Hugh Kaptur is the last living midcentury modern architect in Palm Springs. Working alongside names such as E. Stewart Williams, Donald Wexler, Bill Cody, John Porter Clark, and Albert Frey, he helped give Palm Springs its distinct clean-line, low-rise forms.
Originally from Detroit, Hugh Kaptur fell in love with Palm Springs while on vacation and never left. As one of the major midcentury modern architects of Palm Springs, his influence is felt all over the Californian town.
A Love of Design
Kaptur, who credits his mom for his choice of occupation, studied architectural engineering at Lawrence Institute of Technology before joining the Marine Corps. Upon his return to civilian life, he found employment at a nursery. It didn’t take long before he realized this was not what he wanted to do for the rest of his life. His true passion was design.
Kaptur decided to ask his dad to help get him a job at GM Styling. One of the first GM Styling employees, Victor Kaptur, secured Hugh a job in his division. Although this job only lasted a couple of years, he was able to provide for his family and practice design.
“Keep the proportions good, keep it pleasing, and it will be noticed through its quiet elegance.” – Hugh Kaptur
Pursuing His Passion
In 1956, Kaptur moved his family to Palm Springs to pursue a career in architecture. He joined Donald Wexler of Wexler and Harrison as an apprentice. Even though he was laid off from this position, he refused to let it stop him.
Kaptur began practicing architecture in his family garage, creating renderings for other architects. He was also hired by contractors to draw building plans. One of Kaptur’s most famous buildings is the Tahquitz Plaza. A 1970s complex of retail and office space on Palm Springs’ central East Tahquitz Canyon Way, this building has been a landmark destination for locals. Kaptur designed this building with a modernism-meets-Spanish-pueblo style. Appointed as a Class 1 Historic Site, Kaptur himself recently refreshed and restored it.
From Commercial to Residential
While Kaptur created some of Palm Springs most well-known buildings, he is primarily known as a residential architect. Kaptur designed some of Palm Springs’ most notable and beloved homes. A couple of his most famous creations include homes for actors Steve McQueen and William Holden.
Most of his homes were designed in the typical midcentury modern style- an open plan with flat planes and clean lines. However, he was also influenced by Spanish heritage and the California way of life, also known as “Desert Modernism.” Kaptur’s homes included large glass windows and patios, along with water features (usually pools).
Yet his most recognized homes aren’t necessarily what makes his work so legendary. Kaptur’s portfolio includes more than 200 homes in the Palm Springs area. Each of these homes is an expression of the quiet elegance his work reflects.
An Omnipresent Inspiration
In 2014, Kaptur received his very own star on the Palm Springs Walk of Stars and has received many awards. Much of his work can be seen during Modernism Week, and some years there are events in his honor. Kaptur’s work continues to influence Palm Springs and other midcentury modern enthusiasts.
To see examples of Kaptur’s work, click HERE.
Watch Quiet Elegance: The Architecture of Hugh M. Kaptur HERE.
Enjoy Your Own Midcentury Modern Work
Interested in the simplicity and functionality of mid-century modern? Find the perfect piece to begin, or add to, your own art collection, by visiting our GALLERY. We have beautiful, original mid-century modern pieces by Raymond Loewy, Vincent Raney, and many others.
