Homer Delawie

“Architecture is a way of life. If not, you shouldn’t be doing it...” - Homer Delawie

Homer Delawie enlisted in the US Navy at age 17, two weeks prior to the surrender of Japan ending World War II in 1945. Following his tenure in the military, Mr. Delawie returned to firefighting, a job he held while in high school. While challenging, Homer left his forestry work to attend Cal Poly San Luis Obispo under mentor George Hasslein (1918 - 2001), the founding Dean of the campus’ School of Architecture. Mr. Delawie was amongst a small group of the school’s initial graduates in 1951.

With a foundation in progressive/contemporary architecture, Mr. Delawie was thinking differently than his Beaux-Arts trained colleagues leaving UC Berkeley at the time. Of his first years after college, he later recalled, “I was already thinking about terrain, environments and how people lived.”

According to Mr. Delawie, only after he had decided to devote his life to architecture did he learn of Mies van der Rohe and ‘modern architecture’. To that end, among his early influences, while at Cal Poly, were faculty-led field trips outside of San Luis Obispo. Cal Poly's School of Architecture Dean, George Hasslein, led architecture students on trips to Los Angeles to meet practicing architects, tour their offices and view built projects. At the time, Arts & Architecture’s Case Study House program was in full steam and Delawie had a front row seat on at least one of his trips to Los Angeles with his class.

Arriving in San Diego shortly after graduation, Homer started working with Lloyd Ruocco in 1956. According to Delawie, his first project was the broadcasting building for KGTV/Channel 10. The project would be completed in early 1957. With Ruocco planning for extended international travel in 1960-61, he and Delawie agreed to join in partnership during his absence as Homer was a registered/licensed architect (so he could run the firm in Ruocco’s absence). Almost immediately, the Ruocco & Delawie, AIA partnership came together and began securing commissions, such as the Senterfit Residence, as Ruocco firmed up his travel plans.

While Ruocco was travelling (1960-1961), Homer Delawie initiated plans to launch his own firm. By the time construction began on Senterfit Residence (circa July, 1961), Homer left the partnership along with Bill Fisher, Frank White, Jack Matteson, and Al Macy among others. Some of these employees, like Matteson, would later return to work alongside Ruocco.

According to John Henderson, “After Lloyd's return, Homer and Al Macy left to open their own office in Old Town and took the Zoo as their client. Homer was a partner with Al in real estate, but Al initially did not want to be part of the headaches of an architectural business. Homer Delawie, AIA, was then established from a rented space on Harney Avenue. The team built and moved into a new office at 2827 Presidio Drive after it was completed.”

Henderson continued, “Al soon was offered a church project so he then "Associated" with Homer Delawie, AIA to do that job as "Al Macy Architect, Associated with Homer Delawie, AIA". Homer from the beginning was always the "front man" to make contacts, generate clients, and oversee the design and Al was the "inside man" to manage the business, be the project programmer/planner, production manager and primary designer of most of the commercial work.”

Henderson also recalled, “I joined with the firm as an Architect associated with Homer Delawie, AIA in June of 1964. John Moore, AIA and Al Macy, AIA were also operating in this same category for work that they generated. Homer Delawie, AIA became Delawie & Macy, AIA in 1966, and then Delawie, Macy & Henderson, AIA in 1968. The firm was then divided into two entities in December 1975 as: 1) Delawie, Bretton, Wilkes and Baker, AIA, and 2) Macy, Henderson & Cole, AIA.”

The great thing about architecture, is getting to know everything about the client" - Homer Delawie

Partial List of Projects

Allan, Mr. & Mrs. John N. Residence (Jan – Feb. 1961)
8080 El Paseo Grande
*Designed by Ruocco & Delawie, Architects. Unclear if it was built on this site

Alpha Xi Delta Sorority House (1962)
5702 Hardy Avenue
*Demolished

Anderson, Dr. Ernest R. & Josephine Residence and Garage Door Addition (1968)
2001 Willow Street
*Designed by Delawie & Macy

Andrusson, Mr. & Mrs. Uno Residence & Addition (1965)
4726 Panorama Drive
*Designed by Delawie & Macy

Art Linkletter Housing Tract (ca. 1962-63)
*Houses on East Washington Avenue and Wichita, El Cajon

AVCO Office Building (1971)
2223 Avenida de la Playa La Jolla
*Designed by Delawie, Macy & Henderson AIA

Bardrick Residence & Addition
8247 Paseo Del Ocaso, La Jolla
*This address is attributed, not confirmed

Beaudette, Mr. & Mrs. Residence for McKellar & Wyer (February 1960)
8348 Paseo Del Ocaso
*Designed by Ruocco & Delawie, Architects. Unclear if it was built on this site. There appear to be other projects nearby that may have been built by McKellar and Wyer. Mckellar’s family owned many of the parcels in this area.

Bradley Residence Addition
*Location not known

Brooks Garden Shelter
*Location not known

Bullock, T.H. Residence, Additions and Landscape (1966-1971)
Rue Michael
*Designed by Delawie, Macy & Henderson

Burke, Mr. & Mrs. J.L. Residence (January, 1960)
Lot 10, Block 25 of El Paseo Grande, La Jolla
*Designed by Ruocco & Delawie, Architects. This may also have been a McKellar & Wyer project possibly the demolished home at 8364 Paseo Del Ocaso

Burke, Jack Residence (ca. 1960)
2322 Hartford Street
*Designed by Ruocco & Delawie, Architects

Burton Addition (1964)
2180 Calle Frescota

California General
*Location not known

California General – New Building
*Location not known

California General Shop Building III
*Location not known

Callahan Office Bldg. (State Fund)
*Location not known

Carmelite Monastery Remodel
*Location not known

Camp Pendleton Shopping Center Proposal
*Location not known

Carey Residence
*Location not known

Carter Residence, Carport & Alterations
*Location not known

Casady, Derek Residence (1966)
9974 Shadow Road, La Mesa

Cate Residence (1966)
4440 Brindisi Street
*Designed by Delawie & Macy

Charles Hair Stylist Beauty Salon (1960)
College Grove Shopping Center, Space B-20
*Designed by Ruocco & Delawie, Architects for Blough & Bradshaw, Owners

Charlton Residence
Via Capri, La Jolla

Church of the Resurrection (1973)
1445 Conway Drive, Escondido
*Designed by Delawie, Macy & Henderson

Clark, An Addition for Mr. & Mrs James R. (1965)
1878 Washington Place, Mission Hills
*Addition of staircase and upper floor by Homer Delawie, AIA Architect with Associate Alfonso Macy

Clark, Milo Residence
Country Club Lane, La Jolla

Collins, Braun Residence (1962)
La Jolla Corona Drive

Crist/La Point Residence Remodel
Hillcrest

Crist Ingall Street Apartments
*Location not known

Crowe Apartments
*Location not known

Davies Residence
*Location not known

Dawson Landscaping
*Location not known

Dawson No. II
*Location not known

Deelan Corporation - Models A, B, C, D, DX (N), E, EX, F, G
*Location not known

Deelan Plot Grading Plans
Garden Village (Units 1-5 & Misc.)
*Location not known

Delawie Architectural Office Building (1962)
2827 Presidio Drive
*Award of Excellence AIA, San Diego Chapter (1962)

Delawie Bayside Duplex Remodel
*Location not known

Delawie, Homer Residence #1 (1958)
1773 Torrance Street, Mission Hills
*Award of Excellence, AIA San Diego 1960

Delawie, Homer Residence #2 (1963)
1833 Neale Street, Mission Hills

Delawie, Homer Residence #3 (1973)
2749 Azalea Drive, Point Loma

Delawie IV
*Location not known

Delbeco Residence
Hillside Drive, La Jolla

Del Cerro Residence (November, 1961)
5657 Del Cerro Avenue
*Also known as 'Del Cerro Residence Study, Owner - Schreiber Const. Co. This home includes an addition 'Addition to the Mr. & Mrs. Raymond C. Adler Residence by James E. Hurley AIBD, Building Designer (while his office was at 7870 La Mesa Blvd.) dated 12/19/68'

Dickenson Residence
*Location not known

Drogin Homes
*Location not known

Dulbecco Garage – Remodel
*Location not known

Dulbecco Living Room Remodel
*Location not known

Dulbecco Patio, Pool & Garage
*Location not known

Dunn Building & Alterations
3404 Hawk Street, Mission Hills
*Attribution by MSD

Dunn Residence Addition
3404 Hawk Street, Mission Hills
*Attribution by MSD

Ehnke Kitchen Remodel
*Location not known

Elementary Institute of Science
*Location not known

Epsten Medical Facility AKA Professional Office Building for Dr. Robert Epsten (1968)
1835 El Cajon Blvd, North Park

Fahlsing Remodel
*Location not known

Farrar Residence Alterations
*Location not known

Faulkner Residence
*While the location was previously not known, in 2024 we think this is possibly The Clinton and Viola Faulkner House (1973) located at 7370 Rue Michael, La Jolla

Featherman Remodel
*Location not known

Feller Apartments
*Location not known

Feller Office & Addition
*Location not known

Feller Residence & Addition (1960)
3377 Charles Street
*Designed by Ruocco & Delawie, Architects

Ferenz Construction - 4 Unit Apartments
*Location not known

Ferenz Construction - 5 Unit Apartments
*Location not known

First & Juniper Remodel
*Location not known

Foster (AKA Hillside House) Residence & Landscape (1960)
3343 Poe Street, Point Loma
*Designed by Ruocco & Delawie, Architects. Published in Arts & Architecture

Frank Mill Corp. Office Addition (1963)
2630 1st Avenue

Fredman Residence (1988)
969 Coast Blvd. South, La Jolla

Frivaldsky, Residence for Mr. & Mrs. Joseph (1959-61)
1945 Balboa Avenue, Del Mar
*Designed by Ruocco & Delawie, Architects

Frye Paddle Tennis Court
*Location not known

Garten Veterinary Hospital
*Location not known

Gibson Residence
*Location not known

Girl Scout Camp - Shower/Locker Renovation
*Location not known

Godfrey Residence (1960)
2218 Vallecitos, La Jolla

Goldzband, Dr. Mel Residence & Remodel (1964)
4709 La Rueda, Mt. Helix

Goldzband Office (1967)
3242 Fourth Avenue

Gray, Garland Residence (July, 1960)
Juniper Street (at Eldorado Drive and E. Vermont), Escondido
*Designed by Ruocco & Delawie, Architects

Grossmont Medical Building
*Location not known

Hackett Residence Remodel
*Location not known

Haimsohn Residence Remodel
*Location not known

Haimsohn Residence Addition #1
*Location not known

Hart Residence
*Location not known

Haupt Residence
*Location not known

Hawkins, William Residence (1963)
6949 Fairway Road, La Jolla

Hesch Apartments
*Location not known

Hine Residence
La Jolla

Hoffman, Josef Munoz Residence (1964)
Spring Valley

Holmes Apartments
*Location not known

Hughes Duplex (1963)
1771 Torrance Street, Mission Hills

Hurley Residence (1965)
1442 Yaqui Road, Borrego Springs

Immaculate Heart Chapel – Remodel
*Location not known

Imperial Rug Mill
*Location not known

Jack Residence
*Location not known

Jackson, Mr. & Mrs. Robert Residence
El Paseo Grande, La Jolla

Jacobs, Dan & Roslyn Residence & Addition (1967)
8518 Calle De Buena Fe, El Cajon

Johnston Residence
Rancho Santa Fe

Johnston Residence
8272 El Paseo Grande
*Designed by Ruocco & Delawie, Architects. Built by McKellar Wyer

Kattleman Residence
Mission Hills

Kennick Residence Alterations
*Location not known

Kenton Equipment – New Building and Remodel
*Location not known

Kratz, Hugh and Karen Residence (1964)
1660 Froude, Ocean Beach

Kruger Residence
*Location not known

La Costa Golf View Terrace
*Location not known

La Costa Plaza
*Location not known

Lanthorn Residence (1963)
7520 Mar Avenue, La Jolla

Lard Residence & Additions (Wexman)
2218 Vallecitos
*Designed by Ruocco & Delawie, Architects. Built by McKellar Wyer

La Playa Dock (1969)
North End of Harbor Island
*Designed by Delawie, Macy & Henderson. Not Built

Lavender Residence Guest House
*Location not known

Lee Residence Addition
*Location not known

Legro, Stanley Residence (designed ca. 1971, built ca. 1973)
Rancho Santa Fe

Leonard Apartments
*Location not known

Lewis Duplex
*Location not known

Lincoln, Robert Residence (1971)
Possibly located at 13622 Nogales Drive, Del Mar
*Designed by Delawie & Macy

Lincoln Residence
Borrego Springs

Lockwood Apartments
*Location not known

Logan, Roy Residence
*Location not known

Lone Wolf Colony
*Location not known

Louie’s Furniture Building
*Location not known

Lutes Residence Addition
*Location not known

Mahoney Residence Addition
*Location not known

Mannis, Dr. & Mrs. Residence (1964-65)
446 Jacaranda Drive, Chula Vista

Marquis & Dunn Offices
*Location not known

Marshall Apartments (1967)
4226 Cleveland Avenue
*Designed by Delawie & Macy

Marshall, Dr. & Mrs. Adrian Residence (1961)
2767 Hidden Valley Road, La Jolla
*Designed by Ruocco & Delawie, Architects

Marston Residence
*Location not known

Matheson, Dr. Arthur & Mrs. Lenore Residence (1962)
4320 North Lane, Del Mar
*Designed by Delawie with Cliff Stanfield

McDonald Homes
*Location not known

McKellar & Wyer House
Bonair Place

McKellar & Wyer House
Del Mar

McKellar & Wyer – Single Family Residence
*Location not known

McKellar & Wyer Duplex – AKA Rucker Smith Duplex (February 1960 – November 1961)
8015-8017 El Paseo Grande (Lot 18, Block 7), La Jolla
*Designed by Ruocco & Delawie, Architects

McNitt, Mr. & Mrs. R.L. Jr. Residence (1966)
8311 El Paseo Grande, La Jolla
*Designed by Delawie & Macy

Mehnert Residence Addition
*Location not known

Mexico Pacific Shop & Addition for William Moxley (1964)
Formerly at 2723 or 2729 San Diego Avenue in Old Town State Historic Park
*Recognized at the 1964 United Masonry Association of San Diego Awards

Mill, Frank
*Location not known and extent of project unknown

Miller, Mr. & Mrs. David Residence& Addition (1961)
2591 Via Barletta, La Jolla
*Designed by Ruocco & Delawie, Architects

Mira Mesa, Inc., Six Unit Apartment Building for (1961)
6557 Tait Street
*Designed by Ruocco & Delawie, Architects

Mission San Diego Rectory
*Location not known

Modern Furniture Remodel
*Location not known

Murphy Canyon Housing
*Location not known

Music & Fine Arts – USIU
*Location not known

Mount Soledad Presbyterian Church
*Location not known

Navlodges
*Location not known

Nichols, M.H. Residence (1962)
2682 Idle Hour Lane, La Jolla

Niewenhous, Dr. T.H. Medical Building (1959)
104 I Street, Brawley, California
*Designed by Ruocco & Delawie, Architects

Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Building (1963)
6th Avenue and Crosstown Freeway (possibly 1717 5th Avenue)

Nyiri, Joe Garage/Studio (1969)
3525 Albatross Street
*Designed by Delawie & Macy

Odheimer Kitchen Remodel (1970)
4341 Appleton Street, Clairemont

Old San Diego Community Church (1971)
Congress Street
*Designed by Delawie, Macy & Henderson

Old San Diego Community Church – Carillon Relocation
*Location not known

Old, Addition to Dr. & Mrs. William F. Residence (1970)
2111 Blackmore Court
*Designed by Delawie, Macy & Henderson

Orchard, Mr. & Mrs. E.O. Residence (1968)
Fairview Drive, Vista
*Designed by Delawie & Macy

Orne Residence Addition
*Location not known

Orowheat Baking Co. Remodel
*Location not known

Orrs Gallery Remodel
*Location not known

Park Chateau Corp. Apartments
*Location not known

Park Garden Apartments
1740 Upas Street
*Designed by Ruocco & Delawie, Architects

Pecos Park Res. – Interstate Bldgs.
*Location not known

Pepper Ranchos/Gifford Construction
*Location not known

Petersen, Captain & Mrs. A.J. Residence (1962)
1010 Glorietta Blvd, Coronado

Peyke Residence
La Jolla Shores

Pickering Residence Addition & Alterations
*Location not known

Platt, Shearn & Linda Residence (1985)
3105 Brant Street

Playa del Oro Apartments for Florence Scripps Kellogg (1964)
8111 Camino Del Oro

Plaza de Balboa + Fountain, (1972)
East End of El Prado, Balboa Park
*Delawie, Macy & Henderson

Porter, David Apartments (1962)
3525 Bayside, Mission Beach

Porter, David Office Building
Pacific Beach

Porter Duplex
*Location not known

Porter Residence Remodel
*Location not known

Prante Residence
Oceanside

Presidio Park Dedication Monument (1966)
NE Corner of Taylor Street & Presidio Drive
*Designed by Delawie & Macy

Private Residence Remodel (1965)
3437 Jackdaw, Mission Hills

Private Residence (1971)
1660 Cloverdale Road, Escondido

Private Residence
Puterbaugh Street, Mission Hills

Randel Residence Addition
*Location not known

Randolph, Mr. & Mrs. W. Residence (1962)
4551 Newport Avenue, Ocean Beach

Red Cross Addition
*Location not known

Red Cross – S.D. County – Lanai Remodel
*Location not known

Regal, Donald Residence
*Location not known

Rees Stealy Clinic Addition (1965)
2001 4th Avenue, San Diego
*Homer Delawie designed the 1965 addition to the clinic building, which was originally designed by Louis Gill. The original building permit (dated March, 1965) was signed by employee Billy E. Slatton. According to Slatton, “Homer was the Architect and Al Macy was in charge of the project… and I helped with the drawings. George Saunders was the engineer.”

Ricketeson Residence (1960)
11819 Johnson Lake Drive, Lakeside

Rodman Residence Garage Addition & Kitchen Remodel
*Location not known

Rosary High School Addition
*Location not known

Rucker Smith, Mrs. Ruth Duplex AKA McKellar & Wyer Duplex (February, 1960 - Nov '61)
8015-8017 El Paseo Grande, La Jolla
*Designed by Ruocco & Delawie, Architects

San Carlos Golf Clubhouse Remodel & Additions (1970)
7380 Golf Crest Place, San Carlos
*Designed by Delawie, Macy & Henderson

Sandell, Dr. & Mrs. James Residence (November, 1959)
2030 Sunset, Mission Hills
*Designed by Ruocco & Delawie, Architects

San Diego Zoo
*Work included: Animal Hospital; Chimpanzee Enclosure; Elephant Compound; Nursery Remodel; Admin & Gift Shop Additions; Gift Shop Remodel; Foodstand #6; Foodstand Trellis; Ape Enclosure; Monkey Enclosure Alterations & Additions; Indian Rhino Exhibit; Rhino Exhibit; Haybarn; Restroom & Patio Addition; Restaurant Division; Restaurant Entrance #2; Toilet & Lounge addition; Scullery Revision; Patio Addition; Patio Cover; Monkey Enclosure for Cancer Institute; Primate Retiring Boxes; Emu Enclosure; Education Bldg. Alterations; Tourist Information Ctr.; Parking Lot Restrooms; Snake & Tortoise Exhibit; Aquatic Turtle Exhibit; Parking Lot Tower; gibbon & Baboon Complex; Restrooms; Walrus Enclosure; Giraffe Enclosure; Portable Snack Bar; Baby Elephant Enclosure; Roof for Group Services Bldg.; and Stroller Garage.

Saunders Residence (1968)
3044 Sterne Street, Point Loma

Schmitt Residence
*Location not known

Schroeder Residence & Addition
*Location not known

Scholander Residence
*Location not known

Security Pacific Bank, Point Loma (1969)
1180 Rosecrans Street
*Designed by Delawie, Macy & Henderson. Demolished

Scholander Residence
Paseo Del Ocaso, La Jolla

Schrock Residence (Spec House)
La Jolla

Schroeder Residence
San Pasqual Valley

Senterfit Residence (1960)
1404 Franciscan Way, University Heights
*Designed by Ruocco & Delawie, Architects

Seybert, C. Residence
*Location not known

Shannon Deck
*Location not known

Silva, Mr. & Mrs. William Residence
*Location not known

Slayen Residence (1963)
4293 Jackdaw Street, Mission Hills

Smith, Hal G. Residence (1967)
2435 Wilbur Avenue

St. Catherine Laboure (1966)
4038 Mount Abraham Avenue
*Designed by Delawie, Macy & Henderson

St. Therese Remodel
*Location not known

State Fund Office Bldg – Callahen Office Bldg.
*Location not known

Stillman Residence Remodel
*Location not known

Stocker Residence & Deck Addition
*Location not known

Straza Industries
*Location not known

Styner Residence (1966)
Ocean Beach
*Designed by Delawie & Macy

Swanson Residence (1973)
1887 Viking Way, La Jolla

Tchang Park Tower Apartments
*Location not known

Delawie Tract Housing Design
*Location not known

Tract Housing Design (ca. 1965)
On Neddick Avenue in Poway
*Examples may also be found on Mt. Soledad

Techbilt Inc., A Residence For (June, 1960)
Plan No. 601
*Designed by Ruocco & Delawie, Architects

Techbilt Inc., A Residence For (1962)
Plan No. 40-A
*Designed by Homer Delawie

Techbilt Office Building Addition
*Location not known

Tech Construction Building and Addition (1963,1971)
*Kenyon Court & Kenyon Street

Tech-Rick Building Office Remodel
Kemper Street

Tecolote Park Recreation Center
*Location not known

Temporary Lodging Units (Navlodges) (1970)
Naval Air Station North Island
*Designed by Delawie, Macy & Henderson

Thomas Residence Pool Patio & Entry
*Location not known

Thompson Medical Library (1968)
Balboa Park / Naval Hospital

Torrey College
*Location not known

Transamerica Insurance Group Office (Epsten Medical Facility)
*Location not known

United Cerebal Palsy
*Location not known

University City – Single Family Residence
*Location not known

University of San Diego – College for Men
University of San Diego

University of San Diego – College for Men - Phase 2
University of San Diego

USD – East Area Master Plan
University of San Diego

USIU – Music & Fine Arts
USIU, Scripps Ranch

Valencia, Jerry 5-Unit Apartment for (1969)
Larch Avenue & Wilwood Avenue
*Designed by Delawie, Macy & Henderson

Van Fowler Residence Addition
*Location not known

W&F Development Residence
Hartford Street

W&F Development Residence
Loring Street

Wasserman Residence
La Jolla

Weekend Cabin
*Location not known

West Residence - Pool Cover Addition
*Location not known

Westphal Residence (1963)
4285 Jackdaw Street, Mission Hills

Whelan Residence
*Location not known

Wherry Housing Project
*Location not known

Wilkins Residence Alterations
*Location not known

Wilson, Mr. & Mrs. L. Residence Addition
*Location not known

Winters, Northrup A. & Vida M. Residence (1959)
8081 Calle del Cielo, La Jolla
*Location not yet confirmed

Wolters Residence Remodel
*Location not known

World Trade Center – San Diego Port District (1970)
Old Ferry Landing
*Designed by Delawie, Macy & Henderson, Not Built

Wyer Garden House (1 Story)
*Location not known

Wyer Garden House (2 Story)
*Location not known

Wylie Residence
*Location not known

Zeisse Residence Addition
*Location not known

Zeta Beta Tau
*Location not known

Zimmerman Apartments & Remodel
*Location not known

“The great thing about architecture, is getting to know everything about the client,” - Homer Delawie