Donald Wexler (1926 – Present)
Architect Donald Wexler helped define Palm Springs, California as a center for mid-century modernism. He also set a new tone for prefab construction when he designed sophisticated steel houses for the Alexander Construction Company.
Donald Wexler worked for Richard Neutra in Los Angeles and for William Cody in Palm Springs. Between 1952 and 1961. Donald A. Wexler Associates was launched in 1963.
Working with Richard Harrison, Donald Wexler had designed many school buildings using new approaches to steel construction. Wexler believed that the same methods could be used to build stylish and affordable homes. The Alexander Construction company contracted Wexler to design prefab steel houses for a tract neighborhood in Palm Springs, California. After seven houses were built, rising prices made the project impractical. However, Wexler’s steel houses set a new tone for prefabricated home construction and inspired similar projects across the country.
Notable Buildings:
1955: Wexler House, Palm Springs, California
1961: Alexander Steel Houses, Palm Springs, California
1964: Dinah Shore Residence, Palm Springs, California
1965: Palm Springs International Airport
1985: Hope Square Professional Centre, Palm Springs, California
