Henry H. Hester, during a forty year career, produced a significant body of extraordinary design accomplishments which were honored by AIA design awards on both the national and local levels. Mr. Hester, through his work, had a significant influence in introducing modernism to the San Diego region. His designs were known for their simplicity, clean lines, and unwavering attention to detail. His work is as crisp and timely today as it was at the time of its construction.
Henry Hester was born in Oklahoma. His mother was part Cherokee. His family moved to San Diego where he attended Roosevelt Junior High School and Brown Military Academy in San Diego. After serving for three years in the U.S. Coast Guard he attended USC. Immediately upon graduating from USC, he moved to La Jolla.
Over the years, Henry Hester entered into a partnership with several other architects. His projects included custom single-family homes, commercial structures, and the highly acclaimed Salomon Apartments near Balboa Park. His work was published in over 30 architectural magazines and three hard cover books, attesting to his status as a significant and influential local architect.
Henry Hester enjoyed a full life which included many passions other than architecture, each of which demanded great dedication and skill. Whatever he undertook, be it auto racing, flying, or golf, Hester committed himself to excel. Those who knew him best attest to the pride that Henry took in doing things his way and conforming to his own high standards. The last several years of his life were spent in Palm Desert enjoying retirement and playing golf.
Henry Hester’s work had a strong influence on many people and it has provided inspiration for a generation of architects who followed. This recognition by his peers is richly deserved..
