Architects of Little Holmby: Richard Neutra

Richard Joseph Neutra (April 8, 1892- April 16, 1970) was an Austrian-American architect, residing and building primarily in Southern California. Neutra is considered among the most important Modernist architects. While attending the Vienna University of Technology (1910-1918), Neutra studied under architectural theorist, Adolf Loos. After World War I, Neutra served as city architect in Luckenwalde, Germany. In 1922, he married Dione Niedermann, and had three sons with her; one son, Dion, became an architect and his father’s business partner.

Neutra moved to the United States in 1923. Briefly, Neutra worked for famed architect, Frank Lloyd Wright before accepting his friend’s, Rudolph Schindler, invitation to work and live communally in his King’s Road House, also known as Schindler House, in West Hollywood, California. In 1926, Neutra and Schindler partnered with planner Carol Aronovici to form the Architectural Group for Industry and Commerce (AGIC). After branching out on his own, Neutra designed numerous buildings, twelve of which have been designated as Historic Cultural Monuments, including the Lovell Health House, the Linn House, and the Neutra VDL Studio.

Lovell Health House- 4616 Dundee Drive, Los Angeles, CA
The Lovell Health House, completed in 1929, is considered to be a major monument in architectural history. The house was the first of its kind, built using steel framing and technology used in building skyscrapers.

Linn House, 7820 Mulholland Dr., Los Angeles, CA

Neutra VDL Studio, 2300 Silver Lake Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA

In California, Neutra was celebrated for his geometric but airy structures, a variation of the mid-century modern style popular during this time. His residential architecture style was a blend of art, landscapes, and practical comfort. Neutra designed a number of houses in Little Holmby, including 10525 Garwood Pl, 234 Hilgard Ave, and 651 Warner Ave.