Lilian Jeannette Rice (June 12, 1889 – December 22, 1938) was an eco-conscious, early 20th-century American architect working primarily in the California Spanish Colonial Revival style.

[4][nb 1] In 1906, she entered the University of California and successfully completed her Bachelor of Letters Degree in Social Science with a major in architecture in 1910.

She returned to National City, where she worked for several years in the office of San Diego architect Hazel Wood Waterman.

[6] In July 1938 Rice was diagnosed with ovarian cancer by La Jolla physician Ross Paull, and on December 22 of the same year she died of the disease.

However, sponsored by Miriam W. Sellgren, a then living relative by marriage, of Rice's, the headstone was replaced, etched with her correct birth year.

“I have wondered if California offered women more options, if there was more freedom there.”[8] Rice designed at least 60 homes in Rancho Santa Fe, according to author of "Lilian J.