Benjamin "Ben" Boswood Taylor

Benjamin “Ben” Boswood Taylor died peacefully on October 23, 2026 at the age of 92. He was a devoted husband and father, an architect and planner, a civic leader, and an enthusiastic women’s soccer fan. Ben was known for carrying a camera at all times, wearing flamboyant ties, and his uncanny ability to nap almost anywhere—occasionally while standing. He also loved a good cappuccino, a glass of dry Italian red wine, and Lianda’s crème caramels.

Born in Maple, North Carolina, in 1934 to Emest Wheatley Taylor and Katherine Forbes Taylor, Ben spent much of his childhood outdoors with his older brother, Wayne. They rode bicycles throughout Currituck County, played sports, and worked in the “Shop.” Ben loved woodworking and designed and built everything from boats to smokehouses. In 1950, his model car placed fourth nationally in the Junior Division of the General Motors Fisher Body Craftsman Guild. Using the scholarship money he received, Ben attended North Carolina State University and graduated with a Bachelor of Architecture degree in 1958.

In 1957, Ben worked as a civilian for the Corps of Engineers. One evening, his commanding officer assigned him “extra duty.” As the only single man on site, Ben was ordered to escort the colonel’s daughter, Lianda, to dinner. Ben and Lianda married that summer and remained a devoted team for the rest of his life. Together, they built a business, raised a family, served the Raleigh community through civic and leadership roles, and traveled the world.

After graduating from NC State, Ben continued working with the Corps of Engineers. He and Lianda soon relocated to San Francisco and then spent three years in Italy, where they started a family, made friends, and formed international connections. After returning to Currituck County, Ben worked in Portsmouth, Virginia, for several years. The family, now four strong, then moved to Raleigh, where they put down roots and welcomed two more children.

After working at several architectural firms and occasionally teaching architecture in the School of Design, Ben joined colleagues Abie Harris and Bob Burns in opening Envirotek, Inc., in 1969. Its location across Hillsborough Street from NC State’s Bell Tower made it an ideal place to recruit and develop young graduates. Hiring and mentoring young architects became one of Ben’s greatest professional joys, and he took pride in helping launch successful careers. Envirotek also needed someone trustworthy to manage its finances. Although Lianda had told Ben she would support him in any way he needed—except by doing the accounting—she stepped in and eventually became the company’s chief financial officer.

Ben’s architectural footprint is visible across North Carolina in the buildings, plans, and sports facilities he helped create. Early in his career, he focused on the land he loved by developing the Currituck Plan, which continues to guide growth in the county. His other projects included office parks such as Highwoods and the Imperial Center, WRAL’s studio and grounds, and numerous athletic facilities. He often noted with pride that he designed the first stadium built specifically for women’s soccer: WakeMed Soccer Park. NC State’s track, soccer, and softball complex and Meredith College’s soccer and track facility followed. In 2001, Envirotek, Inc., became Integrated Design, Inc., where Ben worked until retiring in 2003. Had his full professional vision come to fruition, all of us would arrive at his funeral by light rail.

Ben and Lianda were active in governmental, civic, educational, athletic, nonprofit, and arts organizations. They could be found volunteering at First Night in downtown Raleigh, attending the opera, worshiping at Christ Church, or taking part in a Planning and Zoning Commission meeting. From helping fund Broughton High School’s stadium to working with North Carolina Theatre, Ben helped many organizations carry capital campaigns from beginning to end, always with Lianda at his side. The Arts Council, the Capital Area Soccer League, and other civic and nonprofit organizations honored him for his service.

Travel was central to Ben and Lianda’s life together. With family and friends—and as ambassadors for Raleigh and North Carolina—they journeyed widely. They were among the first tourists to visit Russia after it opened to visitors, attended World Cup tournaments, and explored architectural and cultural sites across Europe, Asia, and Australia. Ben photographed it all. Just ask about a trip, and within moments Ben would locate the slides, set up the projector, and take you on a tour. When Ben and Lianda were not traveling, they welcomed the world to their home. As board members of the International Visitors Council, they often hosted international guests alongside local friends at their dinner table.

Lianda was the most important person in Ben’s life, and her steadfast love and support meant everything to him. She now lives in the memory care unit at Morningside on Dixie Trail and welcomes visitors. Please remember she has challenges with her short term Memory.

Ben believed that “no one is an island” and that every success is made possible by the support of many people and organizations. He felt honored to build and serve his community and blessed by the encouragement of Lianda and so many family members, friends, colleagues, and clients. In his final years, he was especially grateful to Marcella and Dean McCord, who welcomed him into their home and cared for him with devotion.

Ben was predeceased by his parents, Katherine F. and Emest W. Taylor; his brother, Earl Wayne Taylor Sr.; and Wayne’s wife, Mary H. Taylor. He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Lianda King Taylor; his daughters, Paula Taylor Morris and her husband, James Morris, Doro Dee Taylor, Marcella Taylor McCord and her husband, Dean McCord, Benji Taylor Jones and her husband, Robert Eimers, Lynette Jacobs, and Ingun Lytomt Norum and her husband, Arne Norum; and sixteen grandchildren: Taylor Morris (Caroline), Anakin Friedenbach Morris (Sharon), Marcella Morris (Dan Webb), Shannon Poplin (James), Everett McCord (Emily), Ryan Capron (Andrew), Clara McCord, Benjamin McCord, Alexander Jones, Audrey Jones, Jacob Eimers, Justin Eimers, Michael Norum (Wenche), Andreas Norum (Live), Camilla Lytomt, and Marrie Norum (Petter). He is also survived by eleven great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, friends from around the world, and colleagues, as well as countless others who loved him.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00pm on Monday, November 2, 2026 at Christ Church, 120 E. Edenton St, Raleigh. The family will receive immediately following the service.

Memorial contributions may be made in Ben’s honor to Wake Relief https://wakerelief.org/, The Alzheimer’s Research and Prevention Foundation https://arpf.givecloud.co/?give=VZE2ZNER, or The Sister’s Network https://sisterstriangle.org/.

Brown-Wynne, 300 Saint Mary's Street, Raleigh is serving the Taylor family.