1894
Paul Revere Williams was born in Los Angeles and excelled at architecture, studying at the Los Angeles School of Art and Design, the Beaux-Arts Institute of Design, and receiving his architectural engineering degree from the University of Southern California.
1923
A few years after graduating from the University of Southern California, Williams became the first African American member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), establishing himself as a prominent architectural figure.
1950s - 1960s
Williams designed notable projects in Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Memphis, and more, expanding his work throughout the nation. Some notable projects include the LAX Theme Building (1961), La Concha Hotel (1961), St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (1962), Beverly Hills Hotel Renovation (1949-1953), and many others. Additionally, he designed homes for Hollywood celebrities such as Frank Sinatra and Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz. Williams became Fellow of the American Institute of Architects in 1957.
1963
In 1963, he was commissioned to design the headquarters for the charitable organization, The Assistance League, which is now our beloved The Preserve main building.
2017
The building was rescued from imminent demolition and became the subject of a rehabilitation project by partners Bond Companies and Klaff Realty. Madrid-based architecture firm SelgasCano crafted the architectural design of The Preserve, while conserving the main building, and incorporating over 6,500 plants and trees to host the world’s most prominent and dense biophilic offices.
2019
The Preserve won Wall Street Journal’s Best Architecture award in the United States.
2020
The Los Angeles Business Journal selects The Preserve as the winner of “Best Office”. The Preserve was also the 2020 Global Winner of ArchDaily’s Building of the Year.