Lilian Jeannette Rice facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Lilian Jeannette Rice
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Rice c. 1910
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| Born | June 12, 1889 National City, California, United States
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| Died | December 22, 1938 (aged 49) Rancho Santa Fe, California, United States
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| Occupation | architect |
| Design | Rancho Santa Fe, California |
Lilian Jeannette Rice (born June 12, 1889 – died December 22, 1938) was an American architect from the early 1900s. She was known for designing buildings in the Spanish Colonial Revival style, especially in California. This style looks like old Spanish buildings. Many of her designs are so important that they are listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.
Contents
About Lilian Jeannette Rice
Early Life and Education
Lilian Jeannette Rice was born in National City, California. This city is in San Diego County, not far from the Mexican border. Her parents were Julius Augustus Rice and Laura (Steele) Rice.
In 1906, Lilian started studying at the University of California. She earned her Bachelor of Letters Degree in Social Science in 1910. Her main subject was architecture. The next year, in 1911, she also finished a course in teaching.
Starting Her Career
After college, Lilian went back to National City. She worked for a few years in the office of Hazel Wood Waterman, another architect in San Diego. Later, Lilian taught geometric drawing. She taught at Russ High School, which is now San Diego High School. She also taught at San Diego State Teacher's College, which is now San Diego State University.
Designing Rancho Santa Fe
In 1921, Lilian Rice was chosen for a very important job. Richard Requa, from the firm Requa and Jackson, picked her to be the main planner. She would help design a new community called Rancho Santa Fe in San Diego County.
From 1922 to 1927, this project took up most of her time. She helped shape the look and feel of this new area.
Opening Her Own Firm
After working with Requa and Jackson, Lilian Rice opened her own architecture firm in 1928. She had received her architect's license the year before. In 1931, she became a member of the San Diego Chapter of the American Institute of Architects. At that time, very few women were allowed to join this group.
Lilian also hired other women to work with her. One of them was Olive Chadeayne, who had also studied at Berkeley. Olive worked with Lilian until Lilian's death.
Her Legacy and Impact
Lilian Jeannette Rice passed away on December 22, 1938. She was living in Rancho Santa Fe at the time.
The Lilian J. Rice Elementary School in Chula Vista, California is named after her. This shows how important she was to the area.
Many of her buildings, especially in Rancho Santa Fe, are listed on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). This means they are recognized as important historical sites in the U.S.
Years after her death, The New York Times wrote about her. They said she always wanted three things in her designs:
- Simple decorations
- High-quality work
- Homes that fit well with their surroundings
In 2018, Lilian Rice was featured on a website called Pioneering Women of American Architecture. This website highlights 50 women who made big contributions to architecture before 1940.
Mary McLeod, a professor of architecture, said that Lilian Rice helped make the Spanish Colonial Revival style popular in California. She also wondered if California offered more chances for women architects.
Lilian Rice designed at least 60 homes in Rancho Santa Fe. Even though many of these homes have been changed over time, people still value a "Lilian Rice home." She was known for her dedication to quality.
Notable Buildings and Designs
Buildings in Rancho Santa Fe, CA
- Charles A. Shaffer House, 5610 La Crescenta (NRHP listed)
- Claude and Florence Terwilliger House, 5880 San Elijo (NRHP listed)
- George A. C. Christiancy House, 17078 El Mirador (NRHP listed)
- Inn at Rancho Santa Fe (1922)
- Lilian Jenette Rice House, 16780 La Gracia (NRHP listed)
- Norman and Florence B. Carmichael House, 6855 La Valle Plateada (NRHP listed)
- Pearl Baker Row House (1926), 6122 Paseo Delicias (NRHP listed)
- Village Gas and Service Station (1926), Rancho Santa Fe Civic Center
- Rancho Santa Fe Garden Club (1937)
- Rancho Santa Fe Land and Improvement Company Office, 16915 Avenida de Acacias (NRHP listed)
- Reginald M. and Constance Clotfelter Row House (1926), 6112 Paseo Delicias (NRHP listed)
- Samuel Bingham House, 6427 La Plateada (NRHP listed)
See also
In Spanish: Lilian Jeannette Rice para niños
