John Parkinson was born in England and moved to the United States in 1894. He quickly made a name for himself in Los Angeles, designing iconic buildings such as the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, the Union Bank Building, and the Los Angeles City Hall. His designs were known for their grandeur and attention to detail.
Donald Parkinson followed in his father's footsteps and studied architecture at the University of Southern California. He worked alongside his father and eventually took over the family firm after John's death in 1935. Donald continued to design notable buildings such as the Bullock's Wilshire department store and the Pasadena City Hall.
Together, John and Donald Parkinson helped to shape the skyline of Los Angeles and define the city's architectural style. They were instrumental in bringing Art Deco to the West Coast and incorporated elements of Spanish Colonial Revival into their designs, which was a nod to the region's history.
Their legacy can still be seen today in many of the buildings they designed, which have become beloved landmarks in Los Angeles. The Parkinsons' contributions to the world of architecture have been recognized through numerous awards and honors, including induction into the American Institute of Architects' College of Fellows.
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