Kitchen of the Sheats-Goldstein residence, Los Angeles, United States. Grueslayer @Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Perched dramatically above Beverly Hills, the Sheats-Goldstein House (1963) is one of John Lautner’s most celebrated masterpieces – and one of the most iconic residences in Los Angeles. Designed for James and Helen Sheats and later transformed in collaboration with current owner James Goldstein, the house embodies Lautner’s lifelong pursuit of organic architecture, fusing concrete, wood, and glass with the surrounding canyon landscape.

Explore the home’s soaring, cave-like interiors, seamless indoor-outdoor flow, and breathtaking views that dissolve the boundary between architecture and nature. Attendees will learn how Lautner pushed the limits of engineering and design to create a space at once futuristic and deeply connected to its site. From its triangular forms to its cinematic presence in films and popular culture, the Sheats-Goldstein House is a testament to the visionary spirit of Southern California modernism.

This tour includes bus transportation between USC and the Sheats Goldstein Residence and an on-site guided tour by Roberta Leighton, general manager of the Sheats Goldstein enterprises.

About the Tour Leader

Roberta Leighton plays a crucial role as the general manager of the Sheats-Goldstein House in Los Angeles, a renowned architectural masterpiece designed by John Lautner. She effectively “runs the place” for the owner, Jim Goldstein, and manages numerous events like movie shoots, commercials, and photo shoots that take place at the iconic residence. Her in-depth knowledge of the house, both architecturally and socially, makes her a popular and engaging tour guide.

Beyond her role at the Sheats-Goldstein House, Roberta Leighton is also known for her acting career, with notable appearances in movies and television shows such as Stripes (where she played Bill Murray’s girlfriend), The Dukes of Hazzard, and The Young and The Restless. 

She is further involved in efforts to promote and celebrate John Lautner’s architecture, including coordinating tours of the Sheats-Goldstein complex through the John Lautner Foundation.

Note: You must be registered for the conference in order to register for tours. Once you complete your conference registration you will receive an email with links to register for your tours.