Franklin D. Israel: Shaping Los Angeles Architecture

Franklin D. Israel arrived in Los Angeles in 1977 to teach at UCLA, bringing with him influences from Louis Kahn and mentorship from Frank Gehry. The city’s experimental spirit fueled his innovative designs, blending postmodernism with bold geometric forms and vivid colors. A key figure in the “LA Ten,” Israel contributed iconic structures to the city’s late 20th-century landscape until his untimely death in 1996 at age 50 from AIDS-related complications.

His legacy, recently celebrated in the Getty Research Institute’s Franklin D. Israel: A Life in Architecture, showcases his ability to redefine spaces. “Frank Israel’s architecture was pivotal in positioning Los Angeles at the center of global architectural discourse,” says curator Gary Riichirō-Fox. Though many of his works have been altered or demolished, several enduring projects highlight his genius.

Notable Works

Weisman Pavilion (1991)

At the Frederick R. Weisman Art Foundation, Israel and Sean Howe designed a massive art barn to house Weisman’s contemporary art collection, including works by Frank Stella and Keith Haring. Featuring wood beams and vibrant neon motorcycles, this Holmby Hills gallery is accessible by appointment.

Howard D. Goldberg and Jim Bean House

Israel reimagined a 1950s Hollywood Hills ranch house for a couple with contrasting tastes. Using plywood, sheet metal, and bold pigmentation, he added a master suite and upper-level office, creating a playful, color-blocked home with echoes of Gehry’s style.

Arango-Berry House

Above Sunset Boulevard, Israel transformed a 1950s post-and-beam home into a postmodern marvel. Stripping it to two gabled volumes, he unified them with a central wall, incorporating built-ins and FinPly furniture to blend elegance and function.

Bay Cities Garage (Bright and Associates Office)

Recommended by Gehry, Israel converted the former Eames headquarters into a dynamic office for Bright and Associates. Using sheet metal, glass, and vibrant hues, he crafted an industrial space lauded in Time magazine’s “Best of the ’90s.”

Roberts House

For director Randy Roberts, Israel turned a 1950s ranch house above Lake Hollywood Reservoir into a milk carton-shaped home. A new central axis connected a tower bridge, studios, and library, blending style and order.

Israel’s Lasting Impact

Israel’s archive at the Getty Research Institute, including drawings, models, and interviews, offers a deep dive into his creative process. His work continues to inspire, with surviving structures showcasing his bold vision and Los Angeles’ architectural vibrancy.