Avriel Shull facts for kids

Avriel Shull (born February 9, 1931 – died March 6, 1976) was an American architectural designer and builder. She was also an interior decorator. Avriel Shull was from Carmel, Hamilton County, Indiana. She worked from the 1950s until her death in 1976.

Avriel Shull was known for her unique mid-century modern designs. These designs were special because most homes in Indiana at that time were built in traditional styles. Most of her projects were single-family homes. These were mainly in Hamilton and Marion counties in central Indiana. Her most famous work is in Christie's Thornhurst Addition in Carmel.

Shull also designed custom homes in other Indiana towns and states. In the 1970s, she started selling her house plans. These plans were sold in magazines in the United States and Canada. She also designed apartment buildings and business properties. Her first big project outside Indiana was a public library in Elkins, West Virginia. She also designed restaurants, including one in California.

Early Life and Learning

Avriel Joy Christie was born on February 9, 1931. Her parents were Donald E. and Genevieve Christie. They lived in Carmel, Hamilton County, Indiana. From a young age, her parents saw her artistic talent. She became very interested in clothing and interior design.

After finishing Carmel High School, she went to Butler University. She also studied at the John Herron School of Art in Indianapolis, Indiana. She left college in 1948 without a degree. Then, she started her own art business called Avriel Art Associates. Avriel Shull was known for her "high energy and imagination." Within a few years, she decided to focus on architectural design instead.

Designing and Building Homes

After marrying Richard K. Shull in 1951, Avriel focused on building projects. She didn't have a formal architecture degree. This was very unusual for a builder, especially a woman, at that time. But she used her artistic skills to design and build.

By 1954, Shull had designed and overseen her first home. It was called the "Golden Unicorn." This modern-style home in Carmel was named after a unicorn statue on its outside wall. This project started her career as a designer and builder.

Christie's Thornhurst Addition

Shull's first big building project was a neighborhood development. It was on her parents' land in Carmel, Indiana. In 1955, her parents approved the first part of a new neighborhood. It was named Christie's Thornhurst Addition. This neighborhood is special because it only has Shull's modern-style homes.

Most homes built after World War II were traditional or simple ranch houses. To attract buyers to Thornhurst, Shull designed modern homes. These homes fit the rules of the Federal Housing Administration (FHA). The FHA approved her first three home designs for Thornhurst. This made them easier for people to get loans for.

Shull was very involved in building Thornhurst. She designed the homes and watched over the construction. She even helped lay stone on the outside of many houses herself. She also helped with interior design and choosing furniture. Between 1956 and 1971, Shull designed and built twenty-one homes in Thornhurst.

Expanding Her Work

Avriel Shull's focus on modern homes made her stand out. Her designs were similar to those of famous architects like Joseph Eichler. Her homes often had post-and-beam construction. This allowed for large, floor-to-ceiling windows and sliding glass doors. They also had vertical siding and decorative plates on the outside doors. Shull wanted her modern homes to have simple insides and relaxed outdoor spaces.

Most of Shull's projects were single-family homes. But she also designed some commercial and industrial buildings. In the 1960s and early 1970s, her custom homes were built in many upscale neighborhoods. These included areas in Indianapolis and Carmel. As her fame grew, she designed homes in other Indiana towns. She also designed homes in other states.

In the 1970s, Shull started selling her home design plans. These plans were sold in magazines for people who wanted to build their own homes. These magazines were popular in the U.S. and Canada.

Shull also designed apartment buildings. These included Somerset Lakes and the Ladywood Estates apartment community in Indianapolis. She also designed the Keystone Square Shopping Center in Carmel. Her first big project outside Indiana was the Elkins Public Library in West Virginia. She also designed restaurants, like the Totem Pole Restaurant in Carmel.

Family Life

On April 7, 1951, Avriel married Richard K. Shull. He was a newspaper writer in Indianapolis. Richard Shull became Indianapolis's first TV critic. His funny column, "Shull’s Mailbag," was printed in 260 newspapers. He was recognized for his work in journalism.

Avriel and Richard were known as "Ave and Arky" to their friends. They had two daughters, Bambi (born 1960) and September (born 1966). Avriel ran her design and construction business from the home she designed for her family. This home was on a large piece of land north of Carmel.

Avriel Shull passed away on March 6, 1976. She was 45 years old.

Her Impact

Even though she died young, Avriel Shull left behind many modern-style homes. The Thornhurst Addition, with its twenty-one of her designs, was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2010. It is recognized for its mid-century modern architecture and as the work of a master builder.

Avriel Shull was a member of important building groups. These included the National Association of Home Builders. For over twenty years, Shull designed and built many types of buildings. She created single-family homes, apartment complexes, churches, shopping centers, and libraries. Her designs challenged traditional styles and showed her unique artistic talent.