In iconic works ranging from the elegant Eldorado Country Club to the transcendent St. Theresa Church, William F. Cody revealed his mastery of form, space, and material. What factors helped shape his artistic sensibilities? And, in turn, how does his work continue to inspire designers today? The three authors of Master of the Midcentury: The Architecture of William F. Cody (New York: Monacelli Press, 2021) examine a century of cross-fertilization inherent in Cody’s work.

William Cody's earliest inspiration came from his mother, Anna Elizabeth Cody, herself a gifted artist. Catherine Cody, Bill Cody's daughter, presents art from Bill and Anna—including paintings that have not previously been shared with the public—to demonstrate how Bill's talent flourished under Anna's tutelage.

Design historian Jo Lauria addresses how Bill Cody inspired and drew inspiration from prominent artists in the mid-century era by commissioning them for works in both institutional settings and private residences. Exceptional works such as the Palm Springs Spa Bathhouse, the Springs Restaurant, Eldorado Country Club, St. Theresa Church, and the Rubinstein residence in Rancho Mirage contain site-specific works from Claire Falkenstein and other renowned figures.

In the 21st century, students at Cal Poly use the William F. Cody archives to analyze, reinterpret, and reimagine Cody’s work. Working under the guidance of architectural historian Dr. Don Choi, these students design projects ranging from digital fonts to cocktail carts to pendant lamps, showing how Cody’s architecture combines with new technologies and perspectives to inspire a new generation.

A book signing will follow the presentation.