desert modernism Archives

Modernist Index

E. Stewart Williams, Desert Modernist

October 13, 2025
Written by Kye Cardinalis and Featured image by Farragutful

Alongside names like Richard Neutra, Albert Frey, and William Cody, Emerson Stewart Williams is considered one of the architectural giants of Palm Springs. He and his firm Williams, Williams, &…

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exterior backyard view of pool in 1946 Albert Frey designed Palm Springs home

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House Tours

A 1946 Albert Frey Home is a Postwar Wonder

April 13, 2025
Written by Laura Shimko and Photography by Dan Chavkin

Classic Desert Modernism meets contemporary minimalist design in this rare 1946 Albert Frey home. One of the most fascinating aspects of architecture is the role geography and climate play in…

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Palm Springs style dining table with Saarinen tulip chairs and table and orange and yellow dishware and stemware

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Modernist Index

That Palm Springs Style

April 12, 2025
Written by Jickie Torres and Photography by Rex Bonomelli

We flock to the desert for the mid-century glamour. But what exactly are the key ingredients for that look? The area’s top design talents share their takes. “Palm Springs design…

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William Cody designed home in Racquet Club Cottages West condo in Palm Springs

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Modernist Index

William F. Cody: An Open Mind for Open Spaces

June 22, 2024
Written by Kye Cardinalis and Featured image photography by Bret Gum

If you’re familiar with Palm Springs’ modern architecture, you’ve probably heard the name William F. Cody. William Francis Cody was one of the key architects responsible for shaping Palm Springs…

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The Raymond Loewy House, 1946 in Palm Springs

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Celebrating the Anniversary of Pioneering Book, Palm Springs Modern

May 18, 2024
Written by Jickie Torres and Photography by David Glomb, courtesy of Rizzoli

On the 25th anniversary of Palm Springs Modern, author Adele Cygelman looks back at her seminal book that was the first to shed a collective light on the desert’s architectural…

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Exterior of a home at the Thunderbird Country Club

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Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz in Thunderbird Country Club

April 3, 2022
Written by Anna Marcum and Photography courtesy of Getty Research Institute

Paul R. Williams’ approach to desert Modernism connected Ball and Arnaz, the stars of "I Love Lucy," to the surrounding desert community.

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Home + History Las Vegas vintage tour Chippewa fireplace

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Mid Century Lifestyle

Celebrate Las Vegas Modernism with Home + History Las Vegas

March 25, 2022
Written by Jolene Nolte and Featured image photography by Jack LeVine

Learn more about Las Vegas modernism with the Home + History Las Vegas event. Comprised of various tours the weekend of April 29-May 1, 2022, Home + History Las Vegas…

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Roy’s Motel and Cafe: A Route 66 Must-See

January 9, 2022
Written by Ken MacIntyre

As any retro road tripper will tell you, Roy’s Motel and Cafe on old Route 66 in California’s eastern Mojave Desert is a bucket list must-see of mid century proportions. …

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Albert Frey: The Visionary Palm Springs Architect

October 4, 2021
Written by Rabekah Henderson

Few architects master a style so perfectly as Albert Frey did. His simple yet beautiful approach to Desert Modernism captivated the architectural community and transformed the Coachella Valley. But Frey’s…

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