The Life and Times of Lilian J. Rice, Master Architect

Architect to some of the nation’s wealthiest achievers in the first half of the twentieth century, Lilian Rice was given an unprecedented opportunity in 1923 to oversee the design of Rancho Santa Fe, a master-planned community catering to the rich and famous. In recent years, critics have depicted her as deceptive, leading her early clients in Rancho Santa Fe to believe she was a licensed architect to gain their trust and lucrative commissions. Despite the unproven and outlandish controversy, eleven of Lilian Rice’s homes are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, scores more are county landmarks, and several garnered her honor awards from the American Institute of Architects. This book, researched by Lilian Rice’s biographer Diane Y. Welch, uncovers the truth about the obscure architect, introduces her clients (which include some of Hollywood’s brightest stars), and tells of the times in which she lived.

Architect to some of the nation’s wealthiest achievers in the first half of the twentieth century, Lilian Rice was given an unprecedented opportunity in 1923 to oversee the design of Rancho Santa Fe, a master-planned community catering to the rich and famous. In recent years, critics have depicted her as deceptive, leading her early clients in Rancho Santa Fe to believe she was a licensed architect to gain their trust and lucrative commissions. Despite the unproven and outlandish controversy, eleven of Lilian Rice’s homes are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, scores more are county landmarks, and several garnered her honor awards from the American Institute of Architects. This book, researched by Lilian Rice’s biographer Diane Y. Welch, uncovers the truth about the obscure architect, introduces her clients (which include some of Hollywood’s brightest stars), and tells of the times in which she lived.