Park Imperial South

This home is designed for the seasonal desert living lifestyle located in the architecturally known community of Park Imperial South, originally designed by architect Barry A. Berkus, AIA, 1959-1961 in Palm Springs, CA.



Existing conditions presented extreme deferred maintenance, major alterations, and removal of many original features which once gave this home its mid-century modern identity. However, the unique folded-plate roofline made of prefab components, custom cast bricks, and clerestory windows remained intact in this post & beam home.



Research began by visiting neighboring homes in this community, all in different levels of repair and originality, and a photo archive was created. Additional information was gathered by removing layers to identify original colors of fixtures, beams, and bricks.  Every surface was restored, fabricated, or re-created but remaining true to the original design intent to realize a Desert Retreat located within driving distance of busy Los Angeles.



A full renovation was completed focusing on restoration while marrying the indoor/outdoor relationships of desert living with a Zen-like garden of local stone and native plants.  The unifying priority was preserving existing materials, utilizing salvaged materials, and using sustainable materials when use of new products was required.

It was an honor for this home to be the recipient of two awards from the American Institute of Architecture in 2014.

People’s Choice Award, Desert Retreat – AIA Inland California, 2014
Citation Award, Desert Retreat – AIA Inland California, 2014