Documentary highlighting the life of Paul Revere Williams, the first certified African American architect west of the Mississippi. "Architect to the Stars"
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love Paul Revere Williams' spirit and designs (later dubbed Googie style) defining historical Hollywood structures (homes, schools, airport...)...finally getting respect and recognition for his iconic work. God given talent.
An unbelievably imaginative artist! The few of his private homes I've seen are loaded with so many details, such wit and intelligence and live-ability.
Paul Williams wasn't the best black architect, he was and remains the best architect, period. Still the MVP.
Wow!...I think I may have missed the Opportunity to meet Mr. Williams in Person back in the 70's! I was Born in Longbeach, ca. in 53 at Seaside Memorial Hospital and my father was a Navy Vet. and a former Longbeach Police officer. I Graduated from Compton Senior High School in 71...Go Tarbabes! and went to Cal. State Longbeach to Major in Architectural Design in 71...in 72 CSLB became Cal. State University Longbeach (CSULB)...Go 49ers!
During that time Of the 70's, CSULB didn't have that many Black Students attending its campus...I remember taking 16 units full time and working at McDonald's at night, full time as a Store Manager! I was the only black Student in All my Classes except for my Black History Class!...and my Instructor name was Miss White and she was African American! (LOL/SMH)
As a Architectural Design Major my Dean had Suggested that I visit this Black Architect in Los Angeles, ca. (whom I now think was Mr. Paul Revere Williams) to get an Ideal what it would be like to work in the field...But the Dean also told me that it would take me about 7 yr.s (4 yr. Bachelor Degree plus another 3 yr.s of internship) before I would actually work as a Architect! Man!...I was so Disappointed because I was only about 18 yr.s young and 7 years seem like along time!
I tried to struggle thru for another 2 and 1/2 years or so but going to school and working full time was burning me out so I ended up dropping out and later went into the USAF to take advantage of my Air Force ROTC Training back in High School and the G.I. Bill to finish my Education!...Oh Well that was a Opportunity Missed!...God Bless!
Simply awesome presentation capturing the greatness in this man. Thank you. Paul R. Williams designed the corporate building of my grandfather's (Wm. Nickerson Jr.) successful insurance company (Golden State Mutual Life Insurance - aka GSM) where the ground breaking took place approx. 1955 (the company founded in 1925.) Today the building is now been considered a Los Angeles historical landmark on the corner of Western Ave. and Adams Blvd. by the City of Los Angeles and cannot be torn down. More on this story can be viewed here: http://www.williamnickersonjrproject.com/?page_id=35 GSM became the largest Black owned and operated insurance company west of the Mississippi.
A truly legendary and remarkable Starchitect to the Stars of Hollywood and beyond was the incomparable Paul Revere Williams! He designed the most exquisite homes as well as many public buildings. More people should know about this famous architect and videos like this will help to keep people informed. There are recent books about Paul Revere Williams and his work that are still available. Thanks for posting this video.
I'm privileged enough to live in a Paul R. Williams home. We are currently seeking landmark status and have undertaken restoration efforts so this lovely monument to his abilities will be admired for generations after we move on.
I learned something new by watching this documentary on Paul Revere Williams. Thanks for posting this video.
Very interesting document of a highly successful - black Architect. I'm glad he was able to become high in status, despite the problems he faced from his career, which was very political and disheartening. R.I.P good friend
Thankyou for this video, has truly been an inspiration. Paul Revere Williams was a true inventor and with his innovation made him a true "Starchitect"
Paul R. Williams Quote.
"Planning is thinking beforehand how something is to be made or done, and mixing imagination with the product which in a broad sense makes all of us planners. The only difference is that some people get a license to get paid for thinking and the rest of us just contribute our good thoughts to our fellow man."
Thanks. Well made and interesting.
I love his work all over Los Angeles but sad to see The Famous and gigantic Tudor Mansion in Pasadena burned down in 2005