Paul R. Williams – Rediscovering and Architectural Icon (Part 2)

Paul R. Williams was simply in a class of his own. As an accomplished architect and the first licensed Black architect west of the Mississippi, Williams helped shape the Southern California aesthetic as a leading practitioner of mid-century modern design.
In this eagerly anticipated Part 2 of our curated series of programs, we will look at Williams’ impact and influence on the lives and careers of distinguished Black architects in the Los Angeles region. The vast challenges he faced and overcame and the extraordinary achievements he made during an era of extreme social injustice continues to inspire multiple generations of architects and designers.

Those who attended Part 1 of this curated series learned details of the discovery, acquisition, importance, and conservation of this historic archive by USC Architecture in collaboration with the Getty Research Institute. An archive consisting of over 35,000 original drawings, renderings and photos, magazines, and other records spanning the Icon’s life and career of unprecedented achievements. During Part 2, we will learn more about how Williams’ legacy continues to make personal and professional impacts.

The program – featuring Getty Research Institute Associate Curator of Modern & Contemporary Collections LeRonn Brooks, Author/Photographer Janna Ireland, and SoCal NOMA president Lance Collins AIA NOMALEEDAP–will be moderated by Architectural Historian Rebecca Choi, visiting lecturer at the ETH Zurich and former faculty member at the USC School of Architecture. Los Angeles Architects Gail Kennard, Rolland Wiley AIA, Drake Dillard AIA NOMAC, and Rachel Jordan Bascombe AIA, NOMA, LEED AP will provide personal reflections on Williams’ influence on their lives and careers.

Join us on the anniversary of Williams’ Birthday February 18 to dive further into the man, his influence, and the importance of his legacy.

More Info