HYLAND + HIGHFILL: AN UNTOLD STORY OF MODERNISM IN RICHMOND

Richmond has a modernist story most people don't know. On April 9th, Modern Richmond will have an incredible panel who will be sharing this story through an evening of conversation, history, and family memories that brings one of Richmond's greatest architectural legacies into the light.

THE STORY

In the late 1930s, a young Frederick "Bud" Hyland sat beside Frank Lloyd Wright at the legendary Taliesin estate in Wisconsin, absorbing a philosophy of design that was radical, human, and deeply connected to the land. He brought that vision home to Richmond and spent 30 years proving that modern architecture belonged here. Beginning with his own Usonian-style home in Southside in 1949, Bud designed more than 20 residences and six landmark commercial buildings across the city, each one a gentle but firm argument that Richmond deserved something bolder and more alive.

Then Page Highfill walked through his door.

A young Virginia Tech architecture graduate brimming with ideas, Page joined Bud's firm in 1960 and never looked back. Under Bud's mentorship he grew into a gifted architect in his own right and by 1967, an equal partner. As Hyland & Highfill, the two men designed beautiful modern homes, schools, and sacred spaces.

When Bud retired, he handed everything to Page with grace and trust, a moment Page described for the rest of his life as a father-son bond. The firm grew, but Page's dedication to modernism never wavered. From the Maybeury Road homes of 1964 to the award-winning St. Bartholomew Episcopal Church in 1973, to the home he designed for himself in 1988, Page Highfill's fingerprints are on this city in ways most Richmonders have never fully appreciated.

Until now.

THE EVENING

Join us for an extraordinary opening conversation bringing together a panel to tell this story.

Our panel includes architectural historian Jody Lahendro, FAIA and Patrick Rand, FAIA-Professor Emeritus of Architecture NC State along with Bryan Highfill, Page's grandson who will share memories and perspectives that history books simply can't capture. The evening will be moderated by Modern Richmond Chair Maggie Schubert, AIA, LEED AP BD+C and Past Chair Trey Tyler.

EVENING SCHEDULE

5:15 PM: Doors Open

5:30 PM: Welcome & Introductions

5:35 PM – 6:05 PM: Conversation with Jody Lahendro & Maggie Schubert

6:20 PM – 6:35 PM: Break

6:35 PM – 7:15 PM: Conversation with Jody Lahendro, Patrick Rand, Bryan Highfill, Maggie Schubert & Trey Tyler

7:15 PM – 7:35 PM: Audience Questions

7:45 PM: Closing Remarks & Event Concludes

* The schedule is subject to change

A NOTE ON OUR VENUE

This evening takes place at St. Bartholomew Episcopal Church, 10627 Patterson Avenue, Richmond, Virginia — one of the crown jewels of Page Highfill's career and the very building that earned him two of his most prestigious design honors. To sit inside it while hearing his story told is an experience we think you'll never forget.

A NOTE ON PARKING

Parking is limited. If you are a ticket holder please carpool if possible. More detailed information will be provided to all ticket holders ahead of the event.

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