Diane Welch

Diane Yolanda Welch, author, media personality, and fine artist, moves through three worlds that bridge aesthetics, story telling and traditional scholarship. She has a B.A. Degree in Fine Art and a Masters in Art Education, both from the University of Leeds, England and is endorsed as architect Lilian J. Rice's official biographer.

A permanent resident in southern California, Welch, a British native, has generated a new excitement about the obscure architect Lilian J. Rice. Her latest book, "Lilian J. Rice: Architect of Rancho Santa Fe, California" by Schiffer Publishing, is the world's first monograph published on this most important historic figure. Designing and building in the 1920s and 30s for some of the nation's top celebrated achievers, Rice's reputation has been clouded in controversy, her integrity threatened. Through scholarly research, Welch is able to debunk the myths surrounding Rice and return her to her most fitting place in history.

Welch has been featured in San Diego Homes and Gardens Magazine, The San Diego Union Tribune, WhereSD Magazine, Heritage Magazine, Riviera Magazine, Craftsman News, as well as many local newspapers including The Del Mar Times, The Solana Beach Sun, La Jolla Light, Carmel Valley News, The Rancho Santa Fe Review. She is an acclaimed public speaker who has addressed the University of California San Diego; the Colonial Dames of America; The Museum of San Diego History; the ZLAC Rowing Club; San Dieguito Heritage Museum; the Rancho Santa Fe Art Jury; the Rancho Santa Fe ART Forum; San Diego women of AIA; and many local historical organizations.