Architectural Excellence

1872 - 1957

She was encouraged by one of her instructors, architect Bernard Maybeck to apply for the world famous architectural school, Ecole Nationale et Sp’ciale des Beaux-Arts in Paris.

Up until that time, at the turn of the century, no woman had ever been admitted to this prestigious school of architecture. Julia applied in 1896 and was refused admission. Finally, two years later she was admitted and in 1902 she became the first woman to earn the L’Ecole des Beaux Arts certificate. As a compliment to her formal studies, Paris architect Bernard Chaussemiche served as a mentor to Julia.

After her schooling was completed, she returned back to San Francisco and went to work for John Galen Howard and Bernard Maybeck. Howard, won the Phoebe Apperson Hearst Architectural Competition to design the master building plan for the University of California. Julia designed the details for the Mining Building, commissioned after mining magnate George Hearst and later the Hearst Greek Theater.

In 1904, Morgan set up her own architectural firm. She designed beautiful residences in the Berkeley and Piedmont hills. Her style emphasized the use of redwood and earth tones, horizontal lines blending into the landscape and spacious use of shingles.

Morgan designed the El Campanil bell tower for Mills College in 1904, which remained standing, even after the 1906 earthquake. As a result of the great fires from the earthquake, she was awarded the job of reconstructing the Fairmont Hotel in San Francisco.

In 1919, Julia was hired by newspaper tycoon, William Randolph Hearst, to build the San Simeon estate known as Hearst Castle. This become one of the most elaborate and most expensive residences in the world.

For nearly 28 years, craftsmen labored around the clock to create the magnificent estate consisting of 165 rooms, 127 acres of gardens, beautiful terraces, indoor and outdoor pools and an exclusive private zoo.

Priceless art and antiques were brought in from around the world. No expense was spared. Hearst’s La Cuesta Encantada, The Enchanted Hill became his real life fairy tale castle.

Said to be just over five feet tall and only 100 pounds, Morgan left a grand legacy of over 700 extraordinary designs completed in her career.

Julia Morgan’s honorary Doctor of Law degree from the University of California in 1929 read in part:

Distinguished alumna of the University of California; Artist and Engineer; Designer of simple dwellings and stately homes, of great buildings nobly planned to further the centralized activities of her fellow citizens; Architect in whose works harmony and admirable proportions bring pleasure to the eye and peace to the mind.

Long live the beauty of Julia Morgan.