Throughout all the thousands of buildings architect Paul R. Williams designed in his career, the redesign of the iconic Beverly Hills Hotel in the 1940s is considered one of his best works. And with all the work he put into that hotel, the white establishment showed their gratitude in the best way they knew how – by not letting him sleep nor eat anywhere near the facility.
Beginning his architectural career in the 1920s, Williams was no stranger to segregation. He was even warned early in his professional journey that “Your own people can't afford you, and white clients won't hire you.” But that only fueled Williams’ desire to be the best.
Williams helped innovate Los Angeles throughout his nearly 60 year career. And while the city never reciprocated the love he put into it, that didn’t stop him from his work. Over his 50-year career, he designed over 3000 buildings.
Against all odds, Williams dominated an industry that refused to make room for him. His story shows that we have the power to build communities, even in the face of adversity.