Black History Highlight: Paul R. Williams

Hey Y’all! Happy Black History Month!!

As you know I am a proud Black interior designer, and I love me some all things design and architecture. So, for this post, please learn about THE MAN: Architect Paul R. Williams.

He was the first Black person inducted into the American Institute of Architects (AIA), first Black person to receive the amazing Gold Award, and a LEGEND in the Los Angeles architecture and design world. Without him, there’d be many holes in the industry. To be all the way real, without him, there'd be no me.

I've actually studied Mr. Williams' work for awhile in my older years, and have always admired his architecture, unbeknownst to me, even at a young age. My dad has a degree in civil engineering, and even as a child I took note of buildings with interesting arches, elements and shapes. Growing up in the greater Los Angeles and San Diego areas, little did I know as a kid, some of the most brilliant buildings I viewed were designed by this genius Black man.

Even though both of his parents died when he was very young, and he grew up in foster care, he kept moving forward and growing. He went to John Francis Polytechnic High School in Los Angeles, and was advised that maybe he shouldn't go into architecture due to the difficulty of obtaining white customers as a Black architect. Unfortunately, this experience is something that many Black architects and designers still face today. And yet, in the early 1900's, he still kept going and growing.

In 1915, Mr. Williams was certified as a building contractor and then later on licensed by the State of California as an architect in 1921. He soon became the first Black person to join the esteemed American Institute of Architects (AIA) in 1923. From there, he had a 5-decade career, designed many homes and commercial buildings spanning all over the greater Los Angeles Area and around the world. He retired in 1973, passed in 1980, and was given posthumously, the Gold Medal (the highest honor) for the AIA in 2017. Coincidentally, 2017 is when I finished my interior design program, so the AIA honoring him at that time was very moving for me.

So, let's see some of his amazing Greater Los Angeles work, that you might not know he designed (this is a very small list, please, keep exploring yourself!!!). Let's Go...

1. The Los Angeles Airport

Yeah. A Black man DID that!!! Always traveling to LAX for flights, I'm always in awe of this building. Mr. Williams did the majority of the architecture of the airport, but this main theme building (which also held a ton of Laker parties, I'm told) is a center attraction that is now a historical monument. A historical landmark notation is important, as that means it cannot be touched and will forever be revered (Revere is his middle name btw).

2. First African Methodist Episcopal Church (F.A.M.E)

Yup, FAME is a historical landmark in the L.A. Black community for so many reasons. The Black Church is a historical staple in many social justice movements, community building and financial growth arenas for Black people. I have personally been to FAME many times, and the fact that the premier Black Architect created this piece is art upon art and a beautiful note of a steward properly using the talent God graced him with.

3. Saks Fifth Avenue on Wilshire

This Saks Fifth Avenue location on the famed Wilshire Boulevard is also a historical landmark. Even when Mr. Williams wasn't doing curves, he had a knack for adding detail on straight edges, Art Deco and Neoclassical design. It's even prettier on the inside if you have the bread to buy some thangs. LOL

4. Rosetti Residence in Hollywood, built in 1928

Even though Mr. Williams did a lot of commercial architecture, he had an AMAZING eye for residences. This Spanish Colonial residence still stands the beautiful test of time. Also, remember when one of his former teachers said he couldn't get support from the affluent white community? Eat your words this Black History Month. In my Notorious B.I.G. voice - "To all the teachers that told me I'd never amount to nothin...It's all good, baby baby."

5. The Beverly Hills Hotel

YUP...a Black man DID that! Many industry and high executive functions are still there to this day. Another Historical Landmark added to his list, this famed hotel is what much of the architecture and style of Beverly Hills is known for. Interesting lines, eye-catching color and a chic sophistication of fashion forward ideas. Still for the elite, you can get a room for around $700.00 a night.

All this to say, even though this Black Genius overcame a lot, he made every day worth it. He left is mark on this country and our world. He paved the way for many in the design industry such as myself, to be bold enough, keep going, and keep growing.

Mr. Paul R. Williams, thank you for your life and legacy. You made EVERYDAY beautiful!

To learn more about Paul R. Williams and his magnificent work, please explore the following website: www.paulrwilliamsproject.org

Make Everyday Beautiful,

Tiana