Following the 2021 death of her husband, Atlanta architect Bill Harrison, Andrea Bain vowed to uphold his legacy. His business, Harrison Design would persist, but Bill’s true passion was mentoring and philanthropy — he had nurtured the architecture community in Atlanta and the Southeast, empowering students and young people to explore their talents.
Andrea founded the Bill Harrison Foundation to continue his work, providing architecture and design education to underrepresented high school students in Atlanta through programs and scholarships. Get to know this inspiring FACE of Atlanta!
It sounds like Bill was an inspiring force. Can you tell us about him?
Bill was an introvert in his personal life but an extrovert when he put on his hat as an architect. He felt strongly about philanthropy and did a huge amount of work with Georgia Tech. He was on the board there and at the University of Miami. He would donate, speak, and go to mentorship days.
And he was an amazing public speaker — an incredible visionary! Bill could take an idea and push it from one person to the next to get it where it needed to go. He was passionate about seeing a person’s ability realized — he had a passion for connecting with young people and empowering them to see the potential that they may not have seen themselves.
Anyone who knew Bill knew they could come to talk to him.
How did the Bill Harrison Foundation come about?
The foundation was started after Bill unexpectedly passed away … I wanted his philanthropic work and vision to continue. This work was already in process, and the foundation put a name to the work he had been doing. This puts boots on the ground for something he was known for and felt so strongly about. People respected his vision. They felt that it was worth taking and making a continuum. The foundation is keeping his work and support alive.
With anything we’re planning, I know if I call someone up and ask if they can participate, they’ll say yes because they knew and understood Bill’s vision. He gave so much to the community and the industry, and he’s remembered and missed. People want to support the foundation to keep his legacy alive.
Tell us about the work the foundation does in the community.
We work with underrepresented communities of students interested in architecture and interior design … We want to make the connections to make that possible. We make sure they have the support and tools they need to continue into architecture programs.
At North Springs High School, which is a Title I high school, we have architects and interior designers come in and do four sessions with 55 students. They look at the evolution of architecture, study elevations and floor plans, and do scaling exercises … The students are exposed to the possibility of careers in architecture, interior design, and the built environment.
We also partner with the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA) for their Project Pipeline. This is a three-day camp and workshop at Georgia Tech, and the Bill Harrison Foundation gives students scholarships to attend. Students go to this workshop; then, when they apply to architecture programs, they can also apply to a two-week pre-college program at Georgia Tech. With this background, they’re more prepared when they go into architecture school — they already have a lot of the language and tools to make them feel like they have a leg up.
How does that support continue once the students get into architecture school?
Once [students] get into school, we have mentors who follow them. This creates a loop — partnership, mentorship, and connection for students who need that support. Architecture is a five- to seven-year journey. It’s a very expensive and difficult journey from architecture school to graduate school to exams. We want to help students stay motivated so they can continue moving from one level to the next. Our goal is to make sure they’re set up to be successful once they enter the program.
How do students participate?
We work with the students who’ve selected graphic design and engineering [as areas of interest]. We do different workshops throughout the year covering architecture and the built environment. There are in-class experiences during classroom time, but there are also off-sites.
For the off-sites, students sign up who’ve expressed a specific interest. We did a session with Usher’s New Look with a two-day workshop. Cyber Academy does on-site experiences throughout the year. This fall, we’re going to do five sessions with industry professionals at their showrooms. There could be a session on cabinets or tile.
We’re also building a section of a kitchen for Atlanta Homes & Lifestyle Showhouse. An electrician, plumber, and engineer will come in. These students will see what it’s actually like to build a residential project.
Tell us about the relationships between the student body and industry professionals.
Harrison Design is our primary partner, but other industry professionals also volunteer. Kids can go off-site to an architecture or interior design office. We’re continuing to grow those opportunities to connect students with industry professionals.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve received?
I have had lots of advice through the years from Bill. He was a wizard and an incredible visionary. His great advice was endless and I have had a lot of time to put that advice into practice in my life and in my work with the foundation. My favorite from him after covid: “Life is short” and it is up to each of us to live our lives, be kind, and be happy.
What are three things you can’t live without besides faith, friends, and family?
The ability to travel and explore new places, cultures, and meeting new people, books and a great white crisp wine, and walking — I can walk for hours and hours and never tire of it. Great opportunity to think and reflect.
LIGHTNING ROUND!
Favorite delicious local meal: I love breakfast gatherings for coffee and breakfast sandwiches at The Chastain Bistro. I also LOVE Souper Jenny soups at the History Center.
Favorite vacation spot: Scotland — The Highlands
Dream trip: Taking my family on Safari to Africa/Kenya
Books on your bedside table: The Astors by Anderson Cooper (I’m a history buff) — and The Woman in Cabin 10 by Ruth Ware
This FACES of Atlanta feature was made possible by Paragon Bank.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
**********
Southern women are doing inspiring work. Meet more of them over at our FACES archive!
