Inside Frank Sinatra’s Palm Springs House

If the ’50s and ’60s were the heyday of modern architecture in this country, no city expressed it better than Palm Springs. The Dallas Architecture Forum’s Design Symposium — to be held on Sunday, October 4, at the Nasher Sculpture Center — focuses on the unrivaled design and architecture of this swinging era and locale with discussions by two experts. Keynote speaker Leo Marmol is one of the world’s leading authorities on the restoration of mid-century modern and international style residences, including Richard Neutra’s iconic Kaufmann House in Palm Springs.

He’ll talk about Neutra’s work, along with other landmark restoration projects and new works carried out by his firm, Marmol Radziner Architecture. In addition, a leading authority on Palm Springs architecture and design, Sidney Williams — who is also the curator of the Palm Springs Art Museum — will present an overview of the area’s most famous houses, including Frank Sinatra’s Twin Palms. Williams has the inside scoop on Sinatra’s ultra-modern pad: She’s the daughter-in-law of E. Stewart Williams, who designed Twin Palms for the legendary crooner.

Expect to hear some great stories about the Rat Pack lifestyle enjoyed in Palm Springs by movie stars, jazz musicians and other hep cats. Tickets are available for $35 to $45; a patron wine reception at a Howard Meyer-designed private residence, renovated by Bodron + Fruit, follows (Forum and Nasher members $85, general public $95). Dallas 2015 Design Symposium: Modernism, presented by the Dallas Architecture Forum, Sunday, October 4, 2 to 4:30 pm.