Attended Manual Arts High School in L.A., subsequently studied art and architecture and became a designer of furniture. First work in the film industry as a draftsman for Paramount in 1921, joining Metro the following year in the same capacity. Graduated to set designer for Pickford in 1923 and full art director at Universal from 1925. Active in several union-related movements; on the board of United Scenic Artists (1928-42) and the Society of Motion Picture Art Directors (from 1941).