Part 1: Architect William F. Cody, Not Just a “Desert Maverick”

by SweisKloss
October 28, 2021

While William F. Cody may have been known as the “Desert Maverick” who paved a design path of Mid-century Modernism in Palm Springs and other areas of Coachella Valley, we see him as simply a great architect and artist. As we researched more about his life, we learned who he was as a person, where he drew inspiration, and how he became the architect he was, which compelled us to make this a two-part blog.

When one looks at well-designed built structures, do they ask themselves who was the person or persons behind that design? What influenced them? We do. We are all shaped by the various aspects of our lives—how we grew up, our different environments, what drives us personally and professionally, the people in our lives—and those aspects talk to each other, hopefully in a harmonious way.

As designers and builders, a part of who we are goes into everything we create, which is why Cody’s life-work journey piqued our interest. William Francis Cody was born in 1916 in Dayton, Ohio. He suffered from asthma as a child, so his parents moved the family to the more arid climate of Southern California. Cody’s mother, Anna, was an artist, wallpaper designer, and a successful, established interior designer. She continued her business in Los Angeles.

Anna would take Cody around parts of L.A. where she taught him how to understand structure by sketching buildings. She introduced him to the beauty of plein air painting (the act of painting landscapes outdoors). They would often draw house plans together, concepting spaces in fine detail. They even carved and painted wood beams in one of their homes. Thus began Cody’s artistry when it came to architecture.

Source: Drawing by William F. Cody; wallpaper.com

Cody’s daughter Cathy said of her father, “He drew beautifully as a child…from drawings and paintings to stage set renderings for the high school drama department at Beverly Hills High.” He worked for other architects straight out of high school. Cathy adds, “He was really capable by the time he got his license. He had already done projects on his own out of his parents’ home.”

Not long after graduating the University of Southern California with an architecture degree, Cody won AIA awards, including a vanguard award. His talent as an architect was undoubtedly apparent. He knew how to brand himself in innovative ways before branding was really a thing. His use of striking typography, beautiful stationery, and unique materials made his work stand out. He quickly became known in the industry for his deft hand skills and elegant presentations.

Architecture historian Emily Bills described Cody as a “famously happy man whose design elements reflected his outlook” and was able to convey levity through progressive technology and feats of engineering. Cody’s daughter remembers him as a family man. She recalls his boisterous laughter and the way he made a positive impression wherever he went. Many of his projects were forged through friendships.

His architecture is a legacy. His life is an inspirational story. Look for next week's Part 2 blog when we dive more into William F. Cody’s design work.

The William F. Cody drawing shown above (sourced from wallpaper.com) is a proposed Mountain Terminal of Tramway. Image is from the William F. Cody Papers, Special Collections and Archives, Robert E. Kennedy Library, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo.