Ray Kappe: California Modern Master
Forty Years of Modular Evolution

Ray Kappe has long been a cult figure in the architectural scene in and around Los Angeles. In 1972 he founded the influential, avant-garde Southern California Institute of Architecture (SCI-ARC), where many of the younger-generation architects have studied or taught. In addition, his smoothly rectilinear wood-and-glass houses, based on modular principles, modern technology, and a sensitive response to the regional climate, continue to explore the principles of Los Angeles Modernism put forth by the work of Richard Neutra, Rudolph Schindler and others in the early part of the 20th century.

Significantly, the architect, born in 1927, is in the forefront of prefabricated, sustainable design today. The film explores Kappe’s thinking behind his domestic work, beginning with a tour of the iconic hillside house he built for his family in 1967 in Pacific Palisades, and traces the trajectory of his career that led to his two heralded, sustainable, prefabricated houses designed for LivingHomes in 2006-2007. In addition, Founder and CEO of LivingHomes, Steve Glenn discusses Kappe’s contribution to creating the first house in the U.S. with a LEED® platinum rating. Also appearing in the film is architect Thom Mayne, who taught at SCI-ARC in the Kappe years and who places the pioneer’s architectural and educational achievements in context of his influence on L.A. architects.

P R O D U C E R : Edgar B. Howard
D I R E C T O R : Muffie Dunn
C O L O R ,  2 7   M I N U T E S