Encompassing the major cities and metropolitan areas of San Francisco, the San Francisco Bay Area is abundant in natural beauty, exquisite art and diverse culture. There is a unique architectural history illustrating many styles and forms of construction in this area where the landmarks stand for period architectural styles designed by distinguished architects, including Julia Morgan, the first female architect licensed in California. Some timber buildings of great cultural and developmental significance tell the stories of the early immigrants while withstanding the major earthquakes and devastating fire.