James Goldstein's Architects
1979-1994
James “Jim” Goldstein purchased the famous Beverly Hills Sheats Residence in 1972 designed by Architect John Lautner. The home was originally designed in 1961 for Paul and Helen Sheats and completed in 1963. Jim hired Lautner to renovate the house in 1979 and continued to work with Lautner up until his death in 1994. So much of the home has was modified by Lautner and under the direction of Jim that the home has become known as the Sheats-Goldstein Residence.
Jim Goldstein also commissioned Lautner to design an interior finish out for his office space (video link) in a high rise building in Century City, CA. The office was constructed by contractor and finish carpenter Robin Poirier, who is still involved in the Lautner Foundation today. When forced to move from his space in the building, the office was disassembled and given to the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA).
1994-2015
Structural Engineer Andrew Nasser with Architect Duncan Nicholson standing in the Turrell Syspace ‘Above Horizon’
Before John Lautner passed he had a schematic site plan design to install a tennis court and guest house on the adjacent property that Jim had purchased. John Lautner Associate and Architect Duncan Nicholson largely took over the upkeep of the existing residence and the future project to construct Jim’s dream. The program of the original design was expanded to include offices, a library, and an entertainment space below the tennis court.
In addition to the project adjacent to the house, Duncan also took over the architectural role of project that was originally intended to be a collaboration between John Lautner and James Turrell. The James Turrell skyspace known as “Above Horizon” was completed in 2005.
Duncan’s Firm, Nicholson Architects, continued to work with Jim Goldstein to design and expand the properties’ development until Duncan unfortunately passed away in 2015.
2015-PRESENT DAY
Architect Kristopher Conner, Architect James Perry, Owner James Goldstein, and Director of LACMA Michael Govan
Associates of Duncan Nicholson, Architects Kristopher Conner and James Perry picked up the torch to continue the ongoing construction and design of the project after working for Duncan for 7 and 9 years respectively.
After finishing the spaces below the tennis court (including a private nightclub, offices, and library) construction has moved below to the terrace that includes an infinity pool, outdoor kitchen, bar, and dining area. Future projects for a Theater and Guest House are currently in the design phase.
Structural Engineer Andrew Nasser is well known on the project and carried over having worked with Lautner, Nicholson, and now Conner & Perry Architects on Goldstein’s projects.
The owner James Goldstein has decided to bequeath the property to LACMA in 2016. It was important to him that the home and property would continue to be available to architectural students to inspire future generations.