Home  /  Architecture  /  Donald Wexler

1926 to 2015

Donald Wexler

The Palm Springs modernist behind the steel houses and the airport

Drawing of a home in the style of Donald Wexler

For Sale Now

Homes by Wexler for Sale

Homes in Riverside counties whose listings credit Donald Wexler, updated from CRMLS throughout the day.

1–6 of 17

Architect attribution comes from each listing’s description, written by the listing agent, and has not been independently verified. Listings provided by CRMLS. “Listed by” identifies the listing agent and brokerage; Kyle Shutts and Arbor Real Estate are the advertising broker unless otherwise noted. Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed and should be independently verified. Inquiries are answered by Kyle Shutts, Arbor Real Estate.

About Donald Wexler

Donald Wexler was born in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, in 1926. After serving in the Navy he earned his architecture degree at the University of Minnesota in 1950, then moved to Los Angeles to work for Richard Neutra. In 1952 he moved to Palm Springs, where he worked for William Cody and formed a partnership with Richard Harrison.

Wexler experimented with steel as a way to build quickly and affordably. His steel houses of the early 1960s, prefabricated and bolted together on site, were meant to be the first of many, but rising steel costs stopped the project after seven were built. He also designed the Palm Springs airport terminal, schools and many homes in the desert.

Signature Features

  • Prefabricated steel frames and panels
  • Folded-plate and flat roofs with deep overhangs
  • Walls of glass opening to pools and mountains
  • Clean, economical construction suited to the desert

Landmark Work

  • Royal Hawaiian Estates, with Richard Harrison1960 · Palm Springs
  • Steel Development Housesearly 1960s · Palm Springs
  • Dinah Shore Residence1964 · Palm Springs
  • Palm Springs International Airport terminal1965 · Palm Springs

Buying a Wexler Home

  • Have the steel frame checked for corrosion and the roof for leaks.
  • Ask for the original drawings and the history of any changes.
  • Palm Springs has an active historic preservation program; ask whether the home is designated.

Questions

Donald Wexler FAQ

Are there homes by Donald Wexler for sale right now?

Yes. 17 homes for sale in Riverside counties credit Donald Wexler in the listing description, shown on this page and updated from CRMLS throughout the day.

What are the Wexler steel houses?

Prefabricated steel homes Donald Wexler designed in the early 1960s, built in Palm Springs and bolted together on site. Rising steel costs stopped the project after seven were built.

What else did Donald Wexler design?

The Palm Springs International Airport terminal of 1965, Royal Hawaiian Estates, schools and many homes across the desert.

Did Donald Wexler work for Richard Neutra?

Yes. After earning his degree at the University of Minnesota in 1950 he worked for Neutra in Los Angeles, then moved to Palm Springs in 1952.

How can I confirm a home was designed by Donald Wexler?

Listing descriptions are written by the listing agent, so treat an attribution as a starting point. Ask for the original building permit and drawings, check the records held in university and museum architecture archives, and look for published histories of the house. Kyle Shutts can help you confirm a home’s history before you write an offer.

Kyle Shutts, Real Estate Professional

Meet Kyle

Kyle Shutts

Real Estate Professional

Whether you’re buying your first home, upgrading, or selling a high-value property, my goal is simple: to protect your interests, maximize your outcome, and make the experience as smooth and stress-free as possible.

5.0

Google Rating

10+

Years Experience

1,000+

Transactions

$1B+

In Volume

More About Kyle →

Private Access

Searching for a Wexler Home?

Tell Kyle which architects you love, and he will reach out when one is coming to market.

Book a ConsultationContact Kyle