If you’re familiar with Palm Springs’ modern architecture, you’ve probably heard the name William F. Cody. William Francis Cody was one of the key architects responsible for shaping Palm Springs design during the mid century. Sometimes called “Wild Bill,” perhaps in reference to the famous Buffalo Bill, Cody stands out not only for his beautiful desert modernist buildings, but also for his flexible approach to design.
William F. Cody’s Education, Career and Works
William F. Cody was born in 1916. His early interest in architecture was inspired in part by his mother, who worked as an interior designer and also designed wallpapers.
Much of his early education in arts and architecture came directly from her, including sketching, painting, and floor plan design.
Cody earned a degree in architecture from the University of Southern California in 1942, and made his way to Palm Springs in 1946.
During his education and after, William F. Cody worked on a number of projects alongside architects such as Heath Warton, Asa Hudson, Blanchard, Maher, and Ward, and Cliff May. He received his California and Arizona architectural licenses in 1946, the same year he moved to Palm Springs. Also that year, he took on his first independent commission. This was the design of the Del Marcos Hotel, pictured above. The American Institute of Architects (AIA) awarded him with a creditable mention for the hotel.
Cody decided to remain in Palm Springs. Many wealthy celebrities were living or vacationing there, so there were ample opportunities for well-funded commissions. He worked on a number of country club projects, including the Thunderbird Country Club, the Eldorado Country Club, the Tamarisk Country Club, and more. For instance, the featured image above showcases a William F. Cody designed condo in Racquet Club Cottages West in Palm Springs. He also worked on residential projects, hotels, the Palm Springs Library, a gas station, and the St. Theresa Catholic Church and Convent.
While many of his works were based in Palm Springs, he also designed and altered buildings in Beverly Hills, San Diego, La Quinta, Tempe, Phoenix, and other locations.
Cody Let Site and Context Drive Style and Design
At first glance, William F. Cody’s work appears quite similar to much of the other modernist architecture of Palm Springs during the mid century. And indeed, his overall style shares many elements. The clean lines, open floor plans, mixed materials, and large windows that typify modernist structures at that time are all present and accounted for.
But where Cody diverged from many of his contemporaries was his overall approach to architecture. He defied two major trends at that time. The first was prefabricated designs. The second was a tendency for architects to impose a rigid design philosophy on their projects. Both of those trends tended to go hand-in-hand, as prefab buildings were designed to “fit” any site. In short, they imposed themselves on their surroundings.
Cody veered away from prefabrication. He designed every building individually. And rather than allowing aesthetic demands to impose themselves on the environment, he allowed each individual site to strongly inform his designs.
That is why you will see distinct style variations from one William F. Cody building to the next. This open-minded, flexible creativity let Cody maximize sunlight and the picturesque views of the open desert, creating a seamless melding of site and structure.
Another Palm Springs architect who took a similar approach was Richard Neutra, who tailored his designs meticulously to the desires of his clients.
If you enjoyed this post, see a William F. Cody designed condo here. you may also like reading our Palm Springs Travel Guide, and taking a look at Key Palm Springs Architectural Terms. And of course, don’t forget to follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest and YouTube for more Atomic Ranch articles, house tours, and ideas!
