Each project comes with an introductory paragraph that provides basic details such as name, location, year, and architect (when known). The meat of the book is its visuals, as evinced by the nearly full-spread of the 1973 Lavie Residence (designed by William F. Cody) and its striking indoor-outdooor design.
Each project comes with an introductory paragraph that provides basic details such as name, location, year, and architect (when known). The meat of the book is its visuals, as evinced by the nearly full-spread of the 1973 Lavie Residence (designed by William F. Cody) and its striking indoor-outdooor design.
Set against the backdrop of the dry desert hills, the Ace's white buildings are an unpretentious makeover of an existing, rundown roadside motel. L.A.-based firm Commune and the Ace's own design team, Atelier Ace, approached the project as a curatorial endeavor, commissioning a number of artists and artisans from southern California and the Southwest to piece together the design elements. See more of the Ace Palm Springs here.
Set against the backdrop of the dry desert hills, the Ace's white buildings are an unpretentious makeover of an existing, rundown roadside motel. L.A.-based firm Commune and the Ace's own design team, Atelier Ace, approached the project as a curatorial endeavor, commissioning a number of artists and artisans from southern California and the Southwest to piece together the design elements. See more of the Ace Palm Springs here.
The 1956 all-white La Casa di Ucello Bianca, designed by an unkown architect, was carefully restored by its current owners.
The 1956 all-white La Casa di Ucello Bianca, designed by an unkown architect, was carefully restored by its current owners.
The Sandpiper is a group of nine real estate subdivisions (306 homes in total), designed by Krisel and built between 1958 and 1969. Krisel also did all the landscape design for the site.
The Sandpiper is a group of nine real estate subdivisions (306 homes in total), designed by Krisel and built between 1958 and 1969. Krisel also did all the landscape design for the site.
Project: The Saguaro Palm Springs 

After they revamped the brand identity of The Saguaro Scottsdale, in Arizona, Stamberg Aferiat + Associates turned to nature to revive the hotel’s sister property in Palm Springs, a once-iconic midcentury structure that had become distressed over time. Completed in 2012, the vivacious prismatic update took cues from the desert’s native wildflowers, including lemon bottlebrush, California poppy, indigo bush, agave, and desert penstemon. "Color can bring great joy into our lives and environments," says Stamberg Aferiat + Associates partner Peter Stamberg. "It can make a space more engaging, embracing, warmer, more open, or more closed."
Project: The Saguaro Palm Springs After they revamped the brand identity of The Saguaro Scottsdale, in Arizona, Stamberg Aferiat + Associates turned to nature to revive the hotel’s sister property in Palm Springs, a once-iconic midcentury structure that had become distressed over time. Completed in 2012, the vivacious prismatic update took cues from the desert’s native wildflowers, including lemon bottlebrush, California poppy, indigo bush, agave, and desert penstemon. "Color can bring great joy into our lives and environments," says Stamberg Aferiat + Associates partner Peter Stamberg. "It can make a space more engaging, embracing, warmer, more open, or more closed."
A home in Krisel's Kings Point development, an 11-acre site off of the Canyon Country Club golf course that was designed in the early 1960s.
A home in Krisel's Kings Point development, an 11-acre site off of the Canyon Country Club golf course that was designed in the early 1960s.
Kings Point—located at the Indians Canyon Golf Resort—is home to 44 condominiums designed by Dan Palmer and William Krisel in 1968. High ceilings, ample clerestory windows, and extensive views of the Jacinto Mountains are among their defining charactertistics.
Kings Point—located at the Indians Canyon Golf Resort—is home to 44 condominiums designed by Dan Palmer and William Krisel in 1968. High ceilings, ample clerestory windows, and extensive views of the Jacinto Mountains are among their defining charactertistics.
The kitchen of the La Casa di Ucello Bianca. As architect Ron Radziner says in the book's forward, Chavkin's color photography captures the light so essential to experiencing the West Coast's desert modernism.
The kitchen of the La Casa di Ucello Bianca. As architect Ron Radziner says in the book's forward, Chavkin's color photography captures the light so essential to experiencing the West Coast's desert modernism.
The home’s earthy color scheme complements the exterior landscape, which is ever-visible through grand windows.
The home’s earthy color scheme complements the exterior landscape, which is ever-visible through grand windows.
Also in La Casa di Ucello Bianca, sunlight from a clerestory reflects off white ceilings to illuminate richly hued furnishings.
Also in La Casa di Ucello Bianca, sunlight from a clerestory reflects off white ceilings to illuminate richly hued furnishings.
William Krisel designed the Ocotillo Lodge, a hotel that features a number of his signature design moves: post-and-beam construction, walls of glass, and seamless indoor/outdoor connections. Pictured here is one of the hotel’s bungalows.
William Krisel designed the Ocotillo Lodge, a hotel that features a number of his signature design moves: post-and-beam construction, walls of glass, and seamless indoor/outdoor connections. Pictured here is one of the hotel’s bungalows.
Books pepper the Toronto apartment, but most are housed in two libraries, one of which is dedicated to art and photography. It also features a Palms lounger by Dutch designer Frans Schrofer and the painting Any Number of Preoccupations by Lynette Yiadom-Boakye. The second bedroom, which also functions as a library, has Vitsœ shelving and houses owner Kenneth Montague’s book collection.
Books pepper the Toronto apartment, but most are housed in two libraries, one of which is dedicated to art and photography. It also features a Palms lounger by Dutch designer Frans Schrofer and the painting Any Number of Preoccupations by Lynette Yiadom-Boakye. The second bedroom, which also functions as a library, has Vitsœ shelving and houses owner Kenneth Montague’s book collection.
A tract house with a butterfly roof designed in 1956 for Joe Dunas.
A tract house with a butterfly roof designed in 1956 for Joe Dunas.
Another 1956 tract house with a flat roof designed by Krisel.
Another 1956 tract house with a flat roof designed by Krisel.
Another one of the home's light-filled spaces, the bathroom includes Wetstyle sinks and blue tiling. Photo courtesy of the owners.
Another one of the home's light-filled spaces, the bathroom includes Wetstyle sinks and blue tiling. Photo courtesy of the owners.
The Saguaro on E. Palm Canyon Dr.
The Saguaro on E. Palm Canyon Dr.
The Kaufman Residence by Richard Neutra, Palm Springs, 1946. Photo courtesy of the Julius Sherman Photography Archive, Getty Research Institute, Los Angeles.
The Kaufman Residence by Richard Neutra, Palm Springs, 1946. Photo courtesy of the Julius Sherman Photography Archive, Getty Research Institute, Los Angeles.
Twin Palms by William Krisel.
Twin Palms by William Krisel.
Twin Palms by William Krisel.
Twin Palms by William Krisel.
Photo by Dan Chavkin.
Photo by Dan Chavkin.
Modernism Week in Palm Springs.
Modernism Week in Palm Springs.
Inhabiting an old Howard Johnson hotel, the Ace Hotel & Swim Club in Palm Springs fills a niche for low-budget, high-design accommodations while also appealing to the creative, urban set.
Inhabiting an old Howard Johnson hotel, the Ace Hotel & Swim Club in Palm Springs fills a niche for low-budget, high-design accommodations while also appealing to the creative, urban set.
Twin Palms by William Krisel.
Twin Palms by William Krisel.
Silhouetted partygoers enjoying the atmosphere.
Silhouetted partygoers enjoying the atmosphere.
Twin Palms by William Krisel.
Twin Palms by William Krisel.
Corbin Palms by William Krisel.
Corbin Palms by William Krisel.
For anyone familiar with midcentury modern architecture, particularly in the Palm Springs area, the name Donald Wexler would immediately come to mind. For anyone familiar with the Southern California midcentury modern aesthetic, then the names Evelyn and Jerome Ackerman might roll off their tongues just as easily. Now, where does the Eisenhower name fit within this stylish mix? Eisenhower Medical Center’s newest Palm Springs location at 415 South Palm Canyon is a Donald Wexler–designed building that has been completely remodeled, with a few pieces from the Ackermans as well as photos from Palm Springs photographer Dan Chavkin. The Eisenhower Health Center at South Palm Canyon is not only a state-of-the-art health care facility, but also a midcentury modern treasure. 

To celebrate the unveiling, a living design legend will be onhand—Jerome Ackerman—for 

Masters of Midcentury California Design: The Story of Evelyn and Jerome Ackerman on Saturday, February 14.
For anyone familiar with midcentury modern architecture, particularly in the Palm Springs area, the name Donald Wexler would immediately come to mind. For anyone familiar with the Southern California midcentury modern aesthetic, then the names Evelyn and Jerome Ackerman might roll off their tongues just as easily. Now, where does the Eisenhower name fit within this stylish mix? Eisenhower Medical Center’s newest Palm Springs location at 415 South Palm Canyon is a Donald Wexler–designed building that has been completely remodeled, with a few pieces from the Ackermans as well as photos from Palm Springs photographer Dan Chavkin. The Eisenhower Health Center at South Palm Canyon is not only a state-of-the-art health care facility, but also a midcentury modern treasure. To celebrate the unveiling, a living design legend will be onhand—Jerome Ackerman—for Masters of Midcentury California Design: The Story of Evelyn and Jerome Ackerman on Saturday, February 14.
Palms Shelf by Eastvold Furniture

“This is designed by Minneapolis designer Christopher Dela Pole and made in Minnesota by the Eastvold brand. This smart shelving unit is now available in Forage Green—named after, you guessed it, Forage Modern Workshop—as it shares the color of our exterior brick beam. Hang next to your door as the catch all for phone, keys or display some of your favorite pictures and memorabilia.”
Palms Shelf by Eastvold Furniture “This is designed by Minneapolis designer Christopher Dela Pole and made in Minnesota by the Eastvold brand. This smart shelving unit is now available in Forage Green—named after, you guessed it, Forage Modern Workshop—as it shares the color of our exterior brick beam. Hang next to your door as the catch all for phone, keys or display some of your favorite pictures and memorabilia.”
The Frey II House in Palm Springs, designed by architect Albert Frey.
The Frey II House in Palm Springs, designed by architect Albert Frey.
The Saguaro Palm Springs, Palm Springs

Especially after a brutal winter, a stay at The Saguaro is like entering a new, technicolor dimension. Centered around a sizable pool, the guest rooms feature hand-crafted Mexican furniture in varying eye-popping hues. Architects Peter Stamberg and Paul Aferiat were inspired by Palm Springs’ indigenous desert flowers.
The Saguaro Palm Springs, Palm Springs Especially after a brutal winter, a stay at The Saguaro is like entering a new, technicolor dimension. Centered around a sizable pool, the guest rooms feature hand-crafted Mexican furniture in varying eye-popping hues. Architects Peter Stamberg and Paul Aferiat were inspired by Palm Springs’ indigenous desert flowers.
Modernism Week Show House: The Christopher Kennedy Compound celebrates the Palm Springs legacy of midcentury modern architecture and jet set American style.

"Last year's home was built in 1971," says Christopher Kennedy. "It was beautiful and glamorous, befitting the Palm Springs legacy of Hollywood celebrities and great design. Tones of gray, black, and white prevailed. This year's home was built in 1964. It is actually a little smaller. I asked the designers to take the design a little less seriously. We will see lots of white, creamy tones. I asked the designers to be playful and I set a color palette of blues and greens...my favorite hues in the desert. Think the green of the golf courses and succulent plants; the azure of the desert sky and the turquoise of the pool water."

Contributing designers include Bobby Berk, Linda Allen, Michael Berman, Trip Haenisch, and Dwell on Design speakers Mark Cutler and Vanessa De Vargas.

A VIP gala the evening of Friday, February 13, will help kick things off.
Modernism Week Show House: The Christopher Kennedy Compound celebrates the Palm Springs legacy of midcentury modern architecture and jet set American style. "Last year's home was built in 1971," says Christopher Kennedy. "It was beautiful and glamorous, befitting the Palm Springs legacy of Hollywood celebrities and great design. Tones of gray, black, and white prevailed. This year's home was built in 1964. It is actually a little smaller. I asked the designers to take the design a little less seriously. We will see lots of white, creamy tones. I asked the designers to be playful and I set a color palette of blues and greens...my favorite hues in the desert. Think the green of the golf courses and succulent plants; the azure of the desert sky and the turquoise of the pool water." Contributing designers include Bobby Berk, Linda Allen, Michael Berman, Trip Haenisch, and Dwell on Design speakers Mark Cutler and Vanessa De Vargas. A VIP gala the evening of Friday, February 13, will help kick things off.
1030 West Cielo Drive, Palm Springs
1030 West Cielo Drive, Palm Springs
879 N Monte Vista, Palm Springs
879 N Monte Vista, Palm Springs
877 S Via Las Palmas, Palm Springs
877 S Via Las Palmas, Palm Springs
Desert Canopy House, the first net-zero energy house in Palm Springs. Photo courtesy Sander Architects.
Desert Canopy House, the first net-zero energy house in Palm Springs. Photo courtesy Sander Architects.

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