1843 North Dillon Street
Los Angeles, CA, USA

Raphael S. Soriano - Architect

Born into a Sephardic Jewish family on the island of Rhodes, Greece, Raphael S. Soriano's journey began at the College Saint-Jean-Baptiste before he embarked on a life-changing move to the United States in 1924. Upon arrival in Los Angeles, he found his footing and enrolled at the University of Southern California's School of Architecture in 1929, culminating in his graduation in 1934. Soriano's commitment to his new home was solidified in 1930 when he became a naturalized American citizen.

Soriano's formative years in the architectural realm took shape through influential internships. He initially honed his craft at Richard Neutra's practice, where he worked alongside emerging talents like Gregory Ain and Harwell Hamilton Harris. A brief stint with Rudolph Schindler followed in 1934 before Soriano returned to Neutra's office, recognizing its invaluable learning environment.

Amid the tumultuous era of the Great Depression, Soriano navigated the challenges by contributing to public projects under the Works Progress Administration (WPA) while also collaborating with local architects. By 1936, his creative prowess manifested in his inaugural commission, the iconic Lipetz House, which garnered international attention at the 1937 International Architectural Exhibition in Paris.

World War II's impact on the construction industry led Soriano to dedicate himself to education and proposal-driven endeavors. Lecturing at USC and crafting visionary post-war housing designs, including the groundbreaking "Plywood House," showcased his innovative spirit. Post-war, Soriano's reputation soared as he secured notable commissions and garnered prestigious awards, exemplified by the Katz House's recognition by the American Institute of Architects (AIA).

Embracing the Case Study Houses initiative, Soriano's pioneering use of steel redefined residential construction, with his designs influencing architects like Pierre Koenig. The Colby Apartments stood as a testament to his modernist vision, receiving accolades such as the National AIA Award for Design.

Soriano's journey continued with his relocation to Marin County in 1953, marked by his profound connection with his wife and stepdaughters. His partnership with developer Joseph Eichler birthed the first mass-produced steel house, a revolutionary endeavor. The Northern California Chapter of the AIA acknowledged his work in collaboration with Eichler.

Bestowed with the esteemed title of Fellow by the AIA in 1961, Soriano's influence only expanded. Initiating Soria Structures, Inc. in 1965, he pursued innovative prefabricated housing, leaving an indelible mark with his iconic All-Aluminum Homes on Maui.

Transitioning to a phase of global exploration, Soriano shared his architectural wisdom as a lecturer, writer, and researcher until his passing in 1988. Recognized for his outstanding achievements, he received accolades from the AIA and USC in 1986, leaving a legacy that endures through his impactful work and contributions to architectural education.

Photos from Zillow rent listing, source: https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/1843-N-Dillon-St-Los-Angeles-CA-90026/20747812_zpid/

Lipetz House - 1843 North Dillon Street, Los Angeles, CA, USA

Lipetz House, an architectural gem situated in Los Angeles, was masterfully envisioned by Raphael Soriano and constructed in 1936.

This house marked Soriano's inaugural foray into residential design, stemming from his deep-seated passion for language and music. A defining element of the house was the creation of a music room boasting impeccable acoustic attributes, adeptly accommodating Mrs. Lipetz’s cherished Bechstein Grand piano along with an assembly of up to twenty guests. Soriano's ingenious design saw the northern expanse of this 15-foot by 32-foot room fashioned as a graceful semi-circle adorned with uninterrupted windows. These windows offered an enchanting panorama of the expansive San Gabriel Mountain Range, serving as a captivating backdrop for Lipetz's performances. Perched atop a hill overlooking Silver Lake, the site itself exudes a commanding presence.

The interior layout featured built-in seating areas concealing shelves that housed an extensive collection of music albums. Much of the furniture throughout the house was seamlessly integrated into the architecture. Notably, the music room accounted for a substantial portion of the total 2,300-square-foot area of the residence, reflecting its significance. The design embraced the principles of the International Style, employing conventional wood stud construction. A distinctive innovation included the utilization of steel beams to support the ground floor, setting it apart from Richard Neutra’s framework.

In a testament to its architectural brilliance, the building was chosen as one of only four structures from the United States to be featured in the esteemed 1937 International Architecture Exhibition in Paris. This achievement earned Soriano the esteemed Prix de Rome accolade. Presently, the house remains in commendable condition, having undergone minor alterations that do not compromise its historical integrity.