Celebrating Black Architects & Designers: Paul R. Williams
- Madison Bennett
- Feb 4, 2021
- 3 min read
February is Black History Month, a time to commemorate, observe, and celebrate the achievements of black people and the central role that African Americans have played in the United States.
Despite being underrepresented in the architecture, interior design, and home furnishings industries, there are many designers of color who have reframed the paradigm of architecture and design, illuminating a path of opportunity for future generations.
In honor of Black History Month, over the next month, I will be highlighting a few talented black designers and architects on my blog, starting off with a pioneer and trailblazer within the field, Paul R. Williams.
Paul Revere Williams is perhaps one of the most well-known black architects. Throughout his 50-year career, he designed over 2,500 buildings and has played a major role in shaping Southern California’s signature architectural style. His work is distinguished by a variety of types including both commercial and residential buildings ranging from hotels and restaurants to churches and hospitals.
Born in downtown Los Angeles in 1894, Williams became an orphan by the age of 4 when his parents died of tuberculosis, and was raised by a family friend. Williams studied architecture at the University of Southern California and trained at several prominent Los Angeles firms before starting his own practice. In 1923, he became the first black member of the American Institute of Architects.
Williams who was known as the “architect to the stars”, designed the homes of an array of celebrity clients, including Desi Arnaz, Lucille Ball, Frank Sinatra, and Barron Hilton. In recent years, Denzel Washington, Ellen DeGeneres, and Andy Garcia have all lived in Williams homes.
William’s designs defined the spaces that comprise the aesthetic of “Hollywood glamour”. His designs featured many characteristics that were innovative when he used them in the 1920s through the '70s but are considered common practice now — like the patio as an extension of the house, and hidden, retractable screens.
Williams' commercial projects are among the most iconic in the city. One of his most memorable commercial projects was the Beverly Hills Hotel, where Williams designed the iconic Polo Lounge, the Crescent Wing, and the Pink Palace's signature loopy signage. He also chose the colors — pink and green — that would signify the ultimate in service to its pampered guests for a century.
Williams is also the mind behind the iconic, space-aged Theme Building at the Los Angeles International Airport.
Despite the countless barriers Williams faced due to the color of his skin, he remained steadfast and determined as an architect. During his youth, Williams was warned against pursuing a career in architecture by one of his high school teachers, who stated he would have difficulty attracting clients from the majority white community and the smaller black community could not provide enough work.
Still, he persevered and became one of the most sought-after architects of his time. He even learned how to draw upside down so he could position himself across the table from white clients who were uncomfortable sitting next to him when reviewing plans.
According to his granddaughter, Karen E. Hudson, "By law, he could not live in some of the places [where he designed homes]. Particularly in Flintridge, where he designed his first home in his own office, the land deed said a black person could not even spend the night." She says Williams found a way to work around such barriers because he had an ultimate goal in mind. "He believed that for every home and every commercial building that he could not buy and that he could not live in, he was opening doors for the next generation."
Williams died in 1980 at the age of 85 and was posthumously awarded the American Institute of Architects’ highest honor, the Gold Medal, in 2017.
You can learn more about Paul R. Williams and his legacy by reading:
xoxo,
Madison Mae
References:
This is awesome! Cant wait to read more. These are definitely stories that are not told.