Book Alert!!

On Monday I attended a preview and discussion of Steven Price’s upcoming coffee table book, Over the Top  – The Architectural History of Trousdale Estates, Beverly Hills, as part of Aaroe Architectural’s lecture series at the Pacific Design Center in Los Angeles.  Both in his lecture and in his upcoming book, Steven allows us to take a look into the history of the Estates, past and present, which includes a feature of my very own Trousdale Estate design.

The Trousdale Estates neighborhood weaves A-list architecture and high-end interior design (Harold Levitt, A. Quincy Jones, Marmol-Radziner, Lloyd Wright, Donna Livingston, Kelly Wearstler, and more) with celebrity stardust and scandal (Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, Jennifer Aniston, and Simon Cowell).  In his book, Price introduces us to the inside scoop of Paul Trousdale’s luxury subdivision through never-before-revealed stories, architectural drawings and floor-plans, insider details, and dramatic images.

The lecture and book both brought back many memories for me and I’m thrilled that Price was able to capture such a spectacular project.  I remember when I used to live in Trousdale Estates and would take my early morning walks thinking about who lived behind the doors and gates of the various luxury homes.  It was commonplace to see Star Line buses with their megaphones pass by with eager celebrity fans hoping to get a glimpse of Jennifer Aniston,  who was my next-door neighbor, or Ringo Starr, who lived two doors down.

The Dramatic Back Yard of Donna Livingston Designed Trousdale Estate

Living Room of the Trousdale Estate Designed by Donna Livingston Design

I am anxiously awaiting the arrival of the book.  Not only is it an exciting topic, but one of my projects is featured in it!  I guess the discussion will have to keep me satisfied for a few months.  In the meantime, I’ll plan on attending a few of the other lectures from Aaroe Architectural’s 2012 series.  I’ll keep you updated!

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