Paul Williams Bel Air Estate remodel by SweisKloss

This home was designed originally by Paul Williams in 1937. Several additions and remodels had been made over time.

SweisKloss was hired to complete both design and construct a renovation to the exterior landscape and hardscape, a new pool, and a new pool house and pergola to replace the one that was a result of a prior remodel.

Biggest challenges included immediately replacing the rear deteriorating retaining wall and the 20’ tall ficus hedge to regain privacy on the site. Also challenging was the upward slope of the outdoor spaces and the lack of an architectural relationship, flow or view from the pool house to the main house.

There were four specific elements that drove the design: staying true to the Paul Williams architecture, outdoor living, the utilization of natural light and maintaining privacy.

"To allow the property to flow we designed a pool and pool house that are parallel to the main residence and allowed the angle of the back property-line to disappear into the landscaping behind the pool house. The pool house completely opens up to the pool and pergola areas creating a dramatic space for entertaining and outdoor dining. When not opened up, the pool house serves as a space of solitude," architect Abeer Sweis said.

SweisKloss worked as a team with other professionals to complete this project: Tirschwell and Co. on architectural lighting, Benner Landscape Design for the plant/tree selection and layout, and Diane Hardie, architectural consulting.

About SweisKloss

Abeer Sweis | design partner

At heart, Abeer is both an architect and interior designer. While she also has intimate knowledge of construction and structural engineering, it is her innate ability to look at a potential project and see the myriad of design possibilities that has helped make her company a success.

Abeer knew at a young age that she wanted to be an architect. When she was 10, her family moved from her native Amman, Jordan to Los Angeles, where she went on to receive her Bachelor of Architecture degree from Woodbury University. While working as a designer at a small architecture firm, she acquired the technical knowledge and business skills to build her own company. In 1998, she started her own design firm, and in 2006 she partnered with her husband Jeff Kloss to create the construction side of the company, fulfilling their design + construct vision.

Since 1995, Abeer has taught at UCLA Extension, Cal Poly Pomona, Pierce College, Woodbury University and other Los Angeles area design schools. A leader in her community, she is a distinguished past president of the Kiwanis Club of Santa Monica and an involved parent of two rapidly growing children.

Jeff Kloss | construction partner

A licensed general contractor and go-to guy for all things construction, Jeff has a Bachelor of Architecture degree from Woodbury University where he and Abeer met. While he was pursuing his degree, he worked for a local construction company and discovered his appreciation for building.

Jeff went on to manage the construction of exclusive restaurants, high-end retail projects and custom homes for the Marshall Group before leading institutional projects at CW Driver such as The Cerritos Public Library, Jewish Home for the Aging and the Torrance YMCA. He also oversaw multiple modernization projects for the La Crescenta Valley and El Segundo School Districts.

After learning all aspects of construction on a variety of large-scale jobs, Jeff started to miss collaborating with a team and working on projects that were more intimate and personal for the end user. Thus, the perfect opportunity presented itself to join forces with Abeer to create their full-service design + construct firm. Jeff is an active parent, coach and mentor in Boy Scout Troop T2 and AYSO Soccer. From leading a hike or canoe trip, to refereeing soccer games, he enjoys spending time with his son and daughter.

Information about more team members can be found at sweiskloss.com.

Photo Credit: Chang Kyun Kim