The former residence of groundbreaking architect Paul R. Williams, located in Los Angeles's Lafayette Square, stands as a pivotal piece of design history. Constructed in 1952, this International Style dwelling was Williams's personal abode, a bold statement given the racial covenants prevalent at the time. After remaining within his family for decades, the property was acquired in 2018 by an individual dedicated to preserving and celebrating artistic heritage, who recognized its profound significance.
A dedicated team of design and architectural experts collaborated to thoughtfully rejuvenate the home, ensuring it met modern living standards while honoring its original spirit. Architects Frank Escher and Ravi GuneWardena spearheaded the intricate restoration work, focusing on a historically sensitive approach. Complementing their efforts, AD100 designers Billy Cotton and Leyden Lewis curated the interiors, blending original elements with new furnishings to reflect the home's diverse stylistic influences. Furthermore, landscape designer Scott Shrader revitalized the outdoor spaces, creating a harmonious environment that echoes Williams's personal warmth and scholarly depth.
Williams's career was marked by trailblazing achievements, including being the first African American member and later a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects. His extensive portfolio, comprising over 2,000 structures, ranged from celebrity homes to affordable housing projects, all executed with a keen understanding of various architectural styles. His own home, a blend of functional modernism with personalized touches, featured unique elements like a wrought-iron staircase adorned with Art Deco gazelles and a Lanai room inspired by his wife's travels. The restoration unveiled the original, subtle color palette of pistachio and rose, which informed the contemporary design choices. The designers' careful integration of mid-century pieces, including Italian Rationalist furniture, and custom elements like a pistachio-green Steinway piano, underscores the home's unique blend of historical reverence and modern sensibility, showcasing Williams's experimental approach to design as a perpetual laboratory of ideas.
The transformation of Paul R. Williams's home is a powerful reminder that true innovation and legacy are built on respect for the past while embracing the future. It demonstrates how thoughtful design can bridge eras, honoring pioneering spirits and inspiring new generations to create spaces that are both historically rich and vibrantly alive.