Architect Corner - William Kesling

William Kesling (born Kessling; 18 October 1899 - 13 October 1983) was an American architect recognized as one California’s most prolific practitioners of Streamline Moderne.

His career was divided into two periods: a Los Angeles period spanning from 1934 to 1937, and a San Diego period spanning from 1939 to 1962. During the former period he designed primarily in the Streamline Moderne style, and during the latter in the International Style.

This post highlights four Streamline Moderne projects by Kesling visited in the LA area. I hope to visit many more!

Below, side-by-side neighbors in the Silverlake neighborhood on North Easterly Terrace, both completed in 1936:

The Vanderpool Residence at 1536 North Easterly Terrace is shown on the left of the image.

The Skinner House at 1530 N Easterly Terrace is shown on the right of the image. It is designated as Los Angeles Historical Cultural Monument #856

Below, one in Los Feliz:

Ulm House, 3606 Amesbury Road, 1937

Kesling designed this house for Harry Ulm, an engineer for the Southern Pacific Railroad.

Below, one in Pasadena, within running distance of home:

412 Glen Holly Drive, 1937

This scale of this property with its bright portal is best appreciated from the side elevation and from below, looking up.