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1924 to 2017

William Krisel

The architect of Palm Springs’s butterfly-roof neighborhoods

Drawing of a home in the style of William Krisel

For Sale Now

Homes by Krisel for Sale

Homes across Southern California whose listings credit William Krisel, updated from CRMLS throughout the day.

1–6 of 37

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 William Krisel

William Krisel was born in Shanghai in 1924 and practiced in Los Angeles with Dan Palmer as Palmer and Krisel. Working with builders such as the Alexander Construction Company, he brought modern design to the tract home on a scale few architects ever reached.

Krisel designed more than 30,000 homes in Southern California, including about 2,500 in Palm Springs, where his tracts nearly doubled the size of the city. Varied rooflines and orientations kept his neighborhoods from looking repetitive, and his homes open to patios and pools.

Signature Features

  • Butterfly, flat and folded-plate roofs varied from house to house
  • Clerestory windows and walls of glass to the patio
  • Decorative block screens and walls
  • Indoor-outdoor plans built around patios and pools
  • Standardized parts that kept modern design affordable

Landmark Work

  • Corbin Palms1955 · Woodland Hills, San Fernando Valley
  • Twin Palms Estates1956 to 1958 · Palm Springs
  • House of Tomorrow (Alexander House)1960 · Palm Springs

Buying a Krisel Home

  • Check the roof drainage. Butterfly roofs collect water at the center and need care.
  • Look for original features such as block screens and clerestories, which carry value with buyers.
  • In Palm Springs, ask about any historic or neighborhood design guidelines.

Questions

William Krisel FAQ

Are there homes by William Krisel for sale right now?

Yes. 37 homes for sale in Southern California credit William Krisel in the listing description, shown on this page and updated from CRMLS throughout the day.

Where are William Krisel’s homes?

About 2,500 are in Palm Springs, including Twin Palms Estates, his first tract there, and many built with the Alexander Construction Company. He also designed Corbin Palms in the San Fernando Valley, and more than 30,000 homes across Southern California.

What is the House of Tomorrow?

The House of Tomorrow, also called the Alexander House, is a 1960 Palm Springs home designed by Krisel for the Alexander family.

What should I check before buying a Krisel home?

Butterfly roofs collect water at the center, so check the roof drainage. Original block screens and clerestory windows carry value with buyers, and Palm Springs neighborhoods may have design guidelines.

How can I confirm a home was designed by William Krisel?

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.

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Kyle Shutts

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