# Lois Wilson Langhorst

Lois Wilson Langhorst (August 31, 1914 – January 6, 1989) was an American architect and educator, known for her influential contributions to modernist architecture and her pioneering role in a predominantly male field. Her work in the San Francisco Bay Area alongside her then-husband, Fred Langhorst, was under the firm Langhorst and Langhorst, Architects. Her career was cut short due to discriminatory practices against women in the field of architecture during that time period.

## Early life and education

Lois Wilson was born on August 31, 1914, in Kiowa, Oklahoma. She graduated from the University of Oklahoma, where she studied architecture and sociology; studied at the University of Texas; and later she graduated from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in 1940. At the University of Texas, Langhorst met her colleague Jack Hillmer. She received a degree in architectural history (1966) from Radcliffe College (now Harvard University).
She was married to Fred Langhorst (or Frederick Lothian Langhorst) in 1939, also an architect, which marked the beginning of a significant partnership in the field of architecture.

## Career

Langhorst's career was marked by her innovative approach to architecture, with a focus on modernist principles. She and her husband were known for their small, woodsy homes that featured innovative designs, such as freestanding kitchen islands and garden rooms, which were influential in the San Francisco Bay Area's architectural scene.
Langhorst is credited with designing the first kitchen island in 1949. This innovation is a notable contribution to residential architecture, showcasing her forward-thinking approach to design and functionality within the home. The kitchen island has since become a staple in modern kitchen design, serving as a versatile feature for food preparation, dining, and social interaction.

## Teaching and advocacy

Langhorst engaged in teaching during her career, which is another facet of her contributions to architecture and education. After her professional career, Langhorst taught at several prestigious institutions. She held positions at the University of California, Berkeley; the University of Kentucky; and the University of North Carolina.
Her teaching career was notable not just for the knowledge she imparted but also for her advocacy for women in the field of architecture. Langhorst was known for traveling to numerous institutions across the country and lecturing on the exclusion of women, particularly mothers, from the fields of urban planning and architecture. She highlighted the unique insights and inherent qualities that women, as informed mothers aware of child-development philosophies, could bring to the creation of physical environments conducive to family growth and development. This advocacy for gender inclusion and recognition of women's contributions to architecture and urban planning was a significant aspect of her career, marking her as a pioneer not only in design but also in pushing for societal changes within her profession.

## Notable projects

* Threkheld House, California, 1948: A standout example of Langhorst's design philosophy, emphasizing integration with the surrounding landscape and innovative use of space.
* Elizabeth McClane House, California, 1948: This project showcased Langhorst's skill in creating residential spaces that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
* Four Winds Bar, California, 1948: Demonstrates Langhorst's versatility and ability to design commercial spaces that resonate with modernist design principles.
* Paul Parrette House, Manila, Philippines: This project highlights Langhorst's international reach and recognition in the field of architecture.
* San Carlos House, San Carlos, California, 1948–1949: Another example of her impactful work in residential architecture, embodying modernist ideals in a suburban context.

## Legacy

Langhorst's legacy is cemented by her role as a trailblazer for women in architecture, her contributions to modernist architecture, and her commitment to teaching and advocating for the inclusion of women in the field.