reginald davis johnson, faia

a california architecture

a monograph

Reginald Davis Johnson, FAIA, was among the master architects who helped shape California architecture in the early twentieth century. His practice became particularly associated with the grand estates of the era, though his work extended to a wide range of residential, institutional, and civic projects. While most of his buildings were designed for California, several important works can be found elsewhere in the country. Working alongside other leading architects of his generation, Johnson helped define what came to be understood as A California Architecture—an approach rooted in the state’s history, climate, landscape traditions, while drawing from Spanish and Andalusian influences.

Robert L. Ooley, FAIA

Robert L. Ooley, FAIA, is an award-winning California architect and a regional expert on the life and work of Reginald D. Johnson, FAIA. He has spent years documenting and researching Johnson’s architecture, family, and the people and events that shaped his life and career. With the support of building owners and others connected to Johnson’s work, Robert is helping to build an archive of material at The Huntington Library. In addition to his research, he is a frequent speaker on the life, work, and legacy of Reginald Johnson.

Characters in the Story

Important California ecclesiastical family, a love affair, a celbrated architect,
and the story of how they all worked together to build a life well lived.

Reginald D. Johnson

Architect

Joseph H. Johnson

Father

Isabel G. Johnson

Mother

Kathleen Johnson

Architect's Wife

Family

Architect's Children

Clients

The individuals who commissioned the work.

Details

These four sections provide more details about Reginald Johnson,
his family and his work.

The Man
Reginald D. Johnson was born in Westchester, New York, the only child of a strong-spirited father and a devoted mother. After several moves during his childhood, the family settled in Pasadena, California, where Johnson would spend much of his life. He graduated from M.I.T. in 1910 with a degree in architecture.
Family
Family was at the center of Johnson’s life outside architecture. He was a devoted husband and father who relished time spent with those closest to him. Horses were another enduring passion, becoming an important part of his life and remaining so throughout his adult years.
The Work
There is no complete archive of Johnson’s personal or professional papers. What survives is limited and scattered among institutional collections, private holdings, and extant properties. This monograph brings together that dispersed record to document and interpret Johnson’s life and work.
The Book
A monograph on the life and work of Reginald D. Johnson is currently in development. It will feature 22 selected projects drawn from nearly 200 extant buildings associated with his practice. Each project will be documented through photographs, architectural drawings, and interpretive text.