Edward A. Killingsworth (1917-2004): Hotels

Edward Abel Killingsworth was born in Taft, California in 1917. He attended the University of Southern California where he began his academic career studying painting but after a year, decided to switch his course of study to architecture. Killingsworth graduated cum laude with a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture in 1940.
He served in WWII as a Captain in the Army Corps of Engineers where he supervised the production of more than 8 million photo-maps in preparation of the allied invasion of Europe. After being discharged from the military in 1946, Killingsworth got a job as a draftsman at the Kenneth S. Wing architectural firm, a job he kept until 1953.
In 1953, Killingsworth partnered with Jules Brady and Waugh Smith to form Killingsworth, Brady and Smith Associates. The firm designed Case Study House 25 also known as the Frank House, the Richard Opdahl House, and the Case Study House Triad. Killingsworth, Brady and Smith Associates dissolved in 1962. In 1963, Killingsworth continued his partnership with Brady as Killingsworth, Brady and Associates. Then in 1984 Killingsworth became a partner in Killingsworth, Stricker, Lindgren, Wilson and Associate Incorporated.
Over his career, Killingsworth won over 42 American Institute of Architects awards. His projects became known for their tall doors, glass walls, association with exterior planting, and the integration of his buildings with the environment. As time progressed Killingsworth’s projects grew in size from residential buildings in Southern California to luxury hotels in Hawaii, Guam, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia and Indonesia. He served as the master planning architect for California State Long Beach for more than 40 years. Edward A. Killingsworth died on July 6, 2004, at the age of 86.

Edward A. Killingsworth, architect
Jules Brady, architect
Waugh Smith, architect
Julius Shulman, photographer

Edward A. Killingsworth papers, Architecture and Design Collection. Art, Design & Architecture Museum; University of California, Santa Barbara

circa 1940-2006

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