Boyd Georgi was a Pasadena based 

architect, who studied at USC during the 
wave of modernism. His refined designs of 
post and beam architecture characterize 
the ideals of the period.  A simple tract home 
becomes a beautiful exploration of clean lines, 
open spaces that bring the outdoors in, and 
demonstrates modern ideas of living.  Georgi’s 
most recognized work is the Altadena Library, 
completed in 1967, and although most of his 
projects were in the San Gabriel Valley, there 
are a few samples of his work nearby with the 
Indian Hills Estates models and another well 
regarded residence in Upland, the James 
West residence built in 1965. In 1964 he was 
president of the Pasadena and Foothill chapter 
of the AIA, and also taught at the USC School 
of Architecture for many years. 
 

The Indian Hills Estates is an example 

of the type of development that blossomed 
in the 1950’s and early 1960’s, throughout 
Southern California. This development 
appealed to a range of potential home owners, 
by the mixing traditional homes, along with 
residences representing the newer modernist

style. The key concept for the development was a 
“Total Site Development.” The developer, William 
Freed, describes this idea as a “thorough consideration 
of both indoor and outdoor living areas on a particular 
site, as well as an overall subdivision.” Further, he also 
stated that a “a house plan, all by itself, isn’t enough.  
And, interestingly enough, a traditional lot all by 
itself is no longer enough.” So, although the styles 
of some of the models in the development appear 
traditional stylistically, they actually embody modern 
architectural ideals.

Boyd Georgi

12

Indian Hills Estates Home 1950s