Louis Naidorf, the distinguished architect renowned for the iconic Capitol Records Building in Los Angeles, has died at the age of 96 due to natural causes, as confirmed by his close friend Mike Harkins.
Naidorf’s unique architectural vision combined logic with creativity, shaping the Los Angeles skyline while showcasing function and emotion in his designs.
Although he is best known for the Capitol Records Building, which debuted in 1956 and earned the status of a Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument in 2006, his contributions to architecture span a vast array of projects.
Among his notable works are the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium, the now-demolished L.A. Memorial Sports Arena, and the Beverly Center, to name a few.
Naidorf’s influence reached beyond California, as he oversaw the six-year restoration of the California State Capitol in Sacramento and crafted the Rancho Mirage residence for former President Gerald Ford and First Lady Betty Ford.
He also designed significant structures outside California, such as the Valley National Bank building in Phoenix, now known as Chase Tower, and the Hyatt Regency Dallas, complete with its iconic Reunion Tower that defines the skyline of that city.
Born on August 15, 1928, in Los Angeles, Naidorf’s passion for architecture began at a young age, with his early sketches of towns demonstrating his ambition.
Raised by parents who worked in the women’s clothing industry and faced financial struggles, he did not let his circumstances hinder his dreams.
By age 12, Naidorf was already collecting books on architecture, funding his passion through a part-time job.
A pivotal moment in his early career came when, at age 13, he approached local architect Sanford Kent for mentorship.
Kent recognized Naidorf’s initiative and dedication, offering him invaluable guidance.
Naidorf pursued architecture at UC Berkeley, where his 1950 master’s thesis envisioned a world where compact computers would alter office needs, leading him to propose the innovative concept of circular office buildings, a vision that would later become a hallmark of his career.
Graduating at the top of his class and completing his master’s degree a year early, Naidorf bypassed his commencement ceremony to secure a position at the prestigious architecture firm Welton Becket and Associates, where he was hired immediately.
At just 24 years old, he was assigned the cryptic “Project X,” which would become the Capitol Records headquarters.
Working with scant information, his application of the round shape stemmed from parallels he noted with his thesis.
He aimed to create a “happy building” that would bring joy to both its occupants and those who viewed it.
Throughout his life, Naidorf dismissed the myth that the Capitol Records Building was designed to resemble a stack of records, though he embraced the joy it brought to others with his characteristic good humor.
Known for his humility and wit, he would jest about Capitol Records-shaped birthday cakes collapsing due to a structural flaw, playfully alluding to the building’s design and expressing amusement at the structure’s recurring presence in disaster films.
A passionate mentor, Naidorf dedicated part of his life to educating the next generation of architects.
His guest professorships at esteemed institutions such as UCLA, USC, Cal Poly Pomona, and SCI-Arc demonstrated his commitment to nurturing talent in the field.
In 1990, he transitioned to academia full-time, serving as chair and later dean of Woodbury University’s School of Architecture, where he received several accolades, including teacher and faculty member of the year.
Naidorf’s teachings emphasized the importance of being well-rounded and developing unique perspectives, encouraging students to connect with clients on a personal level.
Even as he ascended to positions as vice president, director of research, and director of design at his firm, he maintained a grounded demeanor, often remarking that real-life experiences occur beyond buildings — in cafes with friends or pleasure in parks.
His compassion extended to all forms of life; he not only cherished his 13-year-old cat, Ziggy Starburst, but also tended to creatures in distress, such as a dying bee and a wounded snail.
A voracious reader with a particular fondness for science magazines, Naidorf was also captivated by the cosmos and enjoyed classical music.
Having traveled extensively, including visits to Canada, Japan, China, South Korea, Taiwan, and multiple trips to Europe, he held a deep appreciation for the world’s beauty.
In 2000, he moved to Santa Rosa, California, motivated by the region’s charm, and took on the role of campus architect for Woodbury University, collaborating with City Vision Santa Rosa to enhance the city’s downtown.
Though he formally retired at 87, Naidorf maintained his architectural license and completed his renewal exams annually, holding the oldest active license in California since 1952.
He famously stated he wished to be buried as a licensed architect, a sentiment reflecting his lifelong dedication to the field.
image source from：latimes
