Virgil W. McDowell Inc.

Desert House: Reawakening 1970

The Joseph & Wiki Dennis House, originally designed and built in 1970 by Palm Desert design-build firm Patten-Wild, Marvin “Ross” Patton (contractor) and Albert “Duke” Wild (general contractor), this 90-foot-diameter main house was paired with a smaller game pavilion, both surrounded by water. Interiors were envisioned by Bob Hammerschmidt, associate designer to Arthur Elrod.

Fifty-five years later, I’ve been entrusted to breathe new life into this iconic Mid-Century home—transforming it into a modern desert entertaining oasis. The mission? Seamlessly integrate contemporary MEP systems for year-round comfort without compromising the home’s timeless Mid-Century vernacular.

Swipe through early progress shots of one of my favorite zones: the Moon Garden — where radiating wood and steel beams fan out from the concave architecture, framing a serene garden and reflective pool. Gaze out to tiered white stucco walls and mature olive trees, all set within a raised planter that creates a private, meditative retreat in the desert.

Taking cues from A. Quincy Jones and his work from the early sixties, we're currently working on a classic desert house...and trying to use advantages such as multiple concrete finishes, textures and colors to create movement to achieve a more luxurious flow to the property vs the tendency for a commercial looking project.

Included is a quick sketch of low profile battered wall and quartz material to be dry stacked in an informal manner.

Happy Birthday Constance! Today is the 90th birthday for one of my former clients Constance Towers. Her and her late husband John Gavin were the sweetest and most lovable couple I've ever met.

I recently visited Knoxville TN, to view one of John F. Staub's untouched regency revival works - the Eugenia Williams House. It's always good to view some of the architectural masters' projects.

My nephew's first Los Angeles, CA solo exhibition this weekend March 25th - May 6th, 2023. Jared McGriff: On Being a Wild Dream | Exhibitions | VIELMETTER LOS ANGELES

Jared McGriff: On Being a Wild Dream | Exhibitions | VIELMETTER LOS ANGELES Opening reception: Saturday, March 25, 4 – 6PMVielmetter Los Angeles is pleased to present Miami-based artist Jared McGriff’s first solo exhibition in Los Angeles, “On Being a Wild Dream,” on view in the gallery’s Greenhouse space. McGriff’s expressionistic paintings conjure mundane mome...

My nephew's first solo museum exhibition from November 20 through February 13, 2022. Titled Jared McGriff: Where We Are You

NSU Art Museum

It's been 21 months since I've posted something, so here's a quick thumbnail sketch.

My nephew's first solo exhibition in Miami "Alone, Together" Tickets, Fri, Sep 13, 2019 at 7:00 PM

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/spinello-presents-jared-mcgriffs-solo-exhibition-alone-together-tickets-70951252105

Hancock Park project, I completed a few years ago is on the market for $10.5 million.

Hancock Park Regence - Ernie Carswell and Associates A rarified environment of the highest design on a beautifully manicured property overlooking beautiful golf course fairways. Inspired by the French Regence period of architecture, the residential masterpiece of both grandeur and intimacy is a perfect combination of all things ...

Upcoming Project: Restoration and chic renovation of a classic Mid-Century estate. Designed and built by architect-developer duo Ross Patton and Albert Wild and originally decorated by Arthur Elrod 1970 - in Rancho Mirage's exclusively gated community of Thunderbird Heights.

41915 Tonopah Road 41915 Tonopah Road Thunderbird Heights, Rancho Mirage, CA www.41915tonopahroad.com -------- Presented by Nelson-Moe Properties -------- Video x Edit: www.nuvueinteractive.com