William H. Harrison, AIA
Georgia Institute of Technology,
Atlanta, Georgia
Bachelor of Science Architecture, 1971
When he was fourteen, Bill Harrison began working as a draftsperson in an architect's office every summer and on Saturdays. By the time he entered Georgia Tech, he was already more than familiar with the first year's architecture curriculum.
After graduation Bill continued his education touring the architecture of the masters in Europe and the Americas. It was particularly in Italy where he focused his attention, visiting every palace and villa designed by Andrea Palladio.
The tenets of classical architecture remain evident in his eponymous firm, Harrison Design, which continues today. Even modern design must function, endure, and delight. LIke Palladio, his predecessors and those who followed, Bill's practice encouraged the architect to explore new ideas, to add and augment the old with new concepts, and contribute to furthering the art by drawing on a wellspring of great ideas built on the foundations of the past.
Coming of age in the decades when suburbanization drew neighborhoods away from urban centers, Bill was determined to continue advancing the creation of better places for people to live and gather. He believed it is a better society when people interact to enjoy their environments and exchange ideas.
To Bill, architecture was more than a career. It is many lifetimes rolled into a lifelong passion meant to be lived and breathed.
Lectures and Recognitions
2019: Sandy Springs Arts Foundation Board
2018: Atlanta City Council Proclamation that October 4 would henceforth be William H. Harrison Day, in honor of Harrison’s contributions to architecture and design.
2018: ADAC Day of Design Panel Speaker, Holiday House
2017: Launched third book, Harrison 25, celebrating silver anniversary of firm 2017: Career Day Speaker, Northwestern Middle School, Milton GA
2017: Atlanta Business Chronicle Most Admired CEO
2017: Inaugural Arthur Ross Emerging Professionals Juror
2017: Keynote Speaker for ADAC, Celebrating Art, Macon, Georgia
2017: Guest Speaker for NARI, Atlanta, Georgia
2016: Guest Speaker for Berkshire Hathaway Realtor Breakfast, “Vernacular Design” Atlanta, Georgia
2015: Addison Mizner Awards Juror
2014: Guest Speaker for Discover ADAC, “The Well-designed Home” Bostan Carpets, Atlanta, Georgia
2014: The Atlanta Alzheimers Association People’s Choice Award for highest funds raised for Dancing Stars of Atlanta
2014: Guest Lecturer for Southern California Chapter, ICAA, “Coloring Outside the Lines”
2012, 2013: Guest lecturer for North Georgia Luxury Realtor’s Association
2012: Paul Harris Fellowship from ATL Rotary Club
2012: Featured Speaker: Design Leadership Network’s Copenhagen Summit
2011: Inaugural Medal of Vesta for his support of Education, SE Chapter of ICAA
2011: The Sandy Springs Artist of the Year Award
2009: “Designing for Art.” dK Gallery, Marietta, Georgia
2009: “Case Study of EcoManor: A Model Green Residence.”
Green Building Focus Conference and Expo. Birmingham, Alabama
2009: “Sustainability and Durability: What Traditional Building Materials Teach Us.” Webinar hosted by Restore Media with Ludowici Tile
2007: “The Luxurious Side of Green Design: Having It All Without Taking It All.” Panel Discussion honoring Veranda’s 20th Anniversary. Atlanta, GA
2007: “Decorative Clay Tile: Inspiration Over the Last 100 Years.”
Ludowici Tile Factory of Ideas Grand Opening. New Lexington, Ohio
2006: “Bertram Goodhue: Learning from the Past for Contemporary, Traditional, and Classical Design.” Santa Barbara Trust for Historic Preservation. Santa Barbara, California
2006: Certificate of Recognition from the Santa Barbara Trust for Historic Preservation, in recognition and appreciation of [his] efforts on behalf of historic preservation in the city of Santa Barbara
2006: Certificate of Recognition from the Senate of the State of California, Special Volunteer Award, for dedication and outstanding service to the Trust and the community
2006: Certificate of Recognition from the California State Assembly for Volunteer Appreciation, Santa Barbara Trust for Historic Preservation
2006: Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition for outstanding and invaluable service to the community