Biography Project: Architect William Alexander (Levy)
I am writing an illustrated architectural biography of William Alexander (born Alexander Levy, 1909–1997), best known as the designer of Richard Halliburton’s Hangover House in Laguna Beach. Across Southern California and Mexico, Alexander produced adventurous houses, resort projects, and furniture designs while moving through overlapping worlds of architecture, art, theatre, film, and collecting.
The book examines Alexander’s architectural work and cultural networks, including how his experience as a gay man shaped his life, relationships, and place in twentieth-century American cultural history. It also documents his role as a patron and supporter of artists and arts organizations.
William Levy Alexander, architect, “William Levy Alexander portrait,” UCSB ADC Omeka, accessed July 16, 2025, http://www.adc-exhibits.museum.ucsb.edu/items/show/834.
The book builds on an unpublished manuscript by Gerry Max, author of McFarland’s Horizon Chasers (2007), who knew Alexander for approximately a decade. Max's extensive interviews and prior scholarship—including his biographies of Richard Halliburton and Paul Mooney and his documentation of Alexander's role as designer and builder of Halliburton's Hangover House—lay the foundation for this work. See Horizon Chasers: The Lives and Adventures of Richard Halliburton and Paul Mooney (McFarland Publishers, 2007), and Richard Halliburton and the Voyage of the Sea Dragon (University of Tennessee Press—Knoxville, 2020).
Project Overview
Personal Life and Legacy: A nuanced portrait of Alexander’s journey, values, and how his identity influenced his relationships, his navigation of societal attitudes, and his legacy in both architectural and LGBTQ+ communities.
Architectural and Furniture Design: In-depth analysis of Alexander’s architectural catalog, including private and public commissions, and his innovative furniture designs, all situated within the context of modern design.
Patronage and Cultural Impact: Documentation of Alexander’s support for artists and institutions, shaped by the unique perspectives he brought as a gay man.
Research Approach
As a retired academic dean and scholar, I am committed to rigorous, ethical research. I seek the cooperation of individuals, families, and institutions connected to Alexander’s work. Access to his buildings—including private homes—is vital for an accurate record. I am especially interested in materials that provide insights into his relationships and the social context in which he lived and worked, as these are crucial for a comprehensive understanding of his life and work.
Request for Information and Access
If you possess information, archival material, or can provide access to properties designed by William Alexander Levy, I would be grateful to hear from you. Sharing these resources will contribute to a thoroughly researched and respectful biography that honors his legacy.
Please get in touch with me directly at kevin.souza @ gmail.com to discuss participation. I sincerely appreciate your consideration of this scholarly endeavor and look forward to the opportunity to collaborate with you.