Unsung Advocates of Mid-Century Modern - Page 3

DION NEUTRA
The passing of architect Dion Neutra (1926-2019), an intense advocate and true eccentric, leaves a huge hole in the architectural world. Dion established the Neutra Institute for Survival Through Design in 1962, directing projects from his headquarters on Neutra Place in Silver Lake. Continuing the practice following his father Richard's death in 1970, Dion focused his efforts on faithfully protecting the Neutra legacy, appearing at hearings, and, when necessary, employing newsworthy theatrics. His independent portfolio includes the Lou Scheimer residence and the Treetops Apartments. Dion authored a number of books, including The Neutras Then & Later.

ROBERT IMBER
Anyone who ever met Robert Imber (1950-2021) was greeted with a sincere smile and warmth. As a 30-year advocate of architectural preservation, the historian's plea to "Educate! Educate! Educate!" took shape in wonderful ways. Spreading the gospel of preservation to everyone he met, Imber had contagious enthusiasm, a quality reflected in his guided architectural tours of Palm Springs modern, which regularly sold out. A founding member of the Palm Springs Modern Committee, Imber initiated their annual preservation awards. He also established MUSARCH, a museum of architecture in Alto Capistrano. His sense of purpose and winning advocacy style will never be forgotten.

JC MILLER
A landscape architect for the past two decades, Miller zealously restores the present, one garden at a time, fueled by his fascination with California's mid-century gardens and the designers behind them. An authority on postwar landscape history, Miller is a popular speaker at events, including Palm Springs Modernism Week, where he shares his enthusiasm for preservation. Among his restoration projects are the Kaufmann Desert House in Palm Springs, the X-100 Eichler, and the Eichler Homes offices in Palo Alto. A former colleague of Robert Royston, the inventor of modern landscape design, Miller co-authored the book Robert Royston.

MARTY ARBUNICH
Fascinated by the homes, staffers, and moral values of the original Eichler Homes company, in 1993 Arbunich founded the Eichler Network, a 30-year publishing venture that supports preservation by reinforcing the benefits of home restoration and pride of ownership. With publications mailed free to his homeowner base, Arbunich produced the Eichler Network newsletter for 12 years, and then CA-Modern magazine beginning in 2006. He was co-chair of Historic Quest, qualifying two Eichler tracts for the National Register; and restored and landmarked the Eichler X-100, which he has owned since 2003. Arbunich also co-authored the book Eichler: Modernism Rebuilds the
American Dream.