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
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Indian Hills Estates Home 1950s