Mary Tremain

Born in New Zealand, Mary studied, worked, and travelled in the United Kingdom, France, India, Southeast Asia, and mainland China, graduating from the University of Waterloo School of Architecture in 1986. She worked with Cook, Hitchcock and Sargisson in Auckland, YRM Architects in London, and Arthur Erickson in Toronto, before co-founding PLANT in 1994.

Mary’s global perspective has informed her unique approach to the integration of architecture and landscape, demonstrated by such award-winning projects as the national Canadian Firefighters Memorial in Ottawa, Pottery Road Bicycle and Pedestrian Crossing in Toronto, and Nathan Phillips Square Podium Roof Garden at Toronto City Hall. In addition to her public realm work, Mary’s private residential architecture and interior design projects – which include Westminster Residence, Walmer Road Residence, and Birch Island Cottage – emphasize her use of natural materials and vernacular form, dramatic wood-frame construction, custom detailing, and an essential integration of indoor and outdoor spaces.

In 2012, Mary was awarded the Team Alumni Achievement Medal from the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Waterloo. She has led architecture studios at the University of Toronto and the Illinois Institute of Technology.