Modernism Week Offers Exclusive Access to La Quinta Country Club

The annual event highlights the architectural legacy of the desert community.

Feb. 5, 2026 at 8:55pm

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Modernism Week, the annual celebration of mid-century design in the Coachella Valley, is bringing attention to La Quinta Country Club this year. The programming will offer a rare glimpse into the private community's architectural history, which has significantly contributed to the development of desert modernism. The tour will showcase a range of homes, from early 1960s spec houses to contemporary reinterpretations of the iconic style.

Why it matters

While Palm Springs often dominates the public perception of desert modernism, La Quinta Country Club has played a crucial role in shaping the architectural narrative of the region. The community attracted patrons who treated design as an extension of lifestyle, drawing in influential architects who experimented with climate-responsive features. This tour provides a unique opportunity to explore the evolution of desert modernism beyond the Palm Springs bubble.

The details

The tour will feature six residences that illustrate the architectural progression of La Quinta Country Club. It will start with the Sunrise House, an early example of desert modernism designed by Robert Ricciardi in 1968. The tour will also include the Collins House, which features interiors by renowned designer Arthur Elrod, and the Rosehill House, a well-preserved late 1960s modernist home. Newer additions, such as the Rakolta House by Laszlo Sandor and the Terry House by Lance O'Donnell, will demonstrate how contemporary architects continue to reinterpret the region's design legacy.

  • The Modernism Week tour of La Quinta Country Club will take place on February 19, 2026.
  • The tour program is currently sold out.

The players

Robert Andrew Millar

An architectural advocate and longtime La Quinta Country Club member who curated the tour, describing it as an act of stewardship and hospitality to share knowledge, encourage appreciation, and support the long-term preservation of the community's important architectural heritage.

Matt Tyrnauer

A filmmaker and journalist who will serve as the guest speaker for the Modernism Week event.

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What they’re saying

“Visitors are welcomed into homes where choices about light, materials, and landscape work together to express a complete way of life.”

— Robert Andrew Millar, Architectural advocate and La Quinta Country Club member

What’s next

The Modernism Week tour of La Quinta Country Club is currently sold out, but the event organizers may consider adding additional tour dates or opening up more tickets if there is high demand.

The takeaway

This Modernism Week event highlights the important role that La Quinta Country Club has played in the evolution of desert modernism, showcasing a range of architectural styles and innovations that have expanded the design narrative beyond the more well-known Palm Springs area. The tour provides a rare opportunity for architecture enthusiasts to explore this exclusive community and gain a deeper understanding of the Coachella Valley's rich modernist heritage.