**Celebrating Hugh Kaptur, AIA Emeritus**

In this month's newsletter, we are thrilled to pay tribute to one of our esteemed members and founder of the AIA California Desert Chapter, Hugh Kaptur. He is part of the renowned "Desert Dozen," a group of 12 architects instrumental in shaping Palm Springs into the Mid-Century Modern haven it is today, Hugh's legacy spans over six decades of visionary design and architectural innovation.

A native of Detroit, Michigan, Hugh's journey into architecture was marked by determination and talent. After studying at the Lawrence Institute of Technology, he embarked on a career that would take him from the drafting tables of General Motors to the sun-drenched landscapes of Palm Springs. It was here, during a fateful trip in 1956, that Hugh decided to make Palm Springs his home—a decision that would forever alter the architectural landscape of the region.

After a short apprentice period with of Donald Wexler and Richard Harrison, Hugh embarked on his own practice of numerous projects (more than 200 Built Projects in the area) that would define the Mid-Century Modern aesthetic of Palm Springs. From the iconic Impala Lodge to the residences of notable figures like Thomas Griffing and William Holden, Hugh's designs captured the essence of desert living, blending form and function with effortless grace.

Some of his most Notable projects are:

• The Music Land Hotel (1967)
• Palm Springs Fire Station #3 (1963)
• Palm Springs Fire Station #4 (1974)
• Purcell Residence (1934)
• Steve McQueen Residence (1964)
• Thaquitz Plaza, Now Kaptur Plaza (1971)

Beyond his architectural achievements, Hugh's dedication to the profession is evident in his longstanding membership with the AIA, dating back to 1968, and his role as a founding member of our very own AIA California Desert Chapter in 1985.

As we reflect on Hugh's contributions to our community, we are reminded of the enduring impact of his work. His legacy serves as an inspiration to architects, Designers and enthusiasts alike, a testament to the power of vision and creativity in shaping the world around us. Join us in celebrating Hugh Kaptur, a true pioneer of Palm Springs architecture and a cherished member of our AIA Califonia Desert Chapter family.

HUGE THANKS HUGH!!

PD: Members of AIA California Desert will be sharing stories and pictures to celebrate our fouding members even further, please keep posted and follow us on social media for updates.

Photograph Credit: Palm Springs Life, Palm Springs Historical Society, Palm Springs Art Museum, Photos of Kaptur Plaza, Fire Stations #3 & #4 By Jorge Garcia

Chiara Vitali Gregory, Associate AIA

Gregory Architects, Principal

Born: Italy

Years of Experience:16

AIACD: Why did you choose architecture as a profession?

Chiara:There was nothing else I wanted to do!

AIACD:Best project or most unique/favorite project?

Chiara: The design and construction of a booth for a design fair in Milan. I still remember the workers elevating my booth’s frame. It was like watching a tiny sketch come to life. 

AIACD: What is the most inspiring part of your job?

Chiara:The client needs / desires. They challenge my mind and push my creativity to be realistic.

AIACD: How do you think the architecture profession can improve?



Chiara: For example, what do you think we are doing right, and where do you think we need to be better? I don’t think architecture itself can be right or wrong. Design professionals are responsible for their work as any other job. Architecture has a strong social and civic purpose in nature. Architecture belongs to the public. We should try to invest more in this concept for everybody’s benefit.

AIACD: How do you think the architecture profession can improve?

Chiara: Architectural history for sure, being conscious of how architecture has evolved and where we stand right now is always a good starting point for any project.

AIACD: What is exciting about what you are doing now in the office?

Chiara: Making our firm grow! We are a young firm, but not new to the industry. We need to prove our ability everyday and we are more than excited to do it.

AIACD: What has been your greatest challenge working in this industry?

Chiara: The challenges go hand-in-hand with the different roles I find myself in. The real challenge is to be able to deal with a design problem and get to a resolution, whatever it is. 

AIACD: Share with us the best piece of advice you've ever been given?

Chiara:Make sure that a concept, presentation, or drawing is clear. If anybody comes back with questions, it is because something is not well communicated or missing.  

AIACD: Do you have a special routine/habit you may do to get creative vibe flowing?

Chiara:  Sketching down the process helps me visualize.  Having a written route to follow helps me manage both the process and timeline, because I can always go back and check where I am. It improves the creativity to be more responsive in a timely manner and with more bright options. 

AIACD: What advice would you want to pass along to young professionals entering your industry?

Chiara: Don’t leave your background behind. With any new project, I am often questioning myself if I am melting my approach and design to the most convenient option or to a standard aesthetic. Then my Italian background takes action and I can see different facets of each choice. 

Octavio Rocha

Project Coordinator

o2 Architecture



Born: Mexico City. Mexico.

Years of Experience: 20+

AIACD: Why did you choose architecture as a profession?

Octavio: I am very attracted by the process of space generation through balanced forms, scale, light and textures.

AIACD:Best project or most unique/favorite project?

Octavio: Southridge Uno. The home is located above Palm Springs in the community of Southridge—an exclusive 1960’s hilltop neighborhood developed during the heyday of Palm Springs’ Midcentury Modern experimentation.

AIACD: What is the most inspiring part of your job?



Octavio: The moment where projects translate from paper to fruition taking advantage of every design opportunity.  

AIACD: What skills have you developed in your architectural journey that you have been able to applyinto other aspects of your life?

Octavio: Enjoy and focus more on processes and not only on the final results.

AIACD: Who or what are your inspirations for architecture?

Octavio: Mid-Century Modern Architects and Artists.

AIACD: What is exciting about what you are doing now in the office?

Octavio: Have the privilege to collaborate on several projects during all phases of design and construction.

AIACD:What do you like to do when you are not working?

Octavio: A good and rewarding hike.

AIACD: How do you balance your work life with your outside passions?

Octavio: Architecture & Design are a constant in our lives, no need to separate from other passions.

AIACD: What would be your dream job or a project you'd like to work on?

Octavio: I would love to work on a large scale project such as an airport.

AIACD: What has been your greatest challenge working in this industry?

Octavio: Understanding the many forces that drive the final outcome of a project. 

AIACD: Share with us the best piece of advice you've ever been given?

Octavio: "God is in the details" Ludwig Mies van der Rohe.

AIACD: Do you have a special routine/habit you may do to get creative vibe flowing?

Octavio: Not really, the creative process is never linear.

AIACD: What advice would you want to pass along to young professionals entering your industry?

Octavio: Continue to show up and be diligent.

AIACD: In your opinion, what are the most pressing issues architects will face in the coming years?

Octavio: New design challenges arising from climate change.

AIACD: If you had a message you would like to share with AIA California Desert, what would it be?

Octavio: Thank you AIA California Desert Chapter for your continuous support.!

73733 Fred Waring Drive, Suite 203, Palm Desert, CA 92260 

 760.799.6240