AIBD was contacted about a former member who once lived in Pacific Palisades, California.

The inquiry came from a homeowner who had tragically lost their house in THE fire and was seeking more information about its designer. As it turns out, the home was personally owned by a former AIBD chapter chairman, and what the A-Team uncovered about one of his projects is fascinating.

I thought you might find it interesting, too. First, let me start with this.

For nearly 30 of AIBD's 75-year history, I've had the honor of being a part of this incredible journey, almost half of its existence.

During this time, I've been fortunate to sit down, share a drink, and engage in conversations with many whose careers stretch even further back into the rich history of AIBD. Some of whom we've lost along the way.

The conversation often involved the "client," yet their name was seldom mentioned, except when casually dropped to suggest they were or had been working for a prominent public figure.

The ones that immediately come to mind happen to be AIBD Fellows. I remember James Lucia designing a home for NBA All-Star Horace Grant, while Dan Sater created Alan Jackson's Nashville home. Fellow Jennifer Pippin has also crafted homes for numerous NASCAR families in the Charlotte area.

A past chapter chairman is credited for designing a home for Coach Nick Saban, and a past president designed Coach Joe Gibbs' house.

Many of you likely have a name or two you could drop, or perhaps your design agreements prevent you from doing that. 🤐

Being a Fellow or an AIBD officer isn't a prerequisite for designing for notable clients. In many cases, the projects come before the appointments. They may have happened before the AIBD membership.

That might have been the case with the "biggest" name I've heard (or read) so far, Liberace.

Wladziu Valentino Liberace, known to the world solely by his last name, lived in the San Fernando Valley for only a few years but left behind one of the area's best-known landmarks.

From my research, he was already a star at the time but had not yet entered his outrageously flamboyant period marked by stage appearances in outlandish costumes.

What keeps getting mentioned about the house on Valley Vista Boulevard in Sherman Oaks is its famous swimming pool, which is shaped like a grand piano, featuring a depiction of keys in the decking (Google Maps).

In fact, last year, Architectural Digest ranked it in the top six of "Over-the-top- Celebrity Pools."

Anyway, as you can see from the image above, the home was "styled by" Alvin Dingman & Associates. I'm not sure if that's how you described the interior design at the time. In this case, maybe Liberace did design it, and the Dingman firm "made it work." 😉

The AIBD's journey began on July 11, 1950 (a milestone anniversary is just around the corner). In 1953, Liberace moved into his Sherman Oaks home.

It wasn't until 1967 that the Valley Times announced Mr. Dingman's appointment as President of the AIBD Los Angeles Chapter. We're not sure exactly when Alvin joined AIBD.

At the time, the AIBD primarily served as an organization for California designers. It wasn't until 1978 that it joined forces with similar building design associations across the nation to form a federation. United under the banner of the American Institute of Building Design.

The thousands of lives that AIBD has influenced are humbling. Oh, the stories we have yet to hear.

I remember when this was said.

Although I, too, can drop a few client names you would recognize, I owe any success I've had in architecture to the members of AIBD.

As a designer, I've taken a lot from you.

As the Chief Staff Officer, I've tried to think less about putting designers into AIBD and more about putting AIBD into designers.

AIBD is you. It's a group of like-minded design professionals working together.

Its members helping members.

As a significant milestone anniversary approaches, what better way to celebrate than coming together for a few days to support and uplift one another?

Join us in Asheville, NC, July 31 through August 2. There is no better way to build industry relationships that can last a career.

​AIBD.org/Design-Build-Asheville​

Beginning with an architectural tour and a downtown rooftop reception and ending with an evening of recognition and a showcase of fantastic residential architecture, the AIBD's summer conference is the premier event for those creating where people live.

The event marks the start of our new fiscal year and introduces this year's theme, "Members Helping Members," an initiative proudly led by our Membership Chairman, Joey Martin.

The hotel room block is available until June 30 or until rooms sell out—whichever comes first.

The first fifty to register receive a copy of "Sketch Like an Architect," written by one of the conference's featured speakers, David Drazil.

Until then, go forth and design boldly,

Steve Mickley, Executive Director

Email: steve.mickley@AIBD.org​

Let's chat: AIBD.org/meetsteve​