06/10/2025
Desert House: Reawakening 1970
The Joseph & Wiki Dennis House, originally designed and built in 1970 by Palm Desert design-build firm Patten-Wild, Marvin “Ross” Patton (contractor) and Albert “Duke” Wild (general contractor), this 90-foot-diameter main house was paired with a smaller game pavilion, both surrounded by water. Interiors were envisioned by Bob Hammerschmidt, associate designer to Arthur Elrod.
Fifty-five years later, I’ve been entrusted to breathe new life into this iconic Mid-Century home—transforming it into a modern desert entertaining oasis. The mission? Seamlessly integrate contemporary MEP systems for year-round comfort without compromising the home’s timeless Mid-Century vernacular.
Swipe through early progress shots of one of my favorite zones: the Moon Garden — where radiating wood and steel beams fan out from the concave architecture, framing a serene garden and reflective pool. Gaze out to tiered white stucco walls and mature olive trees, all set within a raised planter that creates a private, meditative retreat in the desert.
