Julia Morgan was an influential American architect, best known for her work in the early 20th century. Born in 1872 in San Francisco, she was the first woman to earn a degree in architecture from the University of California, Berkeley. Morgan designed over 700 buildings, showcasing her expertise in various styles, including Beaux-Arts and Mission Revival. One of her most famous projects is the Hearst Castle in San Simeon, California, which she worked on for nearly 30 years. Morgan's designs often emphasized harmony with the surrounding landscape, and she was a pioneer for women in architecture, breaking barriers in a male-dominated field.