Architect who designed New Harmony Atheneum accused of sexual harassment in New York Times

NEW HARMONY, Ind. — The nationally renowned architect who designed the Atheneum building in New Harmony was accused in the New York Times on Tuesday of sexually harassing five women since the 1980s.

The women told the New York Times stories about Richard Meier, 83, of New York City, exposing himself, grabbing at underwear beneath a dress, and forcefully pulling one onto a bed.

In response to the allegations, Meier issued this statement to the New York Times:

“I am deeply troubled and embarrassed by the accounts of several women who were offended by my words and actions. While our recollections may differ, I sincerely apologize to anyone who was offended by my behavior.”

Meier is the chief managing partner for Richard Meier & Partners Architects LLP. He has designed buildings around the country, including the Getty Center in Los Angeles, and won numerous awards for his work.

He was commissioned to build the Atheneum building in New Harmony in the 1970s. It was a "breakthrough commission" in his career, as it was his first major commission, according to visitnewharmony.com. The model and architectural drawings for the building are part of the permanent architecture collection at New York's Museum of Modern Art.

Work on the building, which serves as New Harmony's visitors center, began in 1975 and completed in 1979.

The structure is clad in white porcelain panels and glass attached to steel frame.

The Atheneum received several design awards, including the  Progressive  Architecture  Award for  1979,  the  American  Institute of  Architects  Award in  1982,  and the  Twenty-five  Year  Award in  2008, according to the website.