ARCHITECTS

DONALD WEXLER, FAIA

(1926-2015)

Born in South Dakota, Donald Wexler, FAIA, received his Bachelor of Architecture degree in 1950 from the University of Minnesota, after serving in the Navy. Shortly after, he moved to Los Angeles and worked as an apprentice with Richard Neutra. In Rancho Mirage, architect William Cody hired Wexler in 1954 to work with him on the Tamarisk Country Club clubhouse. He went on to partner with Richard Harrison from 1952-1961.

The Charney Residence at Tamarisk Country Club was designed by Wexler & Harrison in 1957. Their well-thought-out plans to enhance panoramic views—combined with interior design by Arthur Elrod and landscape architecture by Eckbo, Royston, and Williams—make this home a Modernist gem. Wexler & Harrison also designed three homes at the Thunderbird North community, the first of which was built in 1957 and featured a characteristic detail consisting of thin, square posts as corner roof supports. Wexler’s later contributions to Rancho Mirage included Tamarisk Courts homes in 1977 for Kassinger Development, and the 1981 Kevin Lee Lane and Chandra Lane condominiums.