Paul R. Williams: The Legendary Omega Psi Phi Architect Who Shaped Skylines

Paul Revere Williams, a brother of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., was more than just an architect—he was a trailblazer who transformed the landscapes of Los Angeles and beyond. Over a career spanning nearly six decades, he designed some 2,500 buildings, ranging from luxurious celebrity homes to iconic commercial landmarks. His talent and vision redefined architecture, but his journey was far from easy.

As an African American in a segregated industry, Williams broke barriers at every turn. In 1923, he became the first Black architect admitted to the American Institute of Architects (AIA), and in 1957, he became its first Black fellow. A graduate of USC’s School of Engineering, he refined his craft at the Los Angeles Beaux-Arts School before launching a career that would cement his legacy in architectural history.

From elegant mid-century homes to grand hotels, we at Watch The Yard have compiled a list of a few of the most iconic buildings designed by Paul R. Williams:

Los Angeles International Airport

Paul R. Williams was a member of the joint-venture design team for the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) project, participating in the overall design of the airport as part of a collaborative group of architects.

Frank Sinatra’s Home

“In the 1950s Frank Sinatra wanted to extend his career by acting in more films. Between marriages and needing a home base near the Hollywood studios, he purchased a hilltop lot on Bowmont Drive in the Trousdale Estate development with spectacular views of both Hollywood and the San Fernando Valley. He quickly hired Williams as his architect and gave the designer carte blanche. Sinatra’s instructions to Williams were simple: “I don’t want a large house. Just something small and livable.” (Ebony. March 1994) Given a free hand to design, the house would become Williams’ unfettered vision of the future.”  (Paul Williams Project)

Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz’s Palm Springs Home

In 1954, Ball and Arnaz moved into a 4,400-square-foot ranch home designed by Williams near the 17th fairway of Thunderbird Country Club. Built on land Desi reportedly won in a poker game, it was the first completed residence in the club’s development. According to the Paul Williams Project, the home featured six bedrooms, a swimming pool, and Williams’ signature lanai-style space, seamlessly blending indoor and outdoor living. Glass walls provided stunning views of the desert and mountains, while stone and light colors gave the interior a sleek, contemporary feel.

Multiple buildings on Howard University’s campus

Omega Psi Phi’s Paul R. Williams and Alpha Phi Alpha’s Hilyard Robinson were hired to jointly design the following buildings at Howard University.

• George William Cook Hall (men’s dormitory)

• Lewis King Downing Hall (engineering and architecture building)

• Russell Alexander Dixon School of Dentistry Building

• Chauncy Ira Cooper Building School of Pharmacy

• Ernest Everett Just Hall Biology and Greenhouse

• Charles Richard Drew Hall (men’s dormitory)

• Lulu Vere Childers Hall (fine arts)

• Cramton Auditorium

• Ira Aldridge Theater

Nutibara Hotel in Medellín, Colombia

Paul R. Williams’ 1945 design for the Nutibara Hotel in Medellín, Colombia marked a major shift in the city’s development as its first large-scale hotel. Construction began in 1938, and over four years, Williams and his team navigated engineering challenges, unfamiliar materials, and supply delays. The project required 90,000 bags of U.S.-imported cement, specialized hardware, an elevator system, 204 telephones, and 4,000 custom rosewood furniture pieces, leading to extended timelines and added costs.

New Hope Baptist Church in Los Angeles

New Hope quickly became a cornerstone of the African American community in Los Angeles, and by 1945, Dr. Bernard O. Byrd expanded its outreach, prompting the need for a larger space. He enlisted Paul R. Williams to design a modern sanctuary that reflected the church’s role as both a spiritual and educational center. Completed in 1954, the building departed from traditional revival styles, featuring clean lines, a two-tiered sanctuary, a dramatically lit baptismal pool, and a sectional choir stand—symbolizing New Hope’s strength and the sophistication of modern Los Angeles.

Additions to the Beverly Hills Hotel

Williams transformed the hotel throughout the 1940s, designing additions that shaped its enduring aesthetic. His 1949 $1.5 million Crescent Wing addition introduced the now-iconic Beverly Hills signature, making it a defining feature of the hotel. At its reveal, owners praised the design for creating rooms with patios and balconies that felt more like homes than hotel suites. Williams also renovated the Palm Court Terrace, converting the main dining room into a ballroom while preserving the hotel’s Spanish charm.

La Concha Motel

he La Concha Motel, designed by architect Paul R. Williams, opened in 1961 on the Las Vegas Strip in Winchester, Nevada, and operated until 2004. Located at 2955 Las Vegas Blvd South, it was considered one of the best-preserved examples of 1950s Googie architecture.

At the time of its opening, La Concha was one of the larger properties on the Strip and attracted notable guests, including Ronald Reagan, Ann-Margret, Flip Wilson, Muhammad Ali, and the Carpenters. The motel was also featured in the 1995 film Casino. (More info at Paul Williams Project)

Los Angeles Superior Court Stanley Mosk Courthouse

Built in the mid-1950s, the Stanley Mosk Courthouse of the Los Angeles Superior Court was a collaborative architectural project led by the Associated Architects, which included J.E. Stanton, Paul R. Williams, Adrian Wilson, and the firm Austin, Field & Frey. Designed to replace the original 1891 courthouse—which was damaged in an earthquake, condemned, and demolished in 1936—the new courthouse became one of the most expensive courthouse construction projects of its kind in the country at the time.

The Original St. Jude Hospital in Memphis

In 1962, Paul R. Williams designed the original St. Jude hospital in Memphis, featuring a distinctive star-shaped layout with five spokes radiating from a central core. This innovative design became a symbol of hope, welcoming the first 126 St. Jude patients and serving as the backdrop for groundbreaking pediatric cancer research.

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Paul R. Williams’ contributions to architecture extend far beyond the stunning buildings he designed—his work shattered racial barriers, redefined elegance, and left a lasting imprint on cities across the world. As a pioneering African American architect and a proud member of Omega Psi Phi, Williams not only built structures but also opportunities for future generations of Black architects and designers.

From luxury hotels and celebrity homes to public landmarks and hospitals, his designs continue to inspire and serve communities today. His ability to blend innovation, functionality, and timeless beauty solidifies his status as one of the most influential architects in history

Paul R. Williams’ story is one of resilience, vision, and excellence. His buildings may stand as physical testaments to his genius, but his true legacy lies in the doors he opened and the inspiration he left behind.

If you are interested in seeing more of his designs and buildings that he created, check out the website for the Paul Williams Project which has a comprehensive list of his work.