Paul László

Born in Debrecen, Hungary, in 1900, architect-designer Paul László served with the Hungarian Army in World War I before completing his education in Vienna. He next moved to Stuttgart, Germany, where he established himself as a designer. In 1936, he immigrated to California to escape anti-Jewish sentiment.

That same year, László opened an architecture and design studio on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills. His earliest designs reflected the traditional style of that era, with a focus on affordable materials; as his career progressed, he became known for a more lavish style in keeping with Beverly Hills society. In addition to homes, he designed interiors, furniture, fabrics, rugs, and lamps. During World War II, he served domestically in the U.S. Army; during that time, he designed a bomb shelter for the U.S. Air Force. Between 1948 and 1952, László designed furniture for the Herman Miller Company. László’s career continued through the 1970s; other clients included the department stores Saks, Hudson’s Bay, and Robinson’s, as well as hotel casinos in Las Vegas.

László passed away in California in 1993.