When my friend Gwen gave me a list of possible subjects for my Black History Month series, I read her brief description of Paul Revere Williams, Architect, and thought "hmm..architect...boring." Then I started doing my research. When I say that Paul Williams designed about half of the historic buildings in Los Angeles, I am not exaggerating. These are buildings that I am in and around on a daily basis, and I never had a clue about the amazing life of their famous architect.
Paul Revere Williams was born in Los Angeles on February 18, 1894. Yes, that means his birthday is today! I swear to God I did not plan this. Just started writing and dang if it wasn't so. Freaky!
At four years old, Paul Williams became an orphan, and was placed in foster care. He was blessed to find a foster mother who was loving and encouraging and devoted herself to his education and to nurturing his tremendous artistic ability. Though he was the only African-American child in his elementary school, he excelled, and attended Polytechnic High School, where he first decided to pursue a career in architecture. His teachers tried to assuage him from this career path, telling him that as a black man, he would have no hope of success. That whites would never hire him, and blacks could never afford him. It was the theory of the time, that one could only make a living within one's own community, and bright, talented young blacks were usually encouraged to become doctors or lawyers because "their people" would always need those.
Ignoring these warnings, he attended the Los Angeles School of Art and Design and the Los Angeles branch of the New York Beaux-Arts Institute of Design Atelier, and eventually got a degree from the University of Southern California, School of Engineering. In 1921, he became a certified architect.
Because of his many academic accolades, he began working for some of Los Angeles most prestigious firms. After winning several design competitions as well as the respect of his employers, he was able to open his own practice in 1922, and in 1923 became the first African-American member of the American Institute of Architects.
Williams said "If I allow the fact that I am a Negro to checkmate my will to do, now, I will inevitably form the habit of being defeated."
He was able to overcome racism by using charm and grace, and by working harder than everybody else. He learned how to draw and write upside-down, so he wouldn't make his wealthy, white clients uncomfortable by sitting next to him while he rendered a design.
IN 1917, Williams had met and married Della Mae Givens, and they had started a family. His family and his strong faith greatly affected his style of home design. He quickly became known for creating homes with great warmth and style, but also extremely practical. He often took classic architectural styles, such as Colonial or Tudor, and added interesting and functional twists.
During the 1920's and 1930's, he had tremendous success designing homes for wealthy clients, and became known as the "Architect to the Hollywood Stars". His showbiz clients included - Frank Sinatra, Tyrone Power, Barbara Stanwyck, Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, Danny Thomas and Bert Lahr.
In addition to homes, Williams designed about 3000 other buildings. I was flabbergasted to realize that I am in one of his buildings several times a week - the Hollywood YMCA!
Other landmark Los Angeles buildings designed by Williams include -
The Beverly Hills Hotel, home of the famous Polo Lounge...
The Los Angeles County Courthouse (known to anybody who's ever done jury duty in L.A.!)...
The uber-groovy jet-age theme building in the center of LAX airport...
The Ambassador Hotel, home of the renowned Cocoanut Grove Nightclub, and location of the Robert Kennedy assassination...
The Shrine Auditorium, long-time host to the Emmy's, the Grammy's and the Academy Awards...
Saks Fifth Avenue in Beverly Hills...
The legendary Chasen's Restaurant...
The super-swanky Perino's Restaurant...
The idea that one architect designed all of these iconic Los Angeles buildings blows my mind, and the fact that this architect was an orphaned African-American man who overcame so much to achieve this level of greatness is crazy. Makes me look at my easy but unproductive life and cringe.
Only one more week to Black History Month. Who should I talk about next week? Any ideas? Requests? Hope y'all are enjoying your little history lessons.
I kind of love all those different styles. I mean, when I think architecht, I think Frank Lloyd Wright. And I think you can pick his buildings out of a line up. But I love how individual all these buildings of Mr. Williams are. And HELLO, icons!
Very fun.
Posted by: Sarah at themommylogues | 02/18/2011 at 08:23 AM
Wow. Architects, boring? NEVER.
"He learned how to draw and write upside-down, so he wouldn't make his wealthy, white clients uncomfortable by sitting next to him while he rendered a design."
What an incredible example of grace in the face of such insults and ignorance. He sounds like a lovely man.
Posted by: Aimee | 02/18/2011 at 11:58 AM
For next week, I would suggest Hope Foye, the wonderful subject of the promo CD Gwen and I worked on a few years ago. Hope is an inspiring singer and teacher. Her story is amazing!
Posted by: Lynn @ Curly Girl's Music World | 02/18/2011 at 04:21 PM
What an amazing architect he was! I never think about the architect behind the buildings, and I should.
I love the story behind Marian Anderson, and she has a link to one of your favorite women in history...Eleanor Roosevelt. I think March is Women's History Month, and so maybe you can continue this series with famous women. I love reading your posts!
Posted by: Ginny Marie | 02/18/2011 at 07:09 PM
There are two Paul Williams' houses on my street, too! I didn't know that he'd designed all those big, iconic buildings, though, so thank you for the most informative lesson!
Posted by: Elizabeth | 02/18/2011 at 11:40 PM