Architect Spotlight - Douglass Honnold

Born in Canada, architect Douglas Honnold would ultimately make his mark in America, where he would prove an influential award-winning designer whose work helped define the architectural character of Hollywood and Los Angeles from 1930 until his death in 1974. Known for his contributions to Art Deco, Hollywood Regency Moderne, and Googie architecture, Honnold's designs captured Golden Age Hollywood glamour while embracing the futuristic optimism of post-war America. His portfolio includes everything from opulent estates for the stars to roadside icons that epitomized mid-century modernity.

Douglas Honnold was born in Montreal, Quebec, in 1901. At age 19, he began his architectural education, first at Cornell University in Upstate New York, then completing coursework at the University of California, Berkeley. His early career saw him working with notable firms, including Spaulding and Rex, where he contributed to Case Study House No. 2, part of the landmark post-war architectural program. Honnold quickly developed a reputation for his innovative designs and an ability to blend modernism with the Hollywood aesthetic.

Honnold often collaborated with other prominent architects, including John Lautner, George Vernon Russell, and Arthur Hawes. His partnership with Russell, in particular, resulted in some of his most iconic projects, cementing his role as a defining figure in Hollywood's architectural evolution.

Honnold's designs showcased a range of styles that reflected the changing tastes of his era. His overall body of work was characterized by functionality and accessibility, with a penchant for glamour and, in later years, a heavy dose of futurism. Honnold often considered the practical needs of his clients, from luxurious spaces for the Hollywood elite to car-friendly roadside architecture, while never betraying the extravagance for which Hollywood and its surrounding environs are so well known.

Honnold helped to foster and broaden several notable design movements, including:

Honnold played a significant role in Hollywood Regency Moderne, a sub-style of Art Deco. His ability to blend the latter's elements with Hollywood's luxurious, film-inspired aesthetic made him a favorite among the entertainment elite. This style, characterized by geometric forms, rich materials, and an emphasis on opulence and glamour, was heavily influenced by the sets designed by Cedric Gibbons for MGM. Honnold's work helped bring this cinematic aesthetic into real-world architecture, creating homes and buildings that reflected the glitz and sophistication of the movie industry.

Honnold's architecture would soon embrace the curved forms and clean lines of the 1930s design acumen of Streamline Modern. He would become adept at utilizing Streamline's more future-forward aerodynamic elements, which laid the groundwork for more futuristic designs inspired by advancing technologies and America's infatuation with the automobile.

Along with John Lautner and others, Honnold's Streamline evolution would lead him to help pioneer Googie architecture, a style that celebrated the space age with bold, dramatic forms. Honnold's designs for roadside diners, motels, and commercial buildings became icons of mid-century modernism, capturing the imagination of a society enthralled with the possibilities of technology and progress.

Honnold's early buildings, including the Samuel Goldwyn Estate and Dolores Del Rio House, established him as a master of Hollywood Regency Moderne. After World War II, Honnold's work took a dramatic turn as he embraced the futuristic optimism of the 1950s (though he would famously decline an opportunity to design McDonald's golden arches).

Commissioned by Cedric Gibbons, MGM's legendary art director, as a home for his wife, actress Dolores Del Rio, this residence is a prime example of Hollywood Regency Moderne. Gibbons' influence, drawn from his iconic Art Deco film sets, can be seen throughout the home's design. Honnold worked closely with Gibbons to create a house that blended Deco glamour with modernist sensibilities, resulting in an iconic structure that helped define the Hollywood Regency aesthetic.

One of Honnold's earliest and most famous commissions was the Samuel Goldwyn Estate, a Georgian-style mansion in Beverly Hills. Built for Samuel Goldwyn, the "G" in MGM (Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer), this grand estate is a testament to Honnold's ability to create elegant homes for Hollywood royalty. The mansion features symmetrical facades, expansive grounds, and luxurious interiors fit for one of the most influential film producers of the time. Now owned by Taylor Swift, the estate remains a prominent symbol of Hollywood's opulence and one of the region's genuine residential treasures.

Designed by Honnold in collaboration with Russell and Hawes, the Hollywood Reporter Building is one of the best examples of Hollywood Regency Moderne architecture. Located on Sunset Boulevard, this structure served as the headquarters for the famed entertainment industry newspaper during its heyday. The building's design reflects the Art Deco influence while incorporating a Hollywood twist, with details inspired by the glitz and glamour of film sets.

In the mid-1940s, Honnold collaborated with John Lautner to design the Beverly Hills Athletic Club, a luxurious facility catering to Hollywood's elite's fitness and social needs. The building's sleek, modern design exemplified the era's emphasis on combining form and function, providing an elegant space for exercise and entertainment.

Honnold's pioneering of the aforementioned Googie architecture is most prevalent in his design for Coffee Dan's Restaurant, a forerunner to the dramatic geometric lines, bold signage, and neon accents characteristic of Googie.

Douglas Honnold's contributions to architecture reflect the evolution of Los Angeles from the glamorous epicenter of Hollywood's Golden Age to the futuristic optimism of post-war America. While his name may not be as well-known as some of his contemporaries, his influence on Hollywood Regency and Googie architecture remains a significant part of Los Angeles's architectural history. His ability to adapt to changing tastes and styles allowed him to stay relevant throughout his career, leaving behind a diverse portfolio of iconic structures. His work continues to inspire architects and designers—and prolific buyers such as Swift— who seek to combine elegance, innovation, and a sense of place.

Bill Moss & Daniel Moss have represented architecturally significant homes for 40 years, including works by Craig Ellwood, Ed Niles, David Gray, Doug Burdge, and many other influential Architects. Bill and Daniel understand that these properties are a piece of art more than just a home, and those details are evident in every aspect of the residence. Bill and Daniel's admiration and understanding of the nuances each of these architects used to create their independent identity allows them to showcase architecturally significant properties to the standard they deserve. If you would like to discuss finding a specific property or are fortunate to own one yourself, we would love to work with you.