When Marjorie Hill graduated in 1920 as Canada’s "first girl architect," she was entering a profession that had been established in Canada just 30 years earlier. For the Record, the first history of women architects in Canada, provides a fascinating introduction to early women architects, presented within the context of developments in both Europe and North America.

Profiles of the women who graduated from the School of Architecture at the University of Toronto between 1920 and 1960 are illustrated with photographs of their work and include archival material that has never before been published.

The final chapter on contemporary women in architecture showcases contributions by leading women architects across the country, from Halifax to Vancouver to Iqaluit. For the Record also provides current information on schools of architecture in Canada and includes a list of other resources to encourage young women who are thinking of pursuing careers in architecture.

Joan Grierson graduated in 1948 from the School of Architecture at the University of Toronto and holds a master's in product design from the Chicago Institute of Design. The For the Record Committee organized an exhibit profiling 28 women architects who graduated from the University of Toronto between 1920 and 1960 and spearheaded the development of this book. Grierson lives in Toronto.

Joan Grierson's profile page

For the Record is a valuable resource that documents architectural projects while examining the evolving role of female architects in Canada from their first acceptance into architectural education.

Canadian Architect

Following the line until women in Canadian architecture started to become the norm around the 1970s, For the Record is a complete history, sure to inspire girls everywhere. Highly recommended for community library women's studies collections.

For the Record is a most interesting look at the women of Canadian architecture, who defied the odds and the discrimination that they faced … The book provides a complete overview, along with how the profession has changed over the decades. Design is constantly evolving, and the visions of the women profiled in the book is testimony to their accomplishments, setting the stage for other women to also join this profession.

Shelf Life