Paul R. Williams, "the Michael Jordan of African American architects"
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- Опубліковано 12 січ 2025
- One of Los Angeles' most revered architects, Paul Revere Williams (1894-1980) designed homes and hotels known for their grace and elegance, as well as commercial buildings in many styles - some 3,000 buildings in all. Yet he made his name at a time when an African American architect was not expected to succeed. Correspondent Mark Whitaker examines the mark Williams left on Hollywood, and on the field of architecture.
#architecture
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"... he was raised by a loving foster mother who believed he could do anything." Beautiful.
Another African-American architect worthy of admiration is Julian Abele (1881-1950). The first African-American graduate of the architecture school at Penn, he was the right hand man of Horace Trumbauer during the later stages of the Gilded Age. While his name never appears on the designs, most scholars attribute most of the work to him. A brilliant draftsman and designer.
I’m so glad his home is being restored and that at least one of his LA homes will have landmark status.
I was fortunate to experience a Paul Williams house, while it was still owned by the original client, film star Irene Dunne. It was beautiful, elegant, and still somehow unpretentious. It did not scream "movie star" the way a house for a star of her caliber would be today. Sadly, after she passed away, it was sold to someone who tore it down for the land, and a house was built that was everything a Williams house was not, unfortunately. Good for this couple for fighting to preserve theirs!
Thank you for acknowledging one of the greatest architects in the industry, whose iconic buildings define LA history... ie. the Beverly Hills Hotel and the former Encounter restaurant building at LAX, among others.
I remember seeing an exhibit of Mr. Williams' work years ago at USC and was surprised at how brief it was, until I found out that almost all of this architect's office of projects/drawings had been destroyed during the LA riots. At the time, Mr. WIlliams' office was in a bank building, which unfortunately was one of the first buildings torched during the riots.
As a former resident of LA/West Hollywood, I've been to a couple of dozen homes and mansions during open houses. There are certain characteristics that are quite obvious upon entering... the curved staircases, the detailed moldings, and often an oval dining room are just a few. The proportion and scale of the rooms are adequate compared to the Mega-Mansions of today.
If I won the lottery, my ideal house would be a Paul R. Williams hands down! 🤗
**UPDATE**
I stand corrected, I found an article from the LA Times that debunks the myth about Mr. Williams' archives were destroyed during the LA riots. The papers lost were his business records, and the actual archive of thousands of drawings, sketches, floorplans, and models was stored elsewhere. The collection now is under the conservation of the Getty Institute and USC! 🤗
His granddaughter has also written 2 books about him.
Thank you for that info, and yours was the kind of comment I hoped to see! As one who used to live in WeHo myself and work in AEC, Paul R. Williams was one of the people who defined LA. To be honest, though, I didn’t know about him myself until I moved there in 2001. So sad to hear about his work being destroyed during the riots, which was a decade before my time there. Since I’m no longer in LA, though, it’s nice to see him celebrated in this segment.
I studied architecture too, and I studied his work as it was taught at the Pratt Institute of Architecture. I am so happy to see a segment of his legacy, as he actually was a better architect than Frank Loyd Write, none of his buildings had to be close to water damage or structural damage, unlike FLW. A fact that is not mentioned here and it's quite relevant is that Mr. Williams won an architectural competition at age 25, and three years later opened his own office. Thank you
Paul Revere Williams : a visionary, an artist and his work will endure for its timeless elegance. Just WOW! And how lucky was he to have a loving and supportive foster mother who told him he could do anything! That was blessing number one and it went on from there. I would have bought a house from him in an nano-second had I had the money to do so because that is my aesthetic. And aesthetic design is innate and has nothing to do whatsoever with race, or any other discriminatory factor. Rest in peace, Mr. Williams.
As a Chinese Singaporen who is living in the US, the longer I am here, the more I am impressed with the immense contribution of African Americans to this country despite suffering generations of slavery and racism.
Thank you for saying this! As a Black woman, I know firsthand how gorgeously resilient my people are; but it always feels good to be affirmed, especially from someone who hails from a beautiful culture like yourself👏🏽
@jae6506 You are most welcome. I come from a tiny city-state. The country had a lot of slums when it became independent. Poor in natural resources, the government instilled and nurtured in the multi-racial, mutli-cultural population a national identity to harness the human resource that we have, through education, a robust and equal public housing, and a strong social program.
One side talks about making America great. In my humble opinion, this country could really be amazing if it invested more equally in all of its citizens, especially in the poorer classes.
Very true …..Since you’re new here to the USA please also look up the contributions of Asians and Hispanics who too were either prejudiced killed and enslaved..American history is horrible
If it wasn't for the One Drop Rule he would be called a Mixed Race Man.
People like Paul are not Black. And you as a Asian Person should not be engage in the One Drop Rule.
My son Terrance just graduated from USC 2024 , I introduced this incredible Man to him years ago.
I recall drawing floorplans in 4th and 5th grade! Never ever thought it was for me so gave up on it by 10th grade. If only I had come across this history then. Def would've become an architect. Thank you so much for sharing this story.♥
It's never too later Brotha
Wow! Like ‘Hidden Figures’ another part of African American history I never knew! Thank you CBS This Morning!!
I didn't know the legacy of Paul Williams. I admire what he was able to accomplish.
Thank you for this important historical lesson. So many to tell…
Yeah that Mixed People↪👨🏾👩🏾👨🏽👩🏽👨🏻👩🏻 aren't Black. But in One Drop Rule America they are
This story is incredible.
Beautiful Architectural Masterpieces.
Happy They made their home an L.A. Historical cultural monument.
Ensuring That Mr.Williams Gets his Respect.
The one the sold for 61 million was former Hilton Mansion. Paul Williams was a master architect
What an immense talent. Thank you for this story ❤
I have heard of Paul R. Williams before with the many things he builds around LA including The Nickerson Gardens, Imperial Courts, LAX Theme Building and others. Paul R. Williams need be taught in every history class.
Mr Williams, so glad that your contributions are being recognized. THANK YOU for paving the way‼️
I really enjoyed the show this Sunday Morning!!
Such an inspiring story. The architecture is amazing.
He was one of a kind ,great arquitecture and design by a unique Arquitect !
It's sad that I have never heard of this man and his great achievements. We African-Americans have been cheated out of so much valuable history. I mean come on, the Beverly Hills Hotel!? It's recognized worldwide as one of the iconic places in Hollywood, and yet most people don't know he designed and built it.
@Richard, no one’s stopping you from educating yourself on talented African Americans who changed U.S. history for the better.
I was thinking the same thing
@@lewstone5430 I understand that, but what I'm saying is we all know Frank Lloyd Wright IM Pei and Frank Gehry. Why is Paul Williams never mentioned when those masters of architecture are spoken about? That information, or at least some of it, should be offered up to the public in the same familiar way. I'm not saying he should be a household name, but I shouldn't have to go looking for it to find out more about him, much less the fact he even exists. 🇺🇸
@@richmoves that’s a fair point. I’m no super fan of architects but I have heard of those other three. On the bright side, Sunday Morning did put out this segment on Mr. Williams. In architecture circles he seems well known. I learned about Pei and Gehry also from segments on here but like I said I don’t follow architects.
This One Drop Rule stuff gotta stop. This is a AfroEuro Man. The US Media needs to be called out
Happy Juneteenth Everyone❤️💚🖤
What a fitting man to pay tribute to! Drawing upside down bcuz of racism?! Wow. His sense of purpose and self is extremely inspiring👏🏽
What a great story.
I love learning this stuff!
So very glad yo included this little known famous architect like the Black Frank Lloyd Wright. Told all my friends who may be interested about him including my good English Friend poet John Veasay who has been posting his work on Twitter for years that appear on UA-cam because he puts them to music & video. I’ve tried to help by looking for a publisher of his massive number of work but they all expect him to pay which he can’t afford. So many great artists left unknown.
@Sloane Slaughter i understand the obnoxious side of frank lloyd wright not being known as the white paul r. williams but i don't think you can blame that on suzanne thomas. williams (born in the 19th century) obviously knew every manner of disrespect but as "super fan" here spells out, "he did what he did anyways". he certainly looked more dapper than frank lloyd wright! thanks for covering him, cbs sunday morning.
I am so glad that mister Williams live until 1980 so that he could stay where he created these wonderful masterpieces.
My hero. I learned of Paul Williams and his iconic Architecture in the School of Architecture at Prairie View A&M University. I have been fortunate to visit several of his iconic achievements and both books reside in my library. Definitely an enduring legacy....................
He designed the famous Theme Building at LAX, there was no mention but it was shown in the video.
Too busy talking about evil white devils. That's what's important now.
Such a visionary architect.
Wow. I had NO idea that a lot of the iconic LA buildings were designed by a black man! LOVE that!
Thank you, I learned a great history lesson today. I want to learn more.
An outstanding human, that got his due, in style and originality. The best are unstoppable when they believe in themselves
What an amazing man and an iconic architect! His buildings are still beautiful and still standing! I often wonder how much money was Paul R. Williams paid for his designs for each building? 🤔
Great story, and I thank you, CBS!
Thank you for this video. I look at his architecture every day when I pass the Los Angeles Tom, Bradley, Airport, and all I can say is he’s made some beautiful homes and he’s done a lot for the Los Angeles county and Pasadena and other cities here in this valley in Los Angeles. Well, thank you for this video of Paul revere Williams. Thank you.
Awesome architect!! Crazy he couldn't live in his own buildings!!
5:52 to 6:00 An incredibly beautiful space.
Bravo to Mr. Williams. ❤🕊
Interesting piece of American history!!! Thanks for sharing!!!
fascinating ...
Amen. Let people be great.
Who knew....amazing...thanks for bringing this to me xoxo
Great story.
Probably one of the great seeds in America history and people. He grew and expanded his amazing talent to reach beyond the walls of his "garden". A true human that endured those walls of humanity, going beyond for all, especially those restricted by color or prosperity. This inspires a humbling smile, but moreover a peace. Much appreciated!@
A true master! Wow! 💜
I had the privilege of owning and raising my children in a beautiful Paul Williams Home… loved every detail, the rounding walls into a hallway to the ceilings and how private each wing was… Toluca Lake California has some beautiful Paul Williams home!
So lovely to learn about all these amazing people of color and what they've brought to humanity. I glad we have this holiday of Juneteenth.
Notice my last name, I'm Hispanic. Love to us all, we are all God's children. 🙏
Hispanic is not a Race. And this man is not Black. He's a AfroEuro. Black People have Dark Skin, Dark Brown Eye's, Afro Texture Hair and features.
Hispanic in not a Race. You can be a White Latino, Afro Latino, AfroEuro Latino, Castizo Latino,Afro Mestizo Latino, Mestizo Latino, Native Indian Latino, Arabian Latino etc.... Shakira and Guillermo Del Toro are White Latinos. Y'all aren't a Race.
Stop One Drop Ruling the Black Race.
POC my a**. You consider Shakira a Non White Woman???????
@@Unsweetened8618
Thank you for the education. I appreciate it.
Blessings
Absolutely love this segment!
Wow beautiful designs! Never knew he existed!!
I never knew this story. I hope someone turns this into a movie.
Thank you for sharing this very nice gentleman.
Great segment❤❤❤ his homes look breathtaking
Teachers should inspire not tear down students.
Why didn’t CBS feature him during Black History Month?
Learning something new everyday
He did the LAX spinning restuarant ? Cool... love that place.
Saw hour show all about Mr Williams on PBS...he was so talented...his creations were heavenly.
Amazing ❤.
Amazing
I love Paul R. Williams. All he did,had and achieved are to be commended.
Thank you for reminding me.
Magnificence, creative geniuses consists within ALL races,religions etc.
Segregate none, reap the benefits when experiencing from each.
❤❤❤
He was Black American, not African American. There is a BIG difference.
It is gorgeous!
I think Mr Williams would be very happy with who lives in the house now
Isn't that ........... racist? Why, yes it is.
Thanks for sharing 💙
The black minority architect has to become the developer, has to also become practically the private equity developer!!
Amazing yet sad story.😮😞
I wonder what went thru his mind when he could not stay in these hotels. So sad. So much talent without the proper recognition at the time.
I don't know. But he's sure not a Black Man. He's a AfroEuro. America stop the One Drop Rule
What he went through was probably an unimaginable life! His pay may not have been that high. I often wonder how much Paul Williams made on each building? 🤔
As long as he's↪👨🏽 not call Black. I really don't care. My main concern is Black Erasure.
@@Chutney1luv People like Paul was favored cause he was a AfroEuro. He had a better life being Mixed, than bring Black. The Woman👩🏿 in my thumbnail would've never been giving the same opportunity as AfroEuro Paul.
He was an Architect for the William Nickerson Gardens Apartments, a low income project designed for affordable housing to families. A lot of tragedy took place, but so did a lot of fond family and friends memories. It would be nice if they could refurbish or redesign a portion of them and make them townhouses in honor of him and to increase the community value with home ownership.🙂
Wow ❤
Loved this story! Why must we name or reference someone else greatness the “Michael Jordan” of whatever their greatness is? Hears a thought trying naming a person skill or greatness level THE “Bill Russell” of their work besides the last that I checked 11 is greater than 6… and social and professional accolades are much greater than a pair of shoes!
Awesome!
First time heard of this architect
Wow! 😢
🍒To put the cheery on top of that🤷🏻…that house should be used in a feature film to make it even more, moooore valuable.😮👏👍🎥🎞️
Yes!!
WOW
Only 2% of African American architects belong to the AIA. That should be a badge of honor that so many many have boycotted that overblown country club who gladly takes your dues but does virtually nothing to enhance your status.
Why do some of y'all hate us? It's been going on for literal centuries!
Who is “us”
Architects?
@@samadamms3432 - Your response is not as witty as you may have thought it was when you wrote it.
@@DJMarkCorneliusThaDon - It wasn't meant to be witty, it was meant to be thought provoking.
@@samadamms3432 and yet I’m sure most who appreciate this video would find your comment flip, dismissive, disrespectful and crass.
@@Mockduck2020 - And I'm perfectly fine if they feel that way. But the OP was the one implying racism, and crying oppression. So maybe you need to have a chat with him, unless you're doing the same.
Another genius held back because he was black
National treasure of
Ed Sullivan's "stiffness" was part of his charm. It humanized him and made him relatable. With a glitzy host, the show may not have been as huge.
I think a more appropriate title would be "The Michael Jordan of American Architects"...😁
I dont see why they compare him to Jordan
I was taught Frank Lloyd Wright over Paul Revere Williams and I feel cheated.
I agree completely.
This title is suspect
Exactly put respect on his name
I know the Founder's Church of Religious Science very well.
Blackamoor-Hebrewlite DNA ran through his veins.🧬
🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿
It is the clients that make the architect, the architect don't make the clients.
Why does he have to be the "Michael Jordan" of architecture? 🙄Is it because he's black and so you thought that title & connection would be more fitting? 🤔
I consider Michael Jordan, the Paul R. Williams of basketball.
Michael Jordan has done anything for the “black” community. Mr. Williams was more like Magic Johnson. I loved😍this story.
Errr…It’s a quote from the story perhaps? 4:18
Michael Jordan is a Black Man. But this Paul dude is a AfroEuro. The media is constantly promoted AfroEuros as the New Black.
Why compare his career to a basketball player? Isn't that racial?
That is the comparison that a black architect made in the video. So, no, it wasn't racial.
@@TheDeal007 Exactly. 4:18
@Stuart B it’s “racial” because it pertains to a race of human, but it’s not “racist”, which is something different. You pointed out it’s racial, which seems irrelevant. What’s your point?
@@lewstone5430 Read my post again. I agreed with the first reply and disagreed with the original comment.
@@stuartb3609 my bad. I read your comment as supporting the OP.
It'll happen again so many times. Prove me wrong
Why couldnt you just say "The Michael Jordan of Achitects?" Are african american architects not as good white ones? Come on guys, update your language.
Wait……are we still “celebrating “ Juneteenth? Doesn’t it seem strange that we celebrate freed slaves being lied to and then they are finally told they are no longer slaves……it’s like this segment where they have to dig up AA accomplishments to honor an architect that didn’t get his due……it becomes less about the achievement or freedom for slaves but the injustice committed…….pulling victims from the depths of history is bad juju…..the vast public or perhaps you can blame trumpers are quickly tiring of this…it will soon just become a MEH…….pride month MEH…..Juneteenth MEH……the brutality of slavery, Jim crow, 60’s civil rights MEH…..
He was talented beyond but you passed by his greatest achievment
in the theme building at LAX, posting the picture of it without mentioning
that HE designed it, to usher in the jet age coexistent with The Jetsons.
And you just concentrated on race like a communist network would do,
to ignore his contribution to that airport/gateway and highlight racism.
You just make me sick.
All the great buildings and you relegated him to victimhood.
Point is, ya took a great black architect and made him less than what he was.
A man who died in 1980 but you dug him up now to preach social justice activism.
And I wouldn't compare him to Jordan. More akin to Welton Becket.
A lot of rich Democrats live in California. Why do they not share their beautiful mansions with the poor and the homeless?
Who cares
You do, Hank.