Los Angeles Architect Paul Revere Williams Fought Racism and Shaped the City's Aesthetic

The Los Angeles airport's Theme Building, a space-age contraption that greets travelers upon arrival, was built by a team of architects, including Paul Revere Williams, in the early 1960s. Among these architects, Williams had the most profound impact on the city's midcentury aesthetic.

Williams, who was the first licensed Black architect in California, completed an estimated 3,000 projects between 1919 and 1980. His work spanned from single-family residences and commercial buildings to affordable housing projects, the Los Angeles county courthouse, and opulent homes for celebrities such as Frank Sinatra and Lucille Ball.

One of Williams' most iconic projects is the Beverly Hills hotel, which he renovated and whose recognizable curlicued sign is scrawled in his own handwriting. Without him, the city's crown jewel of Case Study homes, Stahl House, might not have been funded.

Despite his prolific output and significant role in shaping Los Angeles, Williams' name has been a footnote in architecture history until recently. However, his work is now being recognized as worthy of entering the canon of major architects, alongside the likes of Frank Lloyd Wright and Mies van der Rohe.

A forthcoming exhibition at three Los Angeles institutions will highlight the work and legacy of Paul Revere Williams. The exhibition, which includes the USC Fisher Museum of Art, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, and the Getty Research Institute, will showcase Williams' architectural drawings, as well as pieces by contemporary artists and architects.

The exhibition is significant not only because it is the first major retrospective of a Black architect but also because it aims to make Williams' archives accessible to scholars and researchers. This will allow for a deeper understanding of his work and legacy, including his inventive use of color and the furniture he designed.

Williams' career was marked by his attention to craftsmanship and his ability to deliver on his clients' specifications and quirks without sacrificing quality. He was known for his striking take on spiral staircases and his eclecticism in his work.

Williams also worked to deliver affordable housing to an emerging Black middle class and to Black GIs during a time of racist redlining policies. His work on Langston Terrace Dwellings, one of the first public housing projects in the US, is a testament to his commitment to providing housing for marginalized communities.

The exhibition is a testament to Williams' legacy and his impact on the built environment in Los Angeles. It is a reminder of the importance of recognizing and celebrating the contributions of Black architects and their role in shaping the city's aesthetic.

## Paul Revere Williams: A Legacy of Craftsmanship and Innovation

Williams' work is characterized by his attention to craftsmanship and his ability to deliver on his clients' specifications and quirks without sacrificing quality. His use of color and his inventive approach to furniture design are also notable aspects of his work.

Williams' career was marked by his commitment to providing housing for marginalized communities. His work on Langston Terrace Dwellings and his advocacy for multifamily housing projects demonstrate his dedication to addressing the housing needs of Black communities.

The exhibition at the USC Fisher Museum of Art, which opens on August 18, will feature many of Williams' archival drawings in conversation with pieces by contemporary artists and architects. The exhibition will provide a unique opportunity to explore Williams' work and legacy in depth.

## The Significance of Paul Revere Williams' Work

Williams' work is significant not only because of its aesthetic value but also because of its impact on the built environment in Los Angeles. His commitment to providing housing for marginalized communities and his innovative approach to architecture have left a lasting legacy in the city.

The exhibition at the Getty Research Institute will tackle how Williams helped construct core components of Black Los Angeles, while the exhibition at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art will track the overarching scope of Williams' work. The three exhibitions will provide a comprehensive understanding of Williams' legacy and his impact on the built environment in Los Angeles.

| Exhibition | Institution | Dates | | --- | --- | --- | | Paul R Williams: An Architect Considered | USC Fisher Museum of Art | August 18, 2026 - March 13, 2027 | | Paul Revere Williams: The Architect of Black Los Angeles | Getty Research Institute | TBA | | Paul Revere Williams: The Overarching Scope of His Work | Los Angeles County Museum of Art | TBA |