Bell, Richard C., 1928-

Richard C. Bell (1928- ), a native of Manteo, N.C., received a degree in landscape architecture from North Carolina State University's College of Design (then, the North Carolina State College School of Design) in 1950. Afterwards, he apprenticed under Simonds & Simonds of Pittsburgh, Pa., and Frederick B. Stresau of Fort Lauderdale, Fla. At the age of 21, he became the youngest designer to receive the Prix de Rome, allowing him to study in Europe for two years. He became a Fellow of the American Academy in Rome. In 1954, Bell became a member of the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) and he was elected to Fellowship in the organization in 1980. In 1955, Bell founded his first firm in Raleigh, N.C., and for many years operated the business from its award-winning office space, Water Garden Office Park. His son-in-law Dennis Glazener worked for the firm, and eventually became a partner. Bell retired in 2007.

From the description of Richard C. Bell drawings and other materials, 1961-2003 [manuscript]. (North Carolina State University). WorldCat record id: 756650205

Richard C. Bell (1928- ), a native of Manteo, N.C., received a degree in landscape architecture from North Carolina State University’s College of Design (then, the North Carolina State College School of Design) in 1950. Afterwards, he apprenticed under Simonds & Simonds of Pittsburgh, Pa., and Frederick B. Stresau of Fort Lauderdale, Fla. At the age of 21, he became the youngest designer to receive the Prix de Rome, allowing him to study in Europe for two years. He became a Fellow of the American Academy in Rome. In 1954, Bell became a member of the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) and he was elected to Fellowship in the organization in 1980.

In 1955, Bell founded his first firm in Raleigh, N.C., and continued to operate the business under various names from its award-winning office space, Water Garden Office Park, until his retirement in 2007. Upon Bell’s retirement, the firm was handed over to his longtime partner and son-in-law, Dennis Glazener (1955-2010). Over the course of his career, Bell completed over 2,000 landscape architecture projects, received honor awards from 27 national groups, including the American Association of Nurserymen, lectured on environmental design at universities and professional organizations, and served as a member of Raleigh’s Planning Commission. In 2008, in recognition of his contributions to the City of Raleigh, Bell was inducted into the Raleigh Hall of Fame.

Adapted from: Bell, Richard C. “About.” Peebles in the Pond: News and Musings by Landscape Architect Dick Bell. 29 June 2009. 18 May 2011 http://dickbell.wordpress.com/about/ .

From the guide to the Richard C. Bell Drawings and Other Materials, 1961-2003, (Special Collections Research Center)