Helen Liu Fong

Helen Liu Fong
Helen Liu Fong, photographed by Larry Hirshowitz (published in Los Angeles magazine, December 2000)
Born(1927-01-14)January 14, 1927
Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Died17 April 2005(2005-04-17) (aged 78)
Glendora, California, U.S.
Occupation(s)Architect, Interior Designer

Helen Liu Fong (January 14, 1927–April 17, 2005) was an American architect and interior designer from Los Angeles, California. Fong was an important figure in the Googie architecture movement, designing futuristic buildings like Norms Restaurant, the Holiday Bowl, Denny's, Bob's Big Boy, and Pann's Coffee Shop that helped usher in an era of boomerang angles, dynamic forms and neon lights.[1][2][3] Fong became one of the first women to join the American Institute of Architects, and worked with Armet and Davis on many of her most well-known projects.[4] Many of Fong's best-known building designs feature large glass fronts and bold colors on interior walls, designed to stand out and entice potential customers.[5]

  1. ^ Woo, Elaine (26 April 2005). "Obituaries; Helen Liu Fong, 78; Architect Created Futuristic Designs for Coffee Shops". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 21 February 2015.
  2. ^ Hirshowitz, Larry (December 2000). "Almost Famous". LA Magazine. LA Magazine.
  3. ^ Cramer, James P (2006). "Obituaries". Almanac of Architecture and Design. Greenway Communications.
  4. ^ Chung, Sue Fawn. "Pioneering Chinese American Architects". National Trust for Historic Preservation. National Trust for Historic Preservation. Retrieved 21 February 2015.
  5. ^ Favre, Jeff (27 January 2012). "How Four Chinese American Architects Helped Shape Los Angeles". Ventura County Star. Retrieved 21 February 2015.