Modern California House was founded on the belief that architecture and design can improve our lives. This quality can be harder to measure than square footage or lot size, but we think it’s just as important. The attributes that create these conditions can be found throughout California’s 20th century architectural styles- natural light, indoor/outdoor living, integration of landscape, and the innovative use of building materials and techniques. 

More a creative consortium than a traditional brokerage, we take an editorial approach to showcasing notable, historical and well-designed homes, harnessing research and technology to provide buyers and sellers of architectural properties with better service. Our agents have represented homes designed by some of Southern California's most prominent architects, including R.M. Schindler, Richard Neutra, Edward Killingsworth, Ray Kappe, Calvin Straub, and more.

Founder Nate Cole has been involved in the restoration and sales of architecturally significant properties since 2003. Co-founder Lillian Pfaff is an agent and a Ph.D.-pedigreed architectural historian who teaches at Otis College and Cal Poly Pomona. Pfaff has also written a number of books on California Modernism. Their work in real estate is thoroughly intertwined with preservationists and designers, and both sit on the board of directors at the LA Forum for Architecture and Urban Design. 

Modern California House was conceived as a real estate agency that engages in more than just the sale of homes. Our aim is to be an essential resource connecting homeowners to restoration professionals, specialized tradespeople, and historic preservationists while shining a light on the dedicated architects, stewards and artists who define Southern California's built environment.

Our Los Angeles office is located in Richard Neutra’s landmark Kelton Apartments. Still owned by the Neutra family, it remains essentially the same as when it was built in 1941.