From Los Angeles, to Palm Springs, to Las Vegas…

Paul R. Williams’ iconic architectural designs shaped much of the mid-century

landscape in Southern California and beyond

Paul Revere Williams (1894-1980) was the first Black American to be accepted as a member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA). In 2017, the AIA bestowed its highest honor, the AIA Gold Medal, on on this prolific designer and builder … the first African American ever awarded – nearly 40 years after his death.

Williams practiced mostly in Southern California and his career extended over five-decades and during that time he created a prolific portfolio of more than 3,000 buildings that included homes, hotels, banks, churches, hospitals and schools, many of which have become some Southern California’s most famous icons.

The exact number of the projects he was involved is uncertain since some of his records and drawings were damaged or destroyed during the 1992 LA Riots.

As Williams, himself once said, “Expensive homes are my business and social housing is my hobby.”

However during his lifetime, he was nicknamed, “Architect to the Stars” because he designed the homes of such notable celebrities as Frank Sinatra, Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, Lon Chaney, Barbara Stanwyck, Tyrone Power, and Barron Hilton.

Paul Revere Williams was born in Los Angeles on February 18, 1894 to middle-class parents who had immigrated from Memphis to Los Angeles take advantage of the better opportunities for Black Americans in the West.

However by age four, Williams was orphaned and ended up living with a local family. Raised by a foster mother who encouraged his artistic development, he pursued a career in architecture.

Despite one teacher’s fears that he wouldn’t get work from white clients, and that the black community wouldn’t be able to sustain his practice, he continued his studies at the Los Angeles School of Art and Design.

Later he studied architectural engineering from 1916 to 1919 at the University of Southern California, where he earned his degree. He became a certified Architect in 1921 and became a AIA member in 1923.

…

During World War II, Williams worked for the Navy Department as an architect.

Williams work helped define the Mid Century look and feel of much of Los Angeles, Palm Springs and other parts of Southern California.

Among the most famous of the thousands of buildings he designed during his long career are …

The LAX Theme Building

Williams was famous for his work on the spaceship-like Theme Building at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), part of a collaboration with noted LAX architects William Pereira, Charles Luckman and Welton Becket.

The Palm Springs Tennis Club

The Palm Springs Tennis Center (created with A Quincy Jones)

The La Concha Motel Lobby

The design I like the best is the futuristic La Concha Motel Lobby in Las Vega, Nevada. When the La Concha Motel was being demolished a consortium of designers, architects and other interested parties raised the funds to save this wonderful landmark. Now it is home to the Neon Museum.

Many people think that the animators of the 1960’s cartoon series the Jetsons might have had some inspiration from this unique building’s design.

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According to his family, Williams used some uncommon marketing techniques to promote his business. Said one relative in an interview, “He taught himself to draw upside-down so white clients wouldn’t be uncomfortable sitting next to him.”

Williams once said his aim was always to amaze potential clients within a few minutes of meeting and his trademark upside-down sketching no doubt helped. This technique, he also said, would let clients focus on his skills and creativity, rather than his race.

He also learned to design quickly to get a leg up over his white competitors, often promising detailed sketches and designs in less than 24 hours.

“Without having the wish to ‘show them,‘ I developed a fierce desire to ‘show myself,'” Williams wrote in his 1937 essay for American Magazine, I Am a Negro.

Other Commercial Projects by Williams

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Below are series of images for some of his more famous residential projects.

Frank Sinatra’s House

Lucille Ball & Desi Arnaz’s Palm Spring Home

While Paul R. Williams, designed in many architectural styles over his 50 year career I think his iconic mid century work is best described in his own words.

“I wanted to prove that I, as an individual, deserved a place in the world.”

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LEARN MORE BELOW

Website references used in this article:

https://www.paulrwilliamsproject.org/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_R._Williams

https://www.kcrw.com/news/shows/greater-la/restaurants-covid-food-media-paul-williams/paul-revere-williams-getty-usc

https://news.usc.edu/trojan-family/pioneering-architect-remembered/

https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/why-know-paul-revere-trailblazing-architect-180961378/

https://www.townandcountrymag.com/style/home-decor/g33327566/paul-revere-williams-archive-hollywood-homes/

Videos
https://www.kcet.org/shows/hollywoods-architect-the-paul-r-williams-story/episodes/hollywoods-architect-the-paul-r-williams-story

https://www.pbs.org/video/paul-r-williams-architect-to-the-stars/

Books (no affiliate links)
https://www.amazon.com/Williams-Architect-Karen-Hudson-2000-02-19/dp/B01JXOWZYW

https://www.amazon.com/Regarding-Paul-R-Williams-Photographers/dp/1626400814

Chancer Reese

midmodscout.com

I am such a huge mid-century modern fan and each year it is my pleasure to report on the exciting Modernism Week in Palm Springs happening for the past 15 years.

Robot Monster

Mid Mod fans will enjoy “yesterday’s tomorrow” futuristic stylings, as well as, significant art and architecture from the 1950s and 60s.  It’s a fun, cool, zany style with a serious designer’s edge.

This is a wildly popular event bringing thousands to the  Sonoran Desert of southern California for this Modernism extravaganza.

The public’s infatuation with Mid-century modern style & this Palm Desert event is growing more and more each year. 

A 30% increase in Feb 2020 with 162,000 attending and 375 scheduled events.

However, this year Modernism Week in Palm Springs will be held online on Feb. 11-21, 2021.  It will be virtual  (of course) due to covid 19.  

But,  you can get the fun started right away with 5 highlights of the Fall preview that you can watch THIS WEEK  starting Thursday, October 15th, 2020. 

These virtual programs are available for purchase at https://www.modernismweek.com/  ( FYI – I do not make referral or ad fees from this promotion )

They include a cornucopia of home tours, talks, and parties,  including a “Happy Hour” which is a big hit at the LIVE events.

Here you go guys – Here are the 5 Highlights coming up this week:

Palm Springs Modernism Week Signature Home Tour Video Series ($35)

You get a 70-minute video tour of 5 notable homes. Interior, exterior grounds, and gardens.

(Below is a preview only)

Charles Phoenix Virtual Tour of Palm Springsland ($35)

You get a 40-minute virtual tour with American pop culture humorist Charles Phoenix on

show & tell of Palm Springs landmarks and architecture.  Wild & Crazy guy!!

(Below is a preview only)

Fast Forward: Designing the Future of Palm Springs ($25)

The Palm Springs Architecture Alliance seek answers to challenges of future

development and preservation options for the city.

(Below is a preview only)

Mod With A Twist ($15)

Infotainment – Five 10 minute short chats on informative and entertaining Mid-century culture.

(Below is a preview only)

Live From the Zoom Zoom Room ($5)

Virtual Happy Hour – modernism mixology, architecture trivia, stories, and surprises.

(Below is a preview only)

Lisa Vossler Smith is Modernism Week’s executive director and her commitment this year is:

We want to bring the best of Palm Springs and the best of modern design around the country and internationally to our online programming – Lisa Vossler Smith

I think it is important to note Modernism Week’s mission statement:

We celebrate and foster appreciation of midcentury architecture and design, as well as contemporary thinking in these fields, by encouraging education, preservation and sustainable modern living as represented in the greater Palm Springs area. – Modernism Week

Well, that’s about it gang! Wanted to make you aware of something fun to do, that you may not have been aware of.  So important these days being hunkered down so long.

Moonlight Magic

Final note: 21st Century modernism has taken hold in other parts of the Western United States, as well.

For instance, Denver and Phoenix have their own Mid Mod movements.

They include preservation architecture, art, and design plus a kicky ultra lounge / retro music. Cool!

SEE:  Moonlight Magic band from Phoenix AZ featuring our friend Steve Asetta (sax man extraordinaire)

MORE!

Modernism Week – Get Tickets Here

DesertSun.

Reading: Palm Springs Holiday: A Vintage Tour

Billy

About MidModScout.com

MidModScout.com is an online resource for all mid-century modern enthusiasts. We feature helpful posts on MCM Home Décor, Interior Design, Wall Art, Textiles, Furniture, Vintage Artifacts, Graphic Arts, Modernism and more.

Collectors, Homeowners, and other lovers of MCM style art and furnishings will find our comprehensive online Resource Guides to be very useful.  So if you’re looking for Home Service Pros, Appraisers, Advisors & Consultants, Auctions or other local mid-century modern experts in the Atlanta Metro area, we’re a good source.  see  Resources

Who is the Mid Mod Scout?

Billy B. is an expert consultant in design and color in the Mid Century Modern style. He has degrees in Web Design from Emory University and in Advertising Design from Central Piedmont College. Since 2009, he has run his own successful freelance web design business in Atlanta, Georgia.

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