Homes by Byrd : the Art and Architecture of Robert Byrd and His Son Gary

In his book, Homes by Byrd - The Art and Architecture of Robert Byrd and His Son, Gary, Lukather 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 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 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. Daryl Dragon, 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. [MORE] Homes by Byrd - the Art and Architecture of Robert Byrd and His Son Gary: From the Hollywood Hills to the San Fernando Valley and Beyond