Early Modernist architect whose most famous works were homes built in and around Los Angeles; known for his maverick style.
He graduated from the Vienna Academy of Fine Arts in 1911 with an architecture degree; he discovered Frank Lloyd Wright's work by way of the Wasmuth Portfolio in 1911.
He was hired by Wright to work on the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo, during which time he took up residence in Japan.
He was the son of a wood and metal craftsman and importer, while his mother worked as a dressmaker. He married Pauline Gibling after meeting her in 1919.
His Rodriguez House was seen in the film, "Pineapple Express," starring Seth Rogen.