Avriel Shull

Avriel Shull (born Avriel Joy Christie; February 9, 1931 – March 6, 1976) was an American architectural designer/builder and interior decorator whose career spanned from the 1950s until her death in 1976. She is best known for her mid-century modern architectural designs, which contradicted the traditional tastes of mid-century Indiana. Most of Shull's projects were single-family homes around Hamilton and Marion counties in central Indiana, most notably the homes in Christie's Thornhurst Addition in Carmel, Indiana. Shull also designed a number of custom homes in Indianapolis' suburbs, in other Indiana towns, and in other states. In the 1970s Shull began selling house plans in do-it-yourself home building periodicals, which were sold in the United States and Canada. Shull also designed apartment buildings and commercial/industrial properties. Her first major project outside of Indiana was a public library in Elkins, West Virginia. She also designed restaurants, including one in California and one in Carmel, Indiana.

Born Avriel Joy Christie in Hamilton County, Indiana, she graduated from Carmel High School and attended Butler University and the John Herron School of Art in Indianapolis, Indiana. She left school before completing her degree in 1948 to launch her own commercial art business. In 1951 she married Richard K. Shull, an Indianapolis journalist who became a syndicated columnist and television critic. The couple had two daughters.

Shull is known for designing various homes in the Thornhurst Addition in Carmel, Indiana.

Shull died in 1976 of complications from diabetes. Christie's Thornhurst Addition was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2010 for its mid-century modern architecture and as the work of a master builder. Ladywood Estates was subsequently added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2019. The Avriel Shull architectural collection is housed at the Indiana Historical Society. Shull was a member of the National Association of Home Builders and the Builders Association of Greater Indianapolis.

Youth and education Born on February 9, 1931, Avriel Joy Christie was the daughter of Donald E. and Genevieve Christie of Carmel, Hamilton County, Indiana. At a young age, she became especially interested in clothing and interior design. After graduating from Carmel High School, she attended Butler University and the John Herron School of Art in Indianapolis, Indiana. She left school without earning a college degree and started her own commercial art business, Avriel Art Associates, in Indianapolis in 1948. Within a few years, she had switched to architectural design. Most post-World War II homes, especially in more conservative areas such as central Indiana, were revival-style or simple ranch homes.

In addition to the design work, Shull supervised construction, laying stone on many of the homes' exteriors herself; coordinated interior design; and assisted in furniture selection. Between 1956 and 1971 Shull designed and built twenty-one houses in Thornhurst. The project helped establish Avriel as a brand that represented modern architectural style. Soon, Shull began to expand her client list and portfolio with other projects.

While Shull's focus on modern-style homes set her apart from other designer/builders, she was certainly not alone. Notable architects such as Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Joseph Eichler lead the way, influencing the work of others.

Shull designed a few commercial and industrial properties, but most of her projects were single-family homes. Shull's mid-century modern design for this project included post-and-beam construction, expansive panels of windows, stone masonry, and varied roof shapes.

Shull's other notable designs for commercial and industrial buildings the REA Terminal at English Avenue in Indianapolis and the Keystone Square Shopping Center in Carmel. Richard Shull, who became Indianapolis's first TV critic, worked for the Indianapolis Times and later, the Indianapolis News. His syndicated column, "Shull's Mailbag", ran in 260 newspapers. He was inducted into the Indiana Journalism Hall of Fame in 2005 and died in 2007. Ladywood Estates was subsequently added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2019. Shull was a member of the National Association of Home Builders and the Builders Association of Greater Indianapolis. For more than twenty years, Shull designed and built modern single-family homes, apartment complexes, churches, shopping centers, libraries, and other commercial and industrial buildings that challenged traditional styles.

Death Shull died in 1976 of complications from diabetes.