Golden State Mutual Life, Paul R. Williams, 1949. Photograph © 2015 Paul Turang.

Discover the modern genius of Paul R. Williams, an architect who sought to unite timeless design with his innovative vision. While he is known for many celebrity estates, this tour moves beyond the "architect to the stars" label to showcase Williams’ pioneering role in shaping Los Angeles. We will explore a variety of projects, revealing how he masterfully incorporated elegant curves, decorative elements, and a sense of enduring sophistication into his designs. Experience Williams as a visionary who believed Modernism could be both forward-thinking and timeless.

This tour is led by a distinguished team of experts and curators who are at the forefront of preserving and interpreting the legacy of Paul R. Williams. Renowned architect and historian Alan Hess will open the program with an introduction to Williams’s prolific career and its enduring impact on American architecture. Joining him are key members of the curatorial team behind the landmark cross-institutional initiative, I Am an Architect: Paul R. Williams, including Dr. LeRonn P. Brooks, an art historian and Curator of the African American Art History Initiative at the Getty Research Institute; Valery Augustin, a licensed architect, USC professor, and principal of DNA Architecture + Design; and Sarah Locke, a heritage conservation consultant and researcher at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA). Together, they offer a deep, behind-the-scenes perspective on Williams’s modern genius and his profound role in shaping the built identity of Southern California.

This tour features interior access to the Golden State Mutual Life building and Founder's Church. Coach transportation included.

** Bus Tours promptly depart from USC Hotel at the indicated start time. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to start time to board the bus.

$95 USD/person

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.