Deborah Lubera Kawsky is the author of Alexander Girard, Architect: Creating Midcentury Modern Masterpieces. Her work has been a topic of several publications featuring Midcentury Modern art and the Detroit Art Scene.
Alexander Girard, Architect: Creating Midcentury Modern Masterpieces
Written by: Deborah Lubera Kawsky with Forward by: Ruth Adler Schnee
Published in 2018 by Wayne State University Press
During the midcentury period, Michigan attracted visionary architects, designers, and theorists, including Alexander Girard. While much has been written about Girard’s vibrantly colored and patterned textiles for Herman Miller, the story of his Detroit period (1937–53)—encompassing interior and industrial design, exhibition curation, and residential architecture—has not been told. Alexander Girard, Architect: Creating Midcentury Modern Masterpieces by Deborah Lubera Kawsky is the first comprehensive study of Girard’s exceptional architectural projects, specifically those concentrated in the ultra-traditional Detroit suburb of Grosse Pointe.
One exciting element of the book is the rediscovery of another Girard masterpiece—the only surviving house designed entirely by Girard, and former residence to Mr. and Mrs. John McLucas. Restored in consultation with iconic midcentury designer Ruth Adler Schnee, the McLucas house represents the culmination of Girard’s Detroit design work at midcentury. Stunning color photographs capture the unique design elements—including the boldly colored glazed brick walls of the atrium—reminiscent of Girard’s role as color consultant for the GM Tech Center. Original Girard drawings for the building plan, interior spaces, and custom-designed furniture document the mind of a modernist master at work and are made available to the public for the first time in this beautiful book.
Alexander Girard, Architect is a beautiful, informative book suited for enthusiasts of Alexander Girard, the midcentury modern aesthetic, and Detroit history, art, and architecture.
Published by: Painted Turtle
“Thus began my eight-year quest to uncover several interrelated histories, relating not only to Girard’s architecture and the McLucas house but also to his connection with key clients, designers and institutions in Detroit during a pivotal time in history.”
- Deborah Lubera Kawsky
Praise for Alexander Girard, Architect:
“Kawsky's thorough research and generous use of archival imagery uncover a fresh understanding of Girard's architectural practice and a fascinating account of his evolution as a designer.” - Shelley Selim, associate curator of design and decorative arts, Indianapolis Museum of Art and the Miller House
“Richly illustrated with rarely seen historic photographs, this book places Girard at the center of the extraordinary synergy that revolved around modern design in Michigan and led the artist to collaborate with icons Ray and Charles Eames, Eero Saarinen, Minoru Yamaski and George Nelson.” - Brian D. Conway, Michigan’s state historic preservation officer
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