Case Study: Clock, Waestman, Clock Law Offices

07/06/2018 | Sara McLean |

On Oct. 13, attendees will have a chance to tour the Clock, Waestman, Clock Law Offices, designed by renowned architect Edward Killingsworth with his firm Killingsworth, Brady, Smith (1957). The building designed for a law firm, is now owned by Oren and Lauren Tanzer. Located in Long Beach, Calif., is one of six stops on the upcoming University Art Museum, California State University, Long Beach Modern Architecture Tour California State University, Long Beach Modern Architecture Tour.

Edward Killingsworth

Killingsworth was an American architect (1917-2004), best known for his participation in the Arts & Architecture Case Study Program in the mid-1950s, who designed and built Case Study House #25, the “Frank House,” in Naples, Calif. Other signature projects include the Richard Opdahl House on Naples Island, Calif., as well as the Cambridge Office Building in Long Beach, Calif. Heading up the architecture firm of Killingsworth, Brady and Smith, they designed numerous commercial and civic buildings, as well as luxury hotels. The firm was also integral to the design of California State University, Long Beach.

Born in Taft, Calif., Killingsworth aspired to become an artist yet, ultimately, earned a degree in architecture from USC in 1940. Jules Brady (1908-1996), one of his firm’s partners, was born in Long Beach and also graduated from USC in 1940 with a degree in architecture. Waugh Smith (1917-2010), the other partner, was
also a native Californian who received his architecture degree from U.C. Berkeley in 1940. Initially, all three
partners worked for the Long Beach architecture firm Kenneth S. Wing. In 1953, they started their own firm Killingsworth, Brady & Smith.

The firm’s design ideals were mainly influenced by Killingsworth’s Mid-century Modern style — horizontal structures with post-and-beam construction, open floor plans, glass, concrete, flat rooflines and soaring entrances.

Clock, Waestman, Clock Law Offices

The genius of Killingsworth is on full display in this 5,000-square-foot, single-level office building. Glass walls capture garden views and allow light to fill the space. The design balances outdoor spaces, communal spaces and private executive offices with such elegance that it’s not surprising the building received numerous
architectural awards.

The functionality of the building appears to be engineered for today's mobile professionals, with flexible workspaces, meeting rooms and patios that make coming to work a truly enjoyable experience. Oren Tanzer did a remarkable job refurbishing the building and honoring the architectural integrity of Killingsworth's design.

The firm of Killingsworth, Brady & Smith was known for using Dunn-Edwards paint. The Clock Waestman Office, originally the home of a law firm and now the home of Summerjax, is painted with Whisper (DEW340) and a custom teal green to match its logo.