Paul R. Williams was a trailblazing architect and one of the most influential Black architects of the 20th century. Born in Los Angeles on February 18, 1894, Williams overcame significant racial barriers to become a highly respected figure in American architecture. After graduating from high school, he studied at the Los Angeles School of Art, the Beaux-Arts Institute of Design, and the engineering school at the University of Southern California. During his studies in the 1910s, Williams gained practical experience by working in the offices of several prominent Los Angeles architects.
In 1921, Williams became a licensed architect in California, and the following year, he established his own practice. His early career focused primarily on residential architecture, designing homes for the affluent residents of Los Angeles. In 1923, Williams broke new ground as the first Black American to become a member of the Southern California chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA).
Williams won an architectural competition at age 25 and opened his office three years later. An outstanding draftsman, Williams also perfected sketching “upside down.” A skill developed because, in the 1920s, many of his white clients felt uncomfortable sitting directly next to a Black man.
Williams’s work evolved throughout his career, particularly during the 1950s and 1960s, when he began to design some of Los Angeles’s most iconic public buildings. His most famous project is likely the Theme Building at Los Angeles International Airport, which he co-designed with William Pereira. This futuristic structure has become an enduring symbol of Los Angeles.
Pasadena’s Saks Fifth Ave building in Old Town Pasadena before becoming a Forever 21 (Now Closed)
In addition to his work in Los Angeles, Williams made significant contributions to architecture in other regions, including Pasadena, California, where he showcased his architectural versatility and influence by designing some notable buildings that include:
- The Bishop Residence – A residential project that demonstrates Williams’s signature style of blending classical and modern elements, reflecting the tastes of Pasadena’s affluent residents.
- Pasadena’s Saks Fifth Avenue – Although the main Saks Fifth Avenue store he designed is in Beverly Hills, Williams was involved in various commercial projects, and his influence extended to nearby Pasadena’s luxury retail architecture along with John Parkinson and Parkinson’s son, Donald
- The Oak Knoll Subdivision – Williams was involved in the design of several homes in Pasadena’s prestigious Oak Knoll neighborhood, a prime example of his residential architecture, which catered to the wealthy elite.
- Pasadena Boulevard Apartments – Another residential project that highlights his ability to design for both individual homeowners and larger-scale developments.
- Various Private Residences – Williams designed several custom homes throughout Pasadena, many of which are in neighborhoods known for their historic and architectural significance. These homes often featured his signature attention to detail, blending traditional Southern California architectural styles with modern amenities.
- First African Methodist Episcopal Church: Vernon Ave & Kensington Place
While specific buildings in Pasadena attributed to Williams may be less well-known, his influence and legacy extend throughout Southern California. His design philosophy, which he referred to as “conservative modernism,” can be seen in the elegant blending of traditional and modern styles in his work, which likely influenced architectural trends in cities like Pasadena.
Throughout his career, Williams designed homes for some of Hollywood’s most famous stars, including Frank Sinatra, Lucille Ball, and Danny Thomas. He also made substantial contributions to public and commercial architecture, including designing landmark buildings for Black-owned businesses in Los Angeles, such as the Angelus Funeral Home, Golden State Mutual Life Insurance, and Broadway Federal Savings and Loan.
Paul R. Williams passed away on January 23, 1980, at the age of 85, leaving behind a legacy of architectural innovation and cultural impact that continues to be celebrated today. His work remains a testament to his extraordinary talent and his pioneering role as a Black architect in America.
