Julia Morgan - California's First Female Architect<br>January 20

January
Julia Morgan - California's First Female Architect
January 20
By Sarah Lane
Jan 20, 2008, 14:55 PST

Julia Morgan

Born:
January 20, 1872
San Francisco, California

Died:
February, 1957
Oakland, California

Julia Morgan was California’s first female architect. In 1894, she was the first woman to graduate with a Degree in Civil Engineering and with a legacy of over 700 buildings to her credit, it’s no wonder that in 1902, she was also the first woman to be granted the L’Ecole des Beaux Arts Certificate in Paris, France. Julia Morgan’s popularity was due to her careful attention to detail and her ability to organize projects according to the exact specifications of her clients. During the 45 years she practiced, Morgan designed private residences, including the amazing Hearst Castle, churches, clubs, banks, schools, hospitals, stores, Mediterranean villas, and Tudor manors. Julia Morgan’s work is a major contribution to Californian culture.

For a more in-depth look at the life of Julia Morgan, click here.

Suggested Reading

Additional Resources

The Julia Morgan Collection at Cal Poly SLO
This is from the Special Collections Department at the Robert E. Kennedy Library at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, California.
Source: Cal Poly

Julia Morgan Center of the Arts
When Julia Morgan entered the University of California at Berkeley in 1890, she was one of 100 women studying there. In 1894, she was the only woman to graduate from the College of Engineering. Learn more at this site.
Source: Julia Morgan Center of the Arts