ARCHITECT

Helena Arahuete

“ When I talk about good architecture, I believe the space has a soul ”

Women architects were relatively rare in the 1970s. Helena Arahuete was involved in the construction and later renovation of the John Lautner-designed Bob and Dolores Hope House, an unusual role for any architect.

The Hope House was erected in two phases in the South Ridge neighborhood of Palm Springs and was completed in 1979. She was involved in the renovation of many other Lautner houses, including Harvey House in Los Angeles.

Born in 1944, Arahuete came to the United States in 1971 to work with Lautner on the Arango Residence in Acapulco, Mexico, and soon became his highest-regarded associate. After Lautner’s death in 1994, Arahuete continued as principal of Lautner Associates having been promoted from draftswoman to the highest position in the architectural hierarchy.

Originally from Belgium and a graduate of the School of Architecture of the University of Buenos Aires, Arahuete eventually established her own firm, which continued to work according to organic principles, adapting them to evolving technological resources and her own values.

Organic architecture was established by such pillars of Modernism as Louis Sullivan, Frank Lloyd Wright, and John Lautner, Arahuete’s mentor.