From LAX to Frank Sinatra's house, Paul R. Williams' architecture defined mid-century California

For decades, systemic racism has infused infrastructure, housing, and economic opportunities nationwide. Few Black Americans had any say in the design of their surroundings. But Paul Revere Williams did.

Williams was the architect of hundreds of buildings that shaped LA, including the LA County Courthouse. He worked with Pereira & Luckman on the Theme Building at LAX airport.

He also designed private residences for celebrities of Hollywood’s Golden age, including Frank Sinatra, Lucille Ball, and Desi Arnaz.

Photographer Janna Ireland tells KCRW's Frances Anderton, “He designed buildings for very wealthy people, but he also designed public housing projects. He designed tract homes for black GIs returning from World War II. He designed homes for middle class families. He published two books of floor plans that people could use to build their own homes without having to hire him, but to have a Paul Williams house.”

Williams also taught himself to draw upside down so he could sit across from his clients — in case they did not want to sit next to him.

Now the Getty Research Institute and USC School of Architecture have acquired an archive of his work.

That includes about 35,000 plans, 10,000 original drawings, blueprints, hand-colored renderings, vintage photographs, correspondence, and other materials relating to both built and unbuilt work.

The archive is to be processed and catalogued, which will take a lot of time. Then anyone can make an appointment to see it. Much of the material will be accessible online as well.