Jack A. Charney


Jack Allen Charney was an American architect who designed a number of iconic buildings in various cities across California including Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, San Francisco and Long Beach.

Early life and education

Charney was born in San Francisco, California. He worked as a licensed general contractor prior to opening his own architectural firm, Jack Allen Charney AIA, Associates in Los Angeles, California, in the 1950s. While working as a contractor, Charney attended the Art Center School where he studied architecture under Rudolph Schindler and Richard Neutra.

Signature style

Taking a page from his mentor, Richard Neutra's architectural style, Charney was known for the open-concept, indoor/outdoor living areas, sliding glass door walls and light filled rooms in his building design. It was Charney's philosophy to take maximum advantage of views of city, mountains and ocean.

Career

Charney was known for impressive, mid-century architectural conceptual designs for apartment complexes, commercial and office buildings, restaurants and single family houses spanning the southern California area. Cities which featured his completed work include Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, San Diego and Long Beach). Among his most iconic creations are the Sierra Towers, Diamond Heights Shopping Center, and Pacifica Hospital.

Death

Charney died in Los Angeles County in 2002. He was 82 years old.