February 14, 2021
Amaza Lee Meredith (1895-1984) was born in Lynchburg, Virginia. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in fine arts 1930 and a master’s degree in 1935 from Columbia’s Teachers College.
Meredith’s most notable project is her residence and workplace Azurest South, which was designed in International Style and built adjacent to Virginia State University’s campus in 1939. The structure was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1993, which noted “Miss Meredith’s interior design is characterized by dramatic use of color, vivid patterning of walls, floors and ceilings, and the use of inventive lighting fixtures. The house functioned in part as a design laboratory and studio for Miss Meredith, so its appearance evolved subtly over the years, reflecting Miss Meredith’s studies of color and material.” The home was shared with her partner Dr. Edna Meade Colson, who served as dean of the Virginia State University School of Education.
Meredith is also known for establishing the development Azurest North together with her sister Maude Terry in Sag Harbor, New York during the 1940s. The historically Black beach community was recently listed on the NY State and National Registers of Historic Places.