Architect Explores San Francisco's Distinctive Styles | Walking Tour | Architectural Digest

[@rripley62]

MORE of this, please! James' passion and extensive knowledge completely pulled me in and spoke to my own adoration of architecture and design! I am a Bay Area native yet I still learned a TON from this tour. Bravo!!!

[@DoahnKea_Tuber]

Well Said.

[@huntrrams]

Ikr! I love this!

[@IvyFox1]

Agreed!!!

[@annabellemerlin8502]

SO well said and I could not agree more!

[@WineCrazed]

10000000% agreed!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@ebeyslough]

Incredible. San Francisco needed this to combat all the negative press. SF at its core is beautiful.

[@sulevisydanmaa9981]

To put it ,mildly ...

[@luistinoco7794]

@@phillipbanes5484you don’t know anything about SF and it shows

[@63artemisia63]

@ebeyslough Where are you seeing “negative press” and what is it?

[@63artemisia63]

@ebeyslough What “negative press”?

[@fadedidentity]

@@63artemisia63have you been living under a rock for the past decade? all everyone talks about nowadays is how SF is a total wasteland entirely overthrown by homeless, drug addicted zombies

[@bluepearlgirl-emelie]

I could listen to this guy talk about the architecture in my town for hours and hours! This is my favorite thing to be doing. THANK YOU! Bravo!

[@chriscatton705]

I agree!! So articulate and descriptive

[@TylerShibata]

@@chriscatton705 lol poo

[@tallSycamore]

Oh, how I miss living in San Francisco. America's most beautiful city wrapped in a living veil of fog and light. Every day was a changing visual delight. I never felt frustrated when traffic snarled - there was always something new to rest my eyes on.

[@noble604]

WOW what a great attitude! May this be the pleasant attitude for us all! Thanks

[@juicehammer]

I never realized that before. I don't car commute in SF but traffic never bothers me because there's so much to see

[@TG8.]

Love this!!

[@omitina7156]

Oh my Lord God. Serious delusion here. I was born and raised here. I continue to live and work here. What a joke of a video.

[@sashabootcher888]

@@omitina7156 I agree with you, I came from the Midwest to San Francisco and the cheapest rent was the tenderloin, now I know why! Wonder what he thinks about the architecture down here 😂

[@dansdans4885]

I love how he explains the 2nd and 3rd Bay Area styles in an architectural manner, and then 1st Bay Area Style is just "drop dead gorgeous". Couldn't agree more!

[@1Skorpia]

James needs his own series here. He's natural teacher that keeps the class hooked. I love his energy and passion. I love anything design and learning new things. I'm dying to see more of him😁

[@jakeryans2196]

San Francisco is such a unique city in America. Almost like why would anyone think to build a metropolis on such rugged terrain. But also, I've never seen a city that boasts such beautiful views from so many vantage points. Looking at it from a financial standpoint, this city has gone through so many highs and lows but it will never go out of style because of how goddamn beautiful it can be.

[@arifjohariali]

Love seeing more coverage of NorCal! I'd love to see an explanation of the different types of Victorian in SF.

[@MoonChild-po9du]

And what places are you recommending? And what architect?

[@TheFilmSpace1]

They did it kzbin.info/www/bejne/hXm1Z5WraaegeNk

[@AlphaGeekgirl]

@@MoonChild-po9du What do you mean? They already said, “Victorians in San Francisco”! Or are you asking for a specific list of all the addresses?

[@tatianafoule6257]

Too many likes ... respond to my sugestion here up please....... ....

[@tatianafoule6257]

@@MoonChild-po9du ohhh do you still eating salmón ?

[@napanest1019]

Thank you for finally giving SF some love. It’s an architectural treasure trove and I love walking this city every day! ❤

[@tatianafoule6257]

Fluid of a river moves my strenght to live.

[@03200320z]

As a San Francisco native, this makes my heart sing

[@LenaMMcKee]

What I learned in school being a native from there is that after the 1906 earthquake they decided to rebuild it as the Paris of the Pacific so they borrowed a lot of ornate architectural styles from Europe

[@axnyslie]

I was a bike messenger in San Francisco in the 1990s. I've been inside all these buildings many times. The internal designs were just as intriguing it was a fun job always exploring the streets and buildings of SF.

[@andyprice]

I wished I was been a bike messenger in the 1990s.

[@archiezelisdedal5570]

Those hills must have been tough! Or you have great leg muscles!

[@CooperJeanne]

This is the best walking tour in the series! Jam packed with information in a story telling style, James Dixon is a talented lecturer!

[@el_puma_real]

As a native San Franciscan, I've walked or drove by these places and it's always a treat to hear their history. One other building that has a unique "Mayan" theme is the building at 450 Sutter, Google it. I used to go to the dentist there, it's a beautiful building in its own right.

[@Benjorunner]

I did check it out on google maps, its a beautiful building!

[@ArtamStudio]

My former dentist was there too. Magnificent building. Icing on the cake: 450 Sutter's architect was Timothy Pflueger, the same guy who designed the Pac Tel building.

[@DrFrankyDolan]

THANK YOU for this! San Francisco is sincerely one of the most BEAUTIFUL cities in the entire world! The architecture, the hillsides, the ocean views, the bay views, the rich art history, the surrounding areas with vineyards, redwoods and coastline, and a culture of extreme kindness and acceptance… Truly, truly, it is a life-changing experience for most people just to visit! The song that sings of leaving your heart in San Francisco is a very true and real sentiment. The fog is so soft, it’s like cotton clouds soothing your skin, and the sun is as golden as the gate, feeling like a warm hug whenever it kisses your face. Yes, I absolutely love this amazing city in the world. My favorite place to ever live. When I am there, I am home. And so many people feel the exact same way. LOVE San Francisco!

[@TG8.]

Your and others' comments are like love letters to San Francisco. Something about this city makes people write poetry!!

[@DrFrankyDolan]

@@TG8. Yes, what a beautiful way to say that! There is truly a warm sparkly spirit to the city, one that you can feel in your cells. It ignites creativity and inspiration. It's amazing. Thank you for your kind reply as well. It means a lot! ~ Wishing you well, my friend!

[@ownedbymykitty270]

I’m a Bay Area native who’s been all over the world and especially blown away by places like Paris, Amsterdam, Istanbul, and Tokyo, but… SF is still the most beautiful city in the world. All the ones I mentioned above have mostly flat topography, lack microclimates, and don’t have the sheer diversity and West Coast wackiness of SF.

[@LuckieWarrior]

I can listen to this man talk about architecture for hours. He's got the look, great lecturer, and does not make the topic come off pretentious

[@blairwilliams136]

Did a full day walk around SF last summer, the architecture there is something truly special and amazing.

[@apropo_s]

these series exploring the architecture of cities are by far my favorite thing in AD´s youtube channel! please keep doing them! would love to see Chicago or Savannah next.

[@huntrrams]

I want a full hour tour of this guy talking about SF buildings! This was a pretty good video!

[@susanbaker2796]

Agree. This was an excellent video. I was blown away by the host.

[@dbowe4415]

This is the best walking tour I’ve seen on this channel. My guy has so much knowledge, yet never sounds presumptuous. He explains what the viewer is looking at so effectively. Well done!

[@dcflow7859]

This man is enlightened with the spirit of passion! What an incredible energy and what a fluid and entertaining speaker. Love this along with the presentations of the buildings.

[@szymonpifczyk]

This series needs to be continued! Some ideas: 450 Sutter St (mind-blowing Mayan revival lobby), houses in the Sunset and the Mission Dolores basilica

[@b.l.8611]

Please do these types of tours all over the US….great speaker and tour guide on architecture!

[@modernvillacompany]

Hello B.L. dear friend I hope you are fine . I guess you are interested in architecture and villa design. If you are interested in these topics I'm glad you visit my channel Our team uploads new videos every day, I am sure you will like them

[@susanbaker2796]

I could listen to James Dixon talk for hours. He is fascinating. I hung on his every word. Seriously. More of James, AD. Please!

[@minime4644]

Just moved from NY to SF and this is a great guide to understanding the city for me! This is so helpful ☺️👏

[@californiamade5608]

What made you move to SF. Curious.

[@kyuj2884]

@@californiamade5608 homeless in NYC isnt enough for him... he want more lol.

[@michaelwilliams5506]

​@@kyuj2884 you know, there aren't homeless encampments in all parts of sf. Most of the city doesn't have that problem

[@dre.supreme]

WOW love this walking tour. James thanks for your outstanding dictation!

[@StudioBAS]

As a resident of this amazing city I’m loving all the San Francisco content lately! This video was fantastic! Id love to see more about all the housing styles here

[@befoogii1134]

James Dixon is an incredible guide - thank you!

[@thittysanbar]

I am so inspired by this KZbin channel, I'm about to graduate from highschool and ever since I've been 8 years old I knew i wanted to be an architect. It what keeps me going while maintaining good grades. I know it's a hard and intimidating thing to study especially cuz math. Yet I think i have what it takes. And even tho I'm scared I will push my self to do my absolute best! Thank you so much Ad for inspiring me every day!!!

[@bananasplit4501]

you got this! it is okay to be unsure, pursue what makes your soul sing anyhow!!!!

[@dolcevitausa6448]

Thank you for reminding me why I love my city even with an ineffective administration and all the challenges it is facing at this time....

[@FlyAVersatran]

Mr. Dixon, YOU are a fabulous presenter. Thank you.

[@МаринаАлейникова-ф9ъ]

Absolutely adored your walking tour, it makes one want to visit the place and see with one's own eyes!

[@paillette2010]

Omg…he’s marvelous. I think you need more of this gentleman.

[@annetteziegler7944]

Well done! More from this guy Dixon, please. Keep up the great work, AD! Thumbs up.

[@gemstonesparkle7915]

I love the way he uses all words he can to compliment the old buildings for their beauty. It shows passion and I am here for it! Do Charleston next.

[@wwaxwork]

Oh Charleston would be amazing to learn about.

[@Darciinz]

Bravo....Bravo....An amazing lecture while walking the streets, and Mr James Dixon was wonderful, and I was captivated by his knowledge and great descriptions and insight. Please do more of these small docos.

[@planecrashcorner7283]

I'd love to see walking tours of north beach, the mission, the sunset, the Richmond, etc

[@timothymacdonnell9079]

Thank you, James, for setting the record straight about painted ladies!

[@posthocprior]

That was fantastic. This architect presents SF's with a great amount of knowledge and passion.

[@ginabonina6427]

So great! I could listen to him all day. Great hair and love the collar on that shirt. Proud to say that I've been to nearly all of those locations, including under the Bay Bridge! Yay Area!!

[@danielheaton]

Very, very fascinating. I went to San Francisco in 2015 and saw many of the locations mentioned in this video. LOVE San Francisco and I LOVED this video.

[@caesaraugustus7587]

James is the BEST architect so far! OMG! We need MORE of him!!! WOW!

[@kaitlinroth7555]

more of this guy please!! he's such a joy to watch.

[@janiceball8431]

architecture makes my heart sing. The fulfillment by observation is enormous. Details, design, texture elevates me to another level.

[@ThinWhiteAxe]

His hair is unreasonably fabulous

[@abyrupus]

Love his passionate opinion on hippies painting houses pink. More from this individual please.

[@MisadventuresOfJason]

LMAO me too! Comment I was looking for

[@bekind8243]

I visited SF I’m 2019 and fell in LOVE with the architecture and I knew nothing about architecture and had never even noticed the architecture of any building anywhere! I hope SF rebounds to the beauty and wonderful people it had in 2019.❤

[@fixpacifica]

Fascinating stuff. I walk through a lot of these areas in SF and am always happy to learn something new about them.

[@Inspower]

There’s so much

[@NewYorkNevada]

Wow!!! This was one of the most incredible, informative things I've ever watched on KZbin, across subject matter. Thank you!

[@FridayAdventureClub]

Never been more HYPED about first Bay Area style!

[@Justin1an]

Those Queen Anne house row is so gorgeous!

[@RoseEyed]

I'd love to see a series like this on Chicago. All the stories behind buildings we see in passing is fascinating!

[@californiamade5608]

There’s plenty on Chicago

[@yippeehaha24-y1y]

I'd love to see walking tours of smaller cities like Providence, RI

[@prestondufauchard5919]

Terrific video. For years I worked in downtown SF so I’ve been in most of these buildings, but didn’t realize the architectural intentions. Thx James, you are great.

[@LanceRoylo]

This was excellent. James knows his stuff and knows how to present it interestingly.

[@henrymanzano2201]

Fun fact for movie buffs: the front stairs at 555 California Street were used as the front of the building for the 1974 disaster film "The Towering Inferno". It's the scene where Fred Astaire first arrives. The shots of the lobby and exterior of the "Glass Tower" are from the Westin Embarcadero Hotel,which was built in 1973. There's definitely a lot to see,both in this video and across San Francisco itself. I haven't had the chance to actually go there yet,but SF has fascinated me since I was a kid,and this video showed me even more stuff that's worth looking for that I wouldn't ordinarily have noticed. I'm a fan of this whole channel now,thanks to its hosts' enthusiasm and how they explain things in an accessible way. Thank you!

[@henrymanzano2201]

Correction: the hotel is actually a Hyatt Regency

[@random22026]

SUBLIME tour. Compliments to Mr. Dixon! 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@paul1458]

I could watch this for hours! So interesting! Start a series with different architects showing different cities

[@jamesr1703]

Learned a lot here and the narrator's way of speaking was extremely easy to understand.

[@KevinBingham]

The Hallidie Building ( 3:50 ) is an office building in the Financial District of San Francisco, California, at 130 Sutter Street, between Montgomery Street and Kearny Street. Designed by architect Willis Polk and named in honor of San Francisco cable car pioneer Andrew Smith Hallidie, it opened in 1918 and though credited as the first American building to feature glass curtain walls,[3] it was in fact predated by Louis Curtiss's Boley Clothing Company building in Kansas City, Missouri, completed in 1909.

[@matthewadams5476]

Cities like NYC and San Francisco come up on this channel every other week, lets get some variety!!

[@laus7080]

17 percent of Americans live in California and NY, so there is quite some diversity to be found in these highly urban areas.

[@PascaleLaurent81]

@@laus7080 there’re other places within the US and 17% isn’t much .

[@sonyasimmons3913]

Fabulous tour!! I would love to see more of San Fransico and hear from the captivating, brilliant guide! Fantastic job, James. You managed to bring the stunning structures to life. AD, more please!

[@KMELT]

James ❤this👏🏻is 👏🏻so 👏🏻much 👏🏻fun! +1 for “MORE of this, please!“

[@californiamade5608]

Some impressive underrated architecture in San Francisco. People always think Chicago, NYC for architecture. San Francisco has some of the best in the nation. The pyramid was also the 8th tallest IN THE WORLD when completed. It also has some of the best earthquake engineering in the world. As well as Salesforce Tower, 181 Fremont, Bank Of America Building (555 California), park tower, Rincon hill tower, and so many more. The Salesforce Tower would be the 5th tallest tower in Chicago if it was standing there today. The city deserves so much more credit.

[@MisadventuresOfJason]

I love the passion when he speaks about the Presidio block!

[@ricamaeguiyab3529]

I’m going to San Francisco in November so the upload of this content is quite timely! I can’t wait to see these places in real life.

[@oakblaze433]

How was it?

[@elopez1882]

Amazing how many of these buildings I've encountered and given little thought beyond how fascinating their designs are. So much history.

[@BrennenL]

See, Architects are incredible - yet, the people; the teams who take those blue prints and piece all of these things together, is what really mesmerizes me.

[@barbiec4312]

This guy was great to listen to. His passion is contagious. Thank you.

[@wwaxwork]

Great job with this series finding people so passionate and knowledgeable about their subject, James is a delight, I could listen to him talk for hours.

[@craigcab1656]

What a great video! So much history in these buildings.

[@CoronaTheVirus]

100% more of this!! This was great , listening in the morning, this guy is awesome, I quit working in architecture but I still love architecture.

[@bhristian]

My old neighborhood off Green and Montgomery, what an insane view of the transamerica building and cityscape

[@jasminepetal3972]

I love these architect vids where they explain styles whether they're sitting in the office or actually out n about like this vid. Keep these comin pleaseee!!!!

[@ayemyatmon2692]

I went there in 2019. The city are beautiful and the building are so unique.

[@PeterSantenello]

Fantastic video!

[@Gtfobcso2024]

I agree! I live in SF now, fled FL and NO REGRETS! I love your videos as well, Peter Santenello.

[@michaelambrosano938]

oh my heart swelled watching this video of my SF and all it's beauty,..I grew up in the Bay Area and lived in SF for 15 years until 2005,,.even with all its blemishes it is still the jewel of California

[@violacrow]

Nice to see something about my great grandfather's house, originally built for him by Ernest Coxhead at 3234 Pacific. The one next door that was profiled (3434) was built together with his and was built for his brother.

[@inquirer1016]

Outstanding informative and well-presented video. Hats off to Mr. Dixon for his flawless narration.

[@daddythomas1389]

Thank you for a fascinating presentation!! Very impressed by your knowledge and your power to express it so simply and clearly!! Really really enjoyed listening to this little jewel of architecture Hope we get to see a lot more of you James! That was fantastic!

[@LaValeriana_]

I was a bit disappointed when architect Nick wasn't the guide, but I absolutely loved the playful and fun-fact explanation of architect James on this Walking Tour installment. My favorite part: "this is third, this is second, and this is Drop. Dead. Gorgeous"

[@lupearenas5994]

I could listen to Mr. Davis all day. More PLEASE!

[@garytours3588]

Thank you James ! Fabulous ! I'm a private tour guide and a few weeks ago I was picking up people at the Galleria Park Hotel on Sutter. Across the street the Hallidie bldg caught my eye and I shot a photo. Didn't know what it was but it caught my eye. I thought it was New Orleans-esque. Stunning !

[@machiabaelli]

This was so enjoyable and educational to watch!! Keep this series up, AD!

[@raystaar]

I lived in SF during the construction of both the Transamerica and B of A Headquarters buildings. They were almost universally hated at the time and many old timers still regard them as anathema.

[@jakobdees3489]

wow this guys knows his stuff AND is a very entertaining though clear speaker. Loved it!

[@AKhan.28]

Those shingle houses are drop dead gorgeous

[@WhiteBloggerBlackSpecs]

Loved the scene in Zodiac where we see the San Francisco skyline change

[@lukeyznaga7627]

Fantastic intelligent design of the TransAmerica building. You know, I had stereotypes of San Fran. But seeing this, shows me that there are some beautiful designs in the city!

[@lauramurphy4199]

James you are amazing! I loved your tour of San Francisco and all the detail of these beautiful buildings in SF. Hoping to visit your beautiful city one day.... It's been a dream of mine since 1966...You are a true gift to your profession!

[@Dev1nci]

A very passionate tour. Thank you 👏🏽👏🏽🤩

[@suzymorais8862]

Quel plaisir d’écouter quelqu’un qui vous parle avec passion. Mon rêve est de connaître San Francisco et voilà que j’ai le meilleur guide rien que pour moi😊 avant d’y arriver. Un jour un jour…

[@rygregory]

He’s such a great storyteller! He should do Berkeley next. Some excellent First Bay Area style buildings there!

[@dennischiapello3879]

I gained an appreciation for the Transamerica Pyramid, especially regarding the windows. I grew up in SF and didn't immediately like the building--until I saw the base! So it surprises me that he finds the base lacking.

[@Benjorunner]

Glad I discovered this channel. Love looking at all of this beautiful architecture and hearing the stories behind them!!!! Thank you.

[@Nilessterner]

The statement on the first bay area style really encapsulates how San Francisco has managed its architectural style. "Who Cares!" This city will always have a special sense of freedom and breaking the mold. Its all a little different but it all blends together in harmony.

[@iditenahui]

Such an interesting and informative video about SF. I have been to SF a couple of times and love this city’s architecture, parks, and art. Thank you to the guide for the history and details shared!

[@laucon11]

More of this and fewer celeb homes please.

[@jasonbucher9883]

James is an amazing architecture resource. So happy I stumbled upon this.

[@BaumanExplores]

Wow! I drive by almost all of these buildings every weekend and I had no idea. Thank you