Architects Jean Wallbridge and Mary Imrie were pivotal contributors to Edmonton’s architectural heritage in the postwar era: innovative builders of modest, client-focused homes, and context-sensitive commercial buildings. Trailblazing queer women in a profession and era composed of few people who shared those characteristics, Wallbridge and Imrie were world-travelling thinkers who surveyed the destruction of the postwar era and brought their insights back to their home in Edmonton. They helped to build their city using an approach that combined modern possibilities with a sensitivity to regional needs, craft, and culture.

This book introduces Wallbridge and Imrie to a wider public, taking readers through their development as young designers, their travels and influences, the many buildings they designed around Edmonton and Alberta, and the thoughtful and generous approach to modern architecture that they developed. Richly illustrated with drawings from the Provincial Archives of Alberta and colour photographs (contemporary and archival), this engaging book brings to life the story and impact of these remarkable creators.

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Dr. Sarah Bonnemaison is a Professor of Architecture at Dalhousie University. Her practice specializes in tensile structures and festival architecture. She is an architectural historian and prolific writer and critic whose books include Architecture and Nature and Installations by Architects, as well as edited books and numerous book chapters and essays. Her passion lies in bringing history and theory to life through interactive exhibitions. From the beginning of her career, she has researched and celebrated women’s history and queer history in the built environment. Greg Whistance-Smith was born and raised in Edmonton and currently works as an Intern Architect at AVID. Beyond his architectural training at Dalhousie University, he also holds an MA in Digital Humanities from the University of Alberta, and has recently published a monograph on video game environments with De Gruyter.