Beautiful Simplicity: Arts & Crafts Architecture in Southern California examines the rich body of Arts & Crafts architecture in Southern California, from Santa Barbara to San Diego. It introduces viewers to more than a dozen architects who pursued Arts & Crafts ideals, including Charles and Henry Greene, Irving Gill, Arthur Benton, Sumner Hunt, Frederick Roehrig, Louis B. Easton, Sylvanus Marston, Arthur and Alfred Heineman, Frank Mead, and Richard Requa.

The influence of prominent Arts & Crafts figures like John Ruskin, William Morris, Gustav Stickley, and Elbert Hubbard is considered, as well as the advocacy of local leaders like Charles Fletcher Lummis and William Lees Judson. This documentary also highlights the significance of the Craftsman bungalow, which helped democratize home ownership in America.

Beautiful Simplicity features commentary by noted historians and other knowledgeable observers, including Robert Winter, Cheryl Robertson, Richard Guy Wilson, Edward Bosley, Walter Judson, Tim Andersen, and Lucinda Cooke. It was produced by Emmy Award-winning producer Paul Bockhorst in cooperation with the Society of Architectural Historians, Southern California Chapter. Running time is 86 minutes.