Located in Lafayette Square, the Williams family residence, designed in 1952 by architect Paul Williams for his own family, offers a distinctive interpretation of modernist design through a more modest and intimate scale compared to his larger commissioned estates. The house is a white, horizontally oriented structure featuring separated room pavilions reminiscent of Le Corbusier’s architectural style.

Valéry Augustin, an architect and curator of a recent exhibition at the University of Southern California, noted that the home elegantly combines features typical of Williams’s grander commissions—such as its aesthetic flow and signature curves—with a streamlined modern form suited for everyday living.

The current owner, Darren Walker, who acquired the property in May after stepping down as president of the Ford Foundation and assuming leadership at the entertainment company Anonymous Content, praised the residence for both its design and functionality. Walker described living in the house as “living in a dream,” emphasizing that despite its conception in 1950, the home remains equipped with modern conveniences and retains a level of style that surpasses many contemporary houses.

One notable feature that Walker highlighted is a ground-level room with curved walls, green slate floors, and integrated irrigation spigots—elements inspired by a 1950s trip Williams took with his wife, Della Mae Givens. Williams designed the space, which Walker refers to as “Della Mae’s lanai,” to accommodate an abundance of plants. Walker has since furnished the house with artworks by Noah Davis and Kara Walker and appreciates the seamless indoor-outdoor living experience the lanai provides.

Prior to Walker’s ownership, the house was restored by gallerist Hannah Hoffman with assistance from Escher Guenardwane Architects. The home remained with the Williams family for several decades and was known for its lively atmosphere, particularly during the holiday season. A unique decorative touch includes three bronze gazelles crafted by Williams as part of the stairway railing, which were adorned with red velvet bows and lights during Christmas, evoking a festive spirit.

The residence stands as both a personal testament to Williams’s architectural philosophy and a well-preserved example of mid-20th century modernism adapted for familial living.