Architectural Development in San Francisco and Key Figures in the Arts and Crafts Movement

Willis Polk
- Initially appointed for a six-month term in San Francisco, he ended up living there for life.
- Oversaw construction of the Mills Building, which survived the 1906 earthquake and fire.
- Built the Williams Holt House, a double house for himself and his family, which still stands on Russian Hill.

Survived the fire of 1925.
Location: Overlooks prominent billionaires' mansions, emphasizing its desirability.
Structure: Consists of two houses with a dividing wall, finished in redwood—previously a waste material.
Historical Context: In the 1890s, redwood was cheap and plentiful; today, the interior is valued at approximately $500,000 due to its unique craftsmanship and spectacular views from the hill.

Emphasizes honesty in construction and simplicity of form.
Inspired by views to the bay and surrounding landscapes, influencing residential architecture in the area.

Reverend Joseph Worcester: Founded the Church of the New Jerusalem, a Swedenborgian congregation.
- Beliefs: God manifests through nature; buildings should reflect natural forms and integrate gardens into worship spaces.

Designed the church reflecting neo-Lutheran ideals with a focus on nature.
Features: Used natural wood beams with bark intact, celebrating the earthy aspect of design.

Interior features include redwood paneling and illustrations by William Keith, promoting a connection to San Francisco's origins.
Chairs from original mission design reflect continuity with earlier styles.

A prominent poet and architectural advocate, he fostered the education of future architects at UC Berkeley.
Founded the Hillside Club and supported the work of architect Bernard Ralph Maybeck.

Vital figure in the American Arts and Crafts movement, known for eccentric architectural styles.
Significant Projects:
- First Church of Christ, Scientist in Berkeley (1910):
- Turned down projects initially but designed a universal meeting room with eclectic styles incorporating various elements and materials.
- Palace of Fine Arts at the Panama-Pacific International Exposition (1915):
- Designed to evoke the feeling of collapsing civilizations regarding the fate of art.
- The design included monumental rotundas and sculptural elements, positioning it as a cherished landmark in San Francisco.

First female graduate from the Ecole des Beaux-Arts, trained under Maybeck.
Career Highlights:
- Designed over 800 structures, many for women-oriented institutions, notable for reinforcing concrete capabilities in seismic design.
- Most recognized for Hearst Castle.
- Built for William Randolph Hearst, showcasing a vast array of antiques including European treasures.
- The site reaches fame for its opulent swimming pool and architectural innovation.

Comprised of brothers Charles Sumner Green and Henry Mather Green, originating from Cincinnati.
Known for the Arts and Crafts movement, significant for integrating Japanese style influences post-1904 World's Fair.
Key Projects:
- Robert Blacker House: Recognized for its innovative designs and landscape integrations.
- Gamble House: Famous for its artistic collaborations and aesthetic joy in California's Arts and Crafts legacy.

An architect concerned with cleanliness and simplicity, emphasizing a minimalist approach in design.
Projects:
- Walter Dodge House: Exhibited extreme minimalism orientated toward sanitation, later demolished by LA schools for space.
- Horatio Rest Court: A multi-family complex designed for maximum comfort with artistic design.

California's architectural movement transcended simple aesthetics to embrace democratic access and emphasize harmony with nature, shaping both residential spaces and cultural identity in the West.