When it comes to selling architectural masterpieces, no one does it like The Agency’s Jeff Kohl. Known for his knowledge, passion and eye for detail, Jeff connects discerning buyers with Palm Springs and L.A.’s most extraordinary homes. Here, Jeff explains the allure of these architectural treasures, his secrets for making them shine, and more.
What initially drew you to specialize in selling architectural properties?
I credit a friend Mark McDonald, who founded Fifty/50, a design and decorative arts dealer in NYC. While Mark spent time in Los Angeles, he introduced me to mid-century architecture and gave me a pocket book which I still have today, A Guide to Architecture in Southern California, LACMA. Together we would take field trips with book in hand and see many of these important architectural homes. From that moment, I was obsessed!
Do you have a favorite architect or particular architectural style at the moment?
While I do love mid-century architecture, I also appreciate the good architecture of any style…that could be a George Washington Smith in Montecito to a John Woolf villa. Woods+Dangaran are currently my favorite working architects.
In your experience, what are some key features or design elements that distinguish architectural homes in LA and Palm Springs from traditional properties?
I think the most important difference is that architecture adds to the living experience by incorporating the environment into the home—whether that is using large glass walls or using organic materials to blur the lines between inside and out. It makes your life better, living in architecture—it’s really that simple!
How do you approach marketing architectural homes? What strategies do you employ to better showcase them or tap into the right buyers?
I find that generally, architecture lovers know what they like. So, like any listing, you want to represent the property in its best light. Good photography is always key and helps celebrate the architecture as it deserves to be shown.
Can you share any memorable success stories or standout examples from your recent sales of architectural properties?
I recently sold a Val Powelson 1959 in original condition in Tamarisk Country Club to a client who literally completely restored and renovated the property from the ground up.
The renovated property was a huge success as it respected the original architecture while enhancing the elements that did work and replacing the aspects that really did not work in today’s lifestyle.
You have to be very careful doing this, but this one was a huge success. I think it was a prime example of how you can really bring a vintage 1959 home into 2024. I sold the property this year representing both sides. Both the buyer and the seller are thrilled.
What advice would you give to homeowners looking to sell their architectural properties? What steps can they take to maximize their home’s appeal and value in the eyes of potential buyers?
Besides the obvious—getting rid of all clutter and having great staging are key—I personally do not like to show too many photos on display. You want the buyer to come to see the house for themselves, to feel it. I often ask the buyers to sit down to really experience the home at a different eye level, it often times evokes a unique vibe that one doesn’t get from just walking around. I also like to let people walk around on their own without be guiding them—they know a kitchen is a kitchen for god’s sake!
Jeff’s Current Listings
1705 Summitridge Drive, Beverly Hills
Perched at one of the highest points in Beverly Hills, Richard Neutra’s William H. Levit house epitomizes the California architectural ideal, offering some of the most breathtaking views in Los Angeles.
40471 Sand Dune Road, Rancho Mirage
The Ford Estate, former residence of President Gerry and Betty Ford, is one of the most important pieces of architecture in Rancho Mirage. Designed by famed architect, Welton Becket, this estate was fully renovated and restored by world class architects Marmol Radziner (Neutra Kaufman House, John Lautner Garcia House) with interiors by Darren Brown.
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