Pioneering Strides: The Shaping of Los Angeles by Black Women Architects

In an industry where only 2.04% are African American, architects like Paul Revere Williams have made pioneering strides and achievements in the industry. Williams specifically was responsible for the prestigious Beverly Hills Hotel, his actual handwriting as the stylized moniker boasted on its turquoise wall to this day. Within a 60-year career, he became the first Black architect to join the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and designed over 2,500 buildings, most of them in Los Angeles. Despite concerns that whites wouldn't hire him and Blacks couldn't afford him, Williams became hugely responsible for glamorizing Southern California between 1920-1980 to the entire world. It could be said that Williams is why Los Angeles got such a reputation for high-class innovation and trendsetting style. In honor of his contribution to the world of architecture, Suite Life SoCal recognizes him and other Black architects who have influenced our Southern California landscape over the past 80 years.

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