Designed to last: Architect heads 75-year-old firm

During his nearly 50 years as an architect, Dallas C. Abee Jr. has worked on designs for hundreds of churches in the region, coming to consider them a specialty.

At times, especially during the past two decades, he has even considered entering the ministry.
Now 73 and principal of a firm celebrating its 75th anniversary, Abee figures he'll stick with the profession he settled on as a junior at Hickory High School.

"I still enjoy my work, which is exciting to me," Abee says.

"I like to learn new things and to be challenged, especially when it comes to architecture. These days, there is plenty to learn and lots of challenges."

The Hickory native, schooled at North Carolina State University's School of Design, went to work for Asheville-based Six Associates, Architects and Engineers, in the early 1960s.

Abee says working in a large firm with a multistate practice was valuable experience, but that he always intended to return to Hickory.

In 1965, he joined Abee Architect, P.A., a Hickory-based firm founded in 1935 by his father, D. Carroll Abee Sr.

Among Dallas Abee's first projects — and still a favorite — was the design of several buildings at Wildacres, a nondenominational church and conference center near Little Switzerland.
His church design work has included master site planning, worship spaces, Christian life centers, fellowship halls, educational and conference facilities and recreational complexes.

Among his favorite projects are Providence Baptist Church in Lincolnton and Oak Ridge Baptist Church in eastern Burke County.

For his own church, Holy Trinity Lutheran, Abee worked with Herman Hassinger, FAIA, the designer of site, chapel, church offices, media center, classrooms, saints hall and fellowship hall.

The Rev. Robert Shoffner, senior pastor at Holy Trinity, characterizes Abee as "a quiet presence" who is always willing to offer his help.

"He's someone you can turn to," Shoffner said.

Judy Dahlstrom agrees.

Dahlstrom, now program development coordinator for Mental Health Partners, was longtime executive director of Adult Life Programs Inc., for which Abee designed a new building on the campus of the Lutheran Nursing Home on Springs Road.

"That building would not have happened without Dallas donating his time and talent," Dahlstrom said.
"He's a very generous, kind and thoughtful man who is also a good leader. He listens to what people have to say."

Abee said he gained much through working with his father, who was Hickory's second licensed architect, and with James Biggs, whom Abee credits with helping to bring modern architecture to Hickory in the 1950s. Both men are now deceased.

"I suppose the most important things were honesty and fairness," Abee says.

"That and client service."

He says keeping abreast of trends and advancements in architecture is a joy, not a burden.
With the increasing complexity of planning, zoning, building codes, health-care regulations and other requirements, the firm has had to embrace electronic technology and continuing education.

Abee doesn't miss T-squares and triangles, and is in the process of scanning 75 years of the firm's architectural drawings for conversion into digital files.

Abee keeps abreast of trends in his field, including energy conservation and Building Information Modeling, which uses three-dimensional, real-time, dynamic building modeling software to enhance productivity in building design and construction.

"I love learning new things," he says.

Abee walks and swims regularly, and enjoys traveling with his wife of 40 years, Judy. They have three adult daughters.

"I have no regrets and no plans to retire," Abee says.

"I'm happy where I am and look forward to the future."