A few weeks ago I was pleasantly surprised by an unexpected phone call from Matthew Green, the son of the famous architect Robert Green.  Matthew had read a blog posted on my Domo Realty website that featured his father Robert Green and how he influenced mid-century modern architecture in and around Atlanta Georgia. Matthew shared with me that on top of being one of Atlanta’s most significant architectural icons he was also an incredible father.

Robert Green with Son Matthew

Robert was born in Savannah Georgia in 1935 and moved to Atlanta at age 14. After he graduated high school, he attended Georgia Tech to study architecture, but  was not happy with the architectural style taught at the school. He made a decision to drop out and move to Arizona to apprentice for the architect Frank Lloyd Wright.   Wright's organic style of building a structure was very different from what Georgia Tech was teaching.  Robert admired his style and was intrigued with how Wright blended the structure with the surroundings using natural architecture. His floors plans were open with large window bringing in natural light, At that time there were no structures built like it in Georgia. Robert stayed at Wright's winter home, Taliesin West and studied under him.  Sadly Wright passed away only six months after Robert moved there.

Taliesin West

Robert returned to Atlanta and started his career as an architect.  In 1960 he was hired by a banker, William Copeland to design his home. Using stone, red wood  cypress, natural brick and lots of glass. This home was completed in 2 years and still stands today.

Copeland House

Robert Green's career expanded over 40 years.  It is estimated that he designed 80 structures including personal residences and even a pizza restaurant in metro Atlanta.   Unfortunately many of his beautiful designs have been torn down, some destroyed by fire.  One very unique home, "The Smith House" was bought by foreign investors who plan to demolish the home to build a golf course. Such a terrible loss of an amazing home!

Smith House

Robert Green's last house was completed in 2001. The Donges House is located in Stone Mountain  Robert appeared on. HGTV, Dream Builders featuring his last residential project. The show aired on September 14, 2002 and was hosted by Scott Morgan.  

Robert Green with HGTV host Scott Morgan

Sadly, Robert Green died in 2003, one year after this showed aired.  All of us who love Mid Century Modern architecture are forever grateful to Robert Green's genius and ability to create these one of a kind designs.  He opened the door for other architects to bring their own version of the Mid-Century Modern floor plans to the southwest.  You can find many of these unique homes in these areas throughout Atlanta:  Amberwood, Northcrest, Buckhead, Sandy Springs, Echo Lake, Briar Lake and Northwoods.

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