Before Seattle, Los Angeles was home on and off for nearly 25 years.
One of the things I loved most about living there was how accessible great architecture felt. On any given weekend, you could tour a landmark home, visit an architect’s studio, or stumble upon an architectural masterpiece tucked into an otherwise ordinary neighborhood.
Over the years, I made a point of visiting many of the homes designed by architects like Rudolph Schindler, Richard Neutra, and Charles and Ray Eames. I was even fortunate enough to attend the launch of the MAK Center, which continues to preserve Schindler’s legacy today.
Those experiences shaped the way I think about architecture—and the kinds of homes I’m drawn to as a real estate broker.
Two enduring sources of inspiration remain Schindler and the Eameses.
What I love about their work is how contemporary it still feels. Natural light. Flexible living spaces. Strong connections to the outdoors. Thoughtful use of materials. These ideas feel every bit as relevant today as they did nearly a century ago.
I’ve been thinking about that recently as interest in the Eames House has surged once again. A new book celebrating the iconic home and a recently unveiled modular housing concept inspired by the Eames philosophy are introducing a new generation to ideas that have proven remarkably timeless.
Many of the qualities today’s buyers seek—light-filled spaces, indoor-outdoor living, flexibility, and thoughtful design—can be traced directly back to architects like Schindler and the Eameses.
Here in Seattle, I see those influences everywhere. Whether in original midcentury homes, Northwest contemporary architecture, or thoughtfully designed new construction, the best homes continue to embrace the same principles that made these California landmarks so enduring.
Great architecture doesn’t age out of relevance. The best ideas evolve, adapt, and continue inspiring new generations. Nearly a century later, the work of Schindler and the Eameses continues to do exactly that.
Further Reading:
• Rudolph Schindler’s Homes in Los Angeles (Wallpaper)
• The Eames House
• The Eames-Inspired Modular Housing Concept
