Homes By Byrd

HOMES BY BYRD

New Book Examines Robert Byrd, Home Designer and Builder, Who Popularized the Iconic Southern California Ranch Style of Architecture.

Chris Lukather Documents the Life and Work of Robert Byrd and His Son, Gary, Who Built a Loyal and Noteworthy Following in Hollywood for Their Inventive, Whimsical California Ranch Homes

Chris Lukather, founder and editor of the literary journal, The Writing Disorder, has released the latest in his series of books featuring iconic California 20th Century home builders. In his new book, Homes by Byrd: The Art & Architecture of Robert Byrd and His Son, Gary, he examines the story of this father and son team, demonstrating their impact on the design of single-family homes in Southern California, describing the hallmarks of their enduring style.

Byrd homes are archetypes of California living. While many people in Hollywood and real estate are familiar with the name and distinctive style of Robert Byrd (1904-1978), not much is known about his

life, or the fact that his son, Gary, also designed and built homes. These homes have been news and noteworthy since the early 1940s, when a high-profile home purchased by French actress, Michéle Morgan was attributed to Robert Byrd and featured in several celebrity and architectural magazines. Numerous other celebrities have lived in Byrd Homes over the years, including award-winning actor/director, Ron Howard; actress/singer, Lizabeth Scott; and award-winning special make-up effects artist, Stan Winston. Donna Mills, Kelly Osbourne, Audie Murphy and Robert Taylor have also been mentioned in the mix.

Although Robert Byrd had a long and distinguished career as an architect of quality homes in Southern California, he was not a licensed architect. As a building designer, he built homes from the 1920s through the 1970s, and his son, Gary, built homes from the 1960s to the early 2000s. They worked together as a team for over twenty years. Many elements of a Byrd Home, such as exposed wood beams, turned posts, rock and flagstone finishes, and whimsical brickwork may be familiar to those who lived in Hollywood or Beverly Hills during the mid to late twentieth century. Byrd homes were built in the California Ranch style and featured natural materials that lent the homes a comfortable, symbiotic and timeless ambience. Other distinctive characteristics include round chimneys, curved walkways, indoor/outdoor grills, Dutch doors, custom woodwork, and stained-glass windows.

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Anyone interested in Southern California architecture, home design, mid-century trends and lifestyles, and Hollywood history should pick up a copy of Homes by Byrd: The Art & Architecture of Robert Byrd and His Son, Gary, to learn about the life and work of this remarkable team of designers and builders.

“The architectural dynasty of Robert and Gary Byrd occupies a special niche in Southern California architecture. Thanks to Chris Lukather’s new book, “Homes By Byrd: The Art and Architecture of Robert Byrd and His Son, Gary,” we now have an extraordinary view into this genre. The Byrd’s custom homes belong to the larger category of the Ranch House, that wide and influential presence on the Southern California scene that happily housed hundreds of thousands of families due to its remembrance of history and its versatility in the mass-produced housing industry. The Byrd’s intention was to create a sense of warm intimacy based on the rustic materials and informal plans of vernacular ranch houses. They then carried those themes much farther through rich craftsmanship and imaginative spaces. Like another notable Ranch House architect, Cliff May, they saw the possibilities inherent in the simple style and explored them to great effect that struck a chord with the general public.” — Alan Hess, architect, author, lecturer and advocate for twentieth-century architectural preservation

Format: 148 pages, 10x10 inches, Color and Black & White Photographs, Softcover, Perfect Bound Available at: robertbyrdhomes.com or on Amazon

Tickets Include:

• Power Point Presentation
• Free Arcade Play,
• Museum open For Viewing
• Light Refreshments Available
• Book Signing