Homes by Byrd: The Art & Architecture of Robert Byrd and His Son, Gary

ABOUT THE  BOOK: Chris Lukather, founder and editor of the literary journal, The Writing Disorder, has released the latest in his series of books featuring iconic California 20th Century home builders. In his new book, Homes by Byrd: The Art & Architecture of Robert Byrd and His Son, Gary, he examines the story of this father and son team, demonstrating their impact on the design of single-family homes in Southern California, describing the hallmarks of their enduring style.

Byrd homes are archetypes of California living. While many people in Hollywood and real estate are familiar with the name and distinctive style of Robert Byrd (1904-1978), not much is known about his life, or the fact that his son, Gary, also built homes. These homes have been news and noteworthy since the early 1940s, when a high-profile home purchased by French actress, Michéle Morgan was attributed to Robert Byrd and featured in several celebrity and architectural magazines. Numerous other celebrities have lived in Byrd Homes over the years, including award-winning actor/director, Ron Howard; actress/singer, Lizabeth Scott; and award-winning special make-up effects artist, Stan Winston. Daryl Dragon, Audie Murphy and Robert Taylor have also been mentioned in the mix.

Although Robert Byrd had a long and distinguished career as an architect of quality homes in Southern California, he was not a licensed architect. As a building designer, he built homes from the 1920s through the 1970s, and his son, Gary, built homes from the 1960s to the early 2000s. They worked together as a team for over twenty years. Many elements of a Byrd Home, such as exposed wood beams, turned posts, rock and flagstone finishes, and whimsical brickwork may be familiar to those who lived in Hollywood or Beverly Hills during the mid to late twentieth century. Byrd homes were built in the California Ranch style and featured natural materials that lent the homes a comfortable, symbiotic and timeless ambience. Other distinctive characteristics include round chimneys, curved walkways, indoor/outdoor grills, Dutch doors, custom woodwork, and stained-glass windows.

Until now, there has been very little information available about Robert Byrd, the man who designed and built these captivating family homes. After releasing books on William Mellenthin’s “Birdhouse” ranch homes, and Jean Vandruff’s Cinderella tract homes, author, Chris Lukather, knew his next project would be unearthing the story of the designer and builder of the legendary Byrd homes. Homes by Byrd: The Art & Architecture of Robert Byrd and His Son, Gary features fascinating facts, stories, drawings and historical information gathered from Byrd homeowners and realtors, articles and magazines from the period, as well as contributions from the Byrd family themselves. Along with a biography of this industrious and influential man, the elegantly printed book features rare photographs and documents that illustrate the creative side of the Byrd Home business, as well as floorplans, blueprints and promotion material from the designer and builder’s personal archives

ABOUT THE SPEAKER: With over twenty years of experience in publishing and design, Chris Lukather has worked for several national magazines and trade publications. He designed an award-winning magazine for a non-profit organization, and his literary journal has been recognized for its short fiction. A fifth-generation Californian, Chris is a Cal Arts graduate whose books are guided by his passion for art and design, California subculture and little-known Los Angeles history. Chris has discovered tidbits of local history through his own family’s long-time residence, developing his accumulated knowledge into projects like this one. His previous books documented William Mellenthin’s San Fernando Valley “Birdhouse” Ranch Homes, and Jean Vandruff’s magical Cinderella Homes. Chris is currently editor/publisher of The Writing Disorder, a quarterly literary journal established in 2010.

ABOUT THE CLUB: Founded in 1925, the Los Angeles Breakfast Club still thrives with food, friendship, and fun. Our meetings are held in our clubhouse, Friendship Auditorium, located at 3201 Riverside Drive, near the corner of Los Feliz Boulevard, in Griffith Park. Best described as a variety show, attendees enjoy a catered breakfast, silly songs, club traditions, and an interesting presentation from a guest speaker.

TICKETS: Sales on LAbreakfastclub.com close 48 hours before breakfast. Non-members are $25 and Members receive a 25% discount when logged into their Membership Portal. 

Please arrive between 6:45 - 7:00 AM sharp! Doors close at 7:15 AM. Your admission includes a buffet breakfast, enjoyment of our 97-year-old club traditions, plus a special presentation from our Speaker of the Week!

HEALTH & SAFETY: Surgical disposable face masks or medical-grade masks (i.e., KN95, KF94, N95) are strongly recommended when not eating or drinking, especially during the cold and flu season, and will be provided on request.