An Architect's California: From LA's Secret Garden to the Magic of Joshua Tree
Digest
This podcast features architect Barbara Bester, who shares her unique design philosophy of "informal formalism," emphasizing experimental and adaptable living spaces. She discusses how environmental challenges like fires and rising tides influence her work, leading to the use of resilient materials and adaptive reuse. Bester highlights key influences in California architecture, including organic and do-it-yourself styles, and mentions iconic architects and projects. She also explores her commercial work, such as the Beats by Dre headquarters, describing it as "interior urbanism," and touches upon the creative ethos of California, particularly in Los Angeles. The conversation delves into specific architectural gems in Downtown LA and offers travel recommendations, including Joshua Tree, Ojai, and Santa Barbara, before concluding with a mention of the Eames Institute and winery design.
Outlines
Introduction and Barbara Bester's Architectural Philosophy
The podcast introduces Barbara Bester, an architect whose philosophy of "informal formalism" focuses on experimental ideas about living and space, viewing architecture as a landscape. She discusses her move to California, drawn by its innovative architecture, and her appreciation for experiencing it.
Evolving Living Spaces and Environmental Resilience
Bester explores contemporary California living, including multi-generational housing and ADUs, and how environmental factors like fires and rising tides shape her designs. This leads to the use of fireproof materials and a focus on adaptive reuse and integrating natural elements.
Influences and Iconic California Architecture
Key influences on California architecture, such as organic design and do-it-yourself approaches, are discussed. Bester highlights architects like Lautner and Foster Rhodes Jackson, referencing specific projects like the Barnsdall House and unique homes.
Commercial Projects and Creative Ethos
Bester details her work on commercial projects like the Beats by Dre headquarters, termed "interior urbanism," and exhibit design. The discussion shifts to California's unique creativity, linked to institutions like Cal Arts and the informal structure of Los Angeles neighborhoods.
Downtown LA and Architectural Gems
The evolving landscape of Downtown LA is described, featuring a blend of development, art, and institutions like SCI-Arc. Notable architectural highlights such as the Bradbury Building, Grand Central Market, and the LA Library are pointed out.
Travel Recommendations and Conclusion
Bester shares her favorite travel destinations, including Joshua Tree, Ojai, Carpinteria, and Santa Barbara, for their unique charms and architectural significance. The podcast concludes with thanks and information on further resources.
Keywords
Informal Formalism
A design philosophy blending informality with structured principles, emphasizing experimental ideas about living and space, moving beyond monumentality to focus on the dynamic nature of contemporary life and adaptable environments.
Organic Architecture
An architectural style that promotes harmony between human habitation and the natural world, integrating buildings with their surroundings through natural forms and materials.
Adaptive Reuse
The process of repurposing existing buildings for new uses, promoting sustainability by reducing demolition waste and preserving urban fabric.
Interior Urbanism
Designing interior spaces within large commercial buildings to mimic the experience of navigating a city, with distinct zones for different activities and atmospheres.
Dusty Modernism
A term describing architecture that embraces a less polished, more lived-in aesthetic, often using simple materials and integrating with the natural environment without excessive ornamentation.
California Modernism
A regional architectural style characterized by its integration with the landscape, use of natural light, and often a blend of modern design principles with local materials and a relaxed lifestyle ethos.
Barbara Bester
Prominent architect discussing her design philosophy, projects, and influences in California.
Los Angeles Architecture
Exploring the diverse architectural styles and evolving urban landscape of Los Angeles, from iconic buildings to contemporary designs.
Environmental Architecture
Architectural approaches that consider and respond to environmental factors such as climate, natural disasters, and sustainability.
Travel California
Recommendations for experiencing the unique landscapes, culture, and architecture of various regions in California.
Q&A
What is Barbara Bester's core architectural philosophy?
Barbara Bester describes her philosophy as "informal formalism." This approach focuses on experimental ideas about how people live now, emphasizing the creation of spaces that are both beautiful and natural, and adaptable to changing lifestyles, rather than focusing on monumentality or expensive materials.
How do environmental concerns influence Bester's architectural designs?
Environmental factors like wildfires and rising sea levels significantly impact Bester's work. She prioritizes building houses that are resilient, using materials like fireproof fiber cement boards and TPO roofing. She also advocates for adaptive reuse and incorporating natural elements like shade trees to mitigate environmental effects.
What are some of the iconic architectural influences in California that Bester highlights?
Bester points to organic architecture, exemplified by architects like Rudolph Schindler and John Lautner, as a major influence. She also notes the "do-it-yourself" strain of architecture on the West Coast and the experimental spirit found in institutions like SCI-Arc.
How does Bester approach designing large commercial spaces like the Beats by Dre headquarters?
Bester refers to this as "interior urbanism," where the goal is to create diverse spaces within a large building that offer different atmospheres and experiences, akin to exploring different neighborhoods in a city. This includes areas for work, relaxation, and social interaction.
What are some of Bester's recommended travel destinations for experiencing California's architecture and culture?
Bester suggests exploring Joshua Tree for its unique desert landscape and evolving cultural scene, Ojai for its natural beauty and hidden gems, and Carpinteria/Santa Barbara for a coastal experience. She also recommends specific architectural sites like Sea Ranch, the LA Philharmonic's garden, and the Bradbury Building in Los Angeles.
Show Notes
This is a very special episode of Unpacked by Afar. This week, we hosted Unpacked Live — a live version of the podcast — in partnership with Visit California in Dallas, Texas. The event celebrated California's extraordinary creative landscape, and today's guest has been shaping the way Californians live, work, and gather for three decades.
Barbara Bestor is the founder of Bestor Architecture, a Los Angeles studio she's led since 1995 — at a time when very few women were doing so. Her work spans coffee shops and corporate headquarters, wineries and community music centers, private homes and historic restorations. She's on the AD 100 list of top architects and designers and has been called one of the most influential architects working in LA today.
In this episode, she shares her process, her influences, and the places in California that never stop inspiring her — from a former cult compound in Joshua Tree to a secret rooftop garden at Walt Disney Concert Hall.
On this episode, you'll learn:
• What "informal formalism" means — and why it's the best description of California's design DNA
• How the LA fires, post-COVID remote work, and multi-generational households are reshaping what people want from their homes
• Why adaptive reuse is finally having its moment in California
• How to actually crack the code on Ojai and Big Sur (hint: find the vegan restaurant and ask your server)
Travel recommendations from Barbara:
Los Angeles
- Take the stairs at LA Phil to the rooftop garden
- Walk the Bradbury Building lobby (free; you'll recognize it from Blade Runner), then cross to Grand Central Market and ride Angel's Flight back up to MOCA.
- For neighborhoods: Melrose Hill is the current place to be; Magnolia and Victory Blvd in the Valley are time-capsule California.
Northern California
- Stay in the original Charles Moore–designed Condominium One at Sea Ranch
- In the Bay Area, stay at the Julia Morgan–designed Berkeley City Club
Ojai & Big Sur
- In Ojai, go to a vegan restaurant and ask your server where to go — that's how you find the hidden hot springs.
Hotel El Roblar (designed by Ramin Shamshiri) is the new splurge hotel in Ojai.- In Big Sur, Nepenthe is the move: a Wright-influenced 1950s restaurant with a giant patio and sweeping views.
Joshua Tree
- Drive in from the top and exit at the low desert — two completely different biomes.
- Stay at the Institute of Mentalphysics, where the rooms were designed by Lloyd Wright, the son of Frank Lloyd Wright
- Catch a show at Pappy and Harriet's in Pioneertown, then detour to Palm Springs and take the Sunnylands tour for "peak high-sixties modernist golf living."
Chapters
00:00:00 Introduction
00:02:00 From Cambridge to California
00:04:00 What Informal Formalism Means
00:06:00 Designing for How We Live Now
00:09:00 California's Architectural Legacy
00:16:00 LA Neighborhoods Worth Exploring
00:23:00 An Architecture Tour of California
00:34:00 Joshua Tree and the Desert
00:39:00 Where Barbara Goes to Recharge
Resources
- Bestor Architecture
- Watch the live recording of our Dallas event on YouTube.
- Listen to our other Unpacked Live episodes featuring Roderick Wyllie and Obi Kaufmann.
Explore the Afar guide to California
Be sure to subscribe to the show and sign up for our podcast newsletter, Behind the Mic, where we share upcoming news and behind-the-scenes details of each episode. And explore our second podcast, Travel Tales, which celebrates first-person narratives about the way travel changes us, and View From Afar, where we spotlight the people and ideas shaping the future of travel.
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