Louis Naidorf

Louis Naidorf (August 15, 1928 – August 13, 2025) was an American architect and educator based in Los Angeles. He was known for designing the Capitol Records Building, the Beverly Center, the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium, and the Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena, as well as contributing to the master planning of Century City. He also founded the architecture program at Woodbury University in Burbank, serving as its chairman.

Background

Naidorf was born in Los Angeles, California, on August 15, 1928. He developed an interest in architecture at a young age. He attended the University of California, Berkeley, earning his undergraduate and graduate degrees.

Naidorf died on August 13, 2025, at the age of 96.

Notable projects

• Capitol Records Building (Hollywood, 1956) – Iconic cylindrical tower, mid-century modern design, executed with Welton Becket & Associates.
• Santa Monica Civic Auditorium (Santa Monica, 1958) – Mid-century modern civic performance space.
• Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena (Los Angeles, 1959) – Multi-purpose indoor arena, demolished in 2016.
• Century City (1960s–1970s) – Master planning of commercial district.
• Beverly Center (Los Angeles, early 1980s) – Elliptical shopping mall with central atrium and signature escalators.
• Woodbury University Architecture Program (Burbank) – Founded program and served as chairman.

Selected projects

References

External links

• Capitol Records Building – PCAD
• Los Angeles Sports Arena – History
• Beverly Center – Architecture Resources
• Century City – Historical Resources
• Woodbury University Architecture Program – PCAD