01-01.
- 33.Smith, Richard Sharp. Cottage for Mule Stable Biltmore Estate Elevations (Architectural Drawings). North Carolina State University Libraries. R S Smith Architect. December 1899.
- 34.National Register of Historical Places - North Carolina (NC), Buncombe County. www.nationalregisterofhistoricplaces.com.
- 35.Smith, Richard Sharp. Citizen' Bank Building-Bryson City-NC - Full Size Capital- Elevation (Architectural Drawing). Smith & Carrier. c. 1900.
- 36.National Register of Historical Places - North Carolina (NC), Madison County. www.nationalregisterofhistoricplaces.com.
- 37.Smith, McKelden. Montford Area Historic District National Register of Historic Places Inventory Nomination Form. North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources. March 10, 1977.
- 38.Smith, McKelden. Montford Area Historic District National Register of Historic Places Inventory Nomination Form. North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources. March 10, 1977.
- 39.Smith, Richard Sharp. A Cottage- Bearden Ave.- for Mr. E. Bruns--East Side (Architectural Drawings). North Carolina State University Libraries. February 1, 1901.
- 40.Smith, Richard Sharp. Cottage- Montford Ave.- for Chas. W. Brown- Esq.-Front (Architectural Drawing). North Carolina State University Libraries. Smith & Carrier. June 1, 1902.
- 41.Smith, Richard Sharp. Dairy Farm Foreman's Cottage--Front & Side 1st & 2nd Floor Plan, Biltmore Estate (Architectural Drawing). North Carolina State University Libraries. R. S. Smith Architect.
- 42.Smith, Richard Sharp. First Presbyterian Church--Alterations & Additions - Asheville, N.C. (Architectural Drawings). North Carolina State University Libraries. 1906.
- 43.History. Reems Creek-Beech Presbyterian Church.
- 44.About. St. Matthew's Anglican Church.
- 45.Clay Griffith (April 2009). "East Main Street Historic District" (pdf). National Register of Historic Places - Nomination and Inventory. North Carolina State Historic Preservation Office. p. 7.5-7.6. Retrieved 2014-08-01.
- 46.Smith, Richard Sharp. Cottage - Liberty St. - For J.W. Moore--West- North- South (Architectural Drawing). North Carolina State University Libraries. R. S. Smith Architect. October 1903.
- 47.University of North Carolina at Asheville Special Collections & University Archives. John A. Campbell house. Wester North Carolina Heritage. June 14, 2006.
- 48.Realty, Cindy Carter, Bungalow. 1903 Colonial Revival in Asheville, North Carolina. OldHouses.com.
- 49.Belvedere-- Asheville, North Carolina: A National Register of Historic Places Travel Itinerary. National Park Service.
- 50.The Belvedere, Recently Restored to Its Old Form, is Ready for Occupancy. www.asheville.com.
- 51."Building at 130-132 Biltmore Avenue" (PDF). National Register of Historic Places - Nomination and Inventory. North Carolina State Historic Preservation Office. Retrieved 2014-08-01.
- 52."Building at 134–136 1/2 Biltmore Avenue". (n.d.) National Register of Historic Places - Nomination and Inventory. North Carolina State Historic Preservation Office. Retrieved August 26, 2023.
- 53.Smith, Richard Sharp. Residence- Cumberland Ave.- for E.L. Gaston--First Floor Plan (Edwin L. Gaston Cumberland Avenue Residence (Asheville, N.C.)) -. North Carolina State University Libraries. January 1907.
- 54.Fraternity Building Transylvania County. www.transylvaniacounty.org.
- 55.Main Street National Historic District. Transylvania County Planning and Community Development.
- 56.Smith, Richard Sharp. Cottage for Bert C. Mason- Montford Ave.--Elevation & Foundation Plan (Architectural Drawing). North Carolina State University Libraries. Smith & Carrier. March 1908.
- 57.History of the Bryson City Bank Building, Now the Everett Boutique Hotel & Bistro - Bryson City NC. The Everett Hotel.
- 58.322 Killarney Street: Killarney House. Hendersonville Historic Preservation Commission.
- 59.National Register of Historical Places - North Carolina (NC), Swain County. www.nationalregisterofhistoricplaces.com.
- 60.Grove Park Historic District: National Register of Historic Places Registration Form. North Carolina State Historic Preservation Office.
- 61.Pack Square-- Asheville, North Carolina: A National Register of Historic Places Travel Itinerary. National Park Service.
- 62.Smith, Richard Sharp. Ardmion - Alterations and Additions for Mrs. O. C. Hamilton--North, Asheville, N.C. (Architectural Designs). North Carolina State University Library. Smith & Carrier. April 1910.
- 63.Smith, Richard Sharp. AME Zion Church-- College Street Front, Asheville, N.C. (Architectural Drawing). North Carolina State University Libraries. Smith & Carrier. June 1910.
- 64.Smith, Richard Sharp. A Cottage - Pearson Drive for the Misses Hawthorne-(Architectural Drawing. North Carolina State University Libraries. Smith & Carrier. December 1909.
- 65.Sybil Argintar Bowers and Martha Fullington (1987–1988). "Main Street Historic District" (pdf). National Register of Historic Places - Nomination and Inventory. North Carolina State Historic Preservation Office. Retrieved 2015-01-01.
- 66.The Black Mountain Firehouse – Swannanoa Valley Museum & History Center. 17 December 2013.
- 67.Smith, Richard Sharp. A Residence-Watauga St. for Mrs. A.F. Hall- Front Elevation. North Carolina State University Libraries. Smith & Carrier. August 1913.
- 68.Smith-McDowell House -- Asheville, North Carolina: A National Register of Historic Places Travel Itinerary. National Park Service.
- 69.Asheville Hotel Building-- Asheville, North Carolina: A National Register of Historic Places Travel Itinerary. National Park Service.
- 70.St. Mary's Church-- Asheville, North Carolina: A National Register of Historic Places Travel Itinerary. National Park Service.
- 71.Masonic Temple-- Asheville, North Carolina: A National Register of Historic Places Travel Itinerary. National Park Service.
- 72.Downtown Asheville Historic District: National Register of Historic Places Inventory. North Carolina State Historic Preservation Office.
- 73.Thompson, Marcy. Renowned Architect Built Several Brevard Homes. The Transylvania Times. 2016-03-27.
- 74.Local Landmarks. Transylvania County Planning and Community Development.
- 75.Smith, Richard Sharp. Cottage Dr. O. F. Eckel - Coleman Avenue (Architectural Drawing). Smith & Carrier. July 1, 1919.
- 76.Smith, Richard Sharp. M.E. Church- Andrews NC - Roof (Architectural Drawing). Buncombe County Special Collections. Buncombe County Public Libraries. May 1, 1919.
- 77.Smith, Richard Sharp. Residence for B.S. Colburn - Basement Plan (Architectural Plans). Buncombe County Special Collections. Buncombe County Public Libraries. December 1920.
- 78.Apartment E - Manor Park- for E. W. Grove. North Carolina State University Libraries. 1920.
- 79."Apartment E Front - Manor Park- for E. W. Grove" North Carolina State University Libraries. 1920. Retrieved 2022-03-22.
- 80.Anderson Auditorium. North Carolina Architects & Builders.
- 81.In-the-oaks-- Asheville, North Carolina: A National Register of Historic Places Travel Itinerary. www.nps.gov.
- 82.Griffith, Clay. Spread Out Historic District" (pdf). National Register of Historic Places - Nomination and Inventory. North Carolina State Historic Preservation Office. August 2010.
- 83.Smith, Richard Sharp. Warden's Cottage- North Fork-Front and Side. Sept. 1922 (Architectural Drawing). Buncombe County Special Collections. Buncombe County Libraries. Sep 1922.
- 84.Smith, Richard Sharp. Foreman's Cottage--First Floor, Biltmore Estate (Architectural Drawing). North Carolina State University Libraries. Smith & Carrier. 1921.
- 85.Walking Trails. Mars Hill University. 18 August 2017.
- 86.Heather Fearnbach (April 2014). "Downtown Sylva Historic District" (pdf). National Register of Historic Places - Nomination and Inventory. North Carolina State Historic Preservation Office. Retrieved 2015-01-01.
References
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The Encyclopedia exists whether or not anything is for sale. Corrections are recorded rather than overwritten, and every version of this record is kept. Published 18 August 2026.
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