Julia Morgan is considered to be the most important woman architect in history... even though she lived in an era when women were not supposed to be architects at all! Her story is one of great determination, overcoming tremendous obstacles to attain her goal.

Julia Morgan was born in San Francisco in 1872, nearly 130 years ago. As a child, she had a strong curiosity about both the arts and mechanical things. She loved learning about how things work. In 1890, when she graduated from high school, it was typical for girls of her social class to get married immediately and join “high society.” But Julia was not interested in that life. So she convinced her mother to let her attend the University of California at Berkeley, which had just recently begun to enroll women. During her second year, she enrolled in the Civil Engineering Department. She was a trailblazer — Julia was the only woman studying engineering in the whole university. She faced many hurdles. Some men in her department resented her, made rude comments and played nasty pranks. But she worked very hard and would not be deterred. In 1894, Julia Morgan became the first woman to graduate from the University of California with a degree in Civil Engineering.

While this was an impressive start, Julia’s story had just begun. After she graduated, Julia was fortunate to hear a famous architect speak and thought that being an architect would be a natural fit for her. To become an architect, however, she needed much more training. So she decided to battle the odds once again and apply to a famous architectural school in Paris, called the Ecole Nationale des Beaux-Arts. It was where many of Europe’s most famous architects had been taught. But behind its iron gates, the school was not very welcoming to Americans... especially women!

In the late 19th century, Paris was known as the cultural and intellectual center of Europe — a perfect setting for a young American woman who was ready to challenge the old way of doing things. In 1896, with great anticipation, Julia Morgan walked through the gates of the famous university and presented her application. But her hopes were dashed. She was told that women were not allowed to take the entrance exam. She strongly protested, insisting that she could meet all of the academic demands. But the school’s administration would not change its answer and she was sent away.

Julia walked the Parisian boulevards wondering if she should give up her dream and go back to America. But, as she looked at the exquisite designs of the old Parisian buildings, she decided that she would find a way to get into the Ecole des Beaux-Arts. She didn’t know how and she didn’t know when, but she knew she would succeed.

She hoped that by gaining experience and the support of a local architect, her chances for acceptance would improve. Julia found a job as an apprentice to a Parisian architect, learning the basics of the trade. After a year she was finally allowed to take the entrance exam. She did well. In fact, her results would have gained admission for a man. But, once again, she was not accepted. Her test was graded much more strictly to discourage women from attending the university. This only made Julia more determined. She returned to work in the Parisian architect’s studio and studied even harder for the exam. Six months later, Julia took the exam yet again. This time she scored near the top of her class. Finally, three years after arriving in Paris, she became the first woman to be accepted into the prestigious Ecole des Beaux-Arts. After years of hard work, in 1902 Julia Morgan became the first woman to receive a Master’s Degree in Architecture from the famed Parisian school.

Getting her architectural degree was certainly a monumental accomplishment. But Julia now faced the challenge of finding work in California. Because of her great skill and determination, Julia was awarded many important assignments, including libraries, theaters, university buildings and YWCA’s throughout California and the Pacific Northwest. Then, in 1919, William Randolph Hearst selected Julia for her most important assignment. Mr. Hearst was the most famous newspaper publisher in the world and was very rich. Julia worked closely with Mr. Hearst over the next two decades - the rest of her professional life - to design “Hearst Castle.” This Spanish masterpiece, set on a majestic hillside overlooking the Pacific Ocean in San Simeon, California, became one of the most famous homes in all of America. The mansion not only became Hearst’s private retreat, but also was the vacation home to many of Hollywood’s most glamorous stars – those who were lucky enough to earn an invitation.

During her professional career, Julia designed more than 700 buildings. Because of her great skill, vision and dedication, she earned the respect and friendship of the powerful Hearst. But Julia was not only a gifted architect. She was also a pioneering professional who cleared a path for many to follow. Today, each person who sees a Julia Morgan building is reminded not only of her unique talent, but also of her will and courage.

Related Links:
www.lib.calpoly.edu/spec_coll/morgan/index.html
www.bluffton.edu/~sullivanm/jmindex/genericindex.html

Related Books:
Julia Morgan (American Women of Achievement Series)
Cary James, Chelsea House Publishers
(1990)

The Arts : Julia Morgan (Rourke Biographies)
Pamela Kett-O’Connor. Library Binding
(September 1993)

Julia Morgan, Architect of Dreams
Ginger Wadsworth, Library Binding
(August 1990)

Julia Morgan, Architect
Sara Holmes Boutelle, Richard Barnes (Photographer). Paperback
(October 1995)

Image of Hearst Castle © Hearst Castle™
750 Hearst Castle Road, San Simeon, CA 93452