Founded in 1960 in Calgary, DIALOG marks 65 years as a multidisciplinary design practice, shaping Calgary’s skyline and community spaces worldwide through meaningful, sustainable, and inclusive design.
Holy Trinity Church, Calgary, AB (1963), one of DIALOG’s very first projects
For 65 years, our practice has played an integral role in shaping Calgary and community spaces in many cities. With many iconic projects throughout Calgary, DIALOG is deeply woven into the city’s fabric. This milestone is an opportunity to celebrate the shared commitment to building a thriving city, honour past and present partners, and showcase projects that have reimagined how communities live.
Some of DIALOG’s original partners: Paul Poffenroth (front row, left), Ric Singleton (front row, second from left), Martin Cohos (front row, second from right), Dan Ezinga (front row, right), Cos Gabriele (back row, left), Doug McConnell (back row, second from left), Chris Bain (back row, middle), Jim Goodwin (back row, second from right), and Michael Evamy (back row, right)
Formerly known as Cohos Evamy, DIALOG started as an architecture and engineering studio before expanding into a multidisciplinary design practice. Led by Martin Cohos, Michael Evamy, Philippe Delesalle, and Paul Poffenroth, the practice quickly grew, embracing a collaborative approach to design. In 2010, the practice was renamed DIALOG, bringing together multiple practices under a shared vision to improve community well-being through an integrated approach.
—Chris Lenzin, Calgary Studio ChairDesign has always been about the people for us. As we celebrate 65 years, we look ahead – continuing to create places that bring us together, shape communities, and look after the world we share.
Joost Bakker (left) and Norman Hotson (right), formerly Hotson Bakker Architects formed in 1973 — two original partners who merged with DIALOG
Looking back, DIALOG celebrates its defining moments—projects that have reshaped how Calgarians live, work, play, and gather.
Sunshine Village Lodge, Banff, AB
From its earliest projects, including Holy Trinity Church, the Interns’ Residence at Foothills Hospital, and Sunshine Village in Banff, to landmark developments such as Alberta’s first children’s hospital, Bankers Hall, Calgary Central Library, and the Glenbow Museum Reimagined, DIALOG has witnessed firsthand the power of great design that can improve community well-being and the environment.
Clockwise from top left: CMH (Canadian Mountain Holidays) Heli-Skiing lodges: Adamants Lodge, Bugaboo Lodge, Kokanee Hot Springs, Asulkan Cabin Hut near Rogers Pass, Bobbie Burns Lodge, Interns’ Residence Foothill Hospital, and Whyte Museum
Granville Island, Vancouver, BC
As DIALOG grew across studios and disciplines, it attracted a diverse range of clients and undertook numerous design projects such as Western Canadian Place, Lethbridge Regional Hospital, and Bankers Hall East.
Western Canadian Place, Lethbridge Regional Hospital, Roger’s (Shaw) Court, and Banker’s Hall East
—Antonio Gómez-Palacio, Chair, PartnerIt is inspiring to experience the positive impact within our cities, what a group of dreamers can achieve over 65 years. It is exhilarating to imagine the next 65 years, as we seek to respond to the challenges of our time, through the craft we love.
Clockwise from top left: University of Calgary Health Research Innovation Centre, Calgary Central Library, Telus Spark, YYC International Facility Project, Royal Alberta Museum, University District Master Plan, CrossIron Mills, and Glenmore Trail Pedestrian Bridge
Today, DIALOG has over 600 employees across five studios in Calgary, Edmonton, Vancouver, San Francisco, and Toronto. The practice is made up of architects, engineers, interior designers, landscape architects, urban planners, and sustainability and building performance consultants who work across a diverse range of key sectors, including civic and cultural spaces, transit and aviation, higher education, healthcare, science and technology, mixed-use living, bridges and infrastructure, hospitality, government, workplace, sports and recreation, retrofit, retail, and urbanism planning and policy.
Since 2023, DIALOG has been B Corp certified, joining a global movement of companies committed to using business as a force for good, deepening our impact as a purpose-driven design practice. In 2024, DIALOG became a partner of the World Economic Forum.
Clockwise from top left: Humpy Hollow Park, Arthur J.E. Child Comprehensive Cancer Centre, Vancouver House, Centennial College A-Building Expansion, Vivo for Healthier Generations, 25 St. Clair Rehabilitation, Grande Prairie Hospital, University of Calgary MacKimmie Complex and Hunter Student Commons Hub, and Bow Valley Gap Overpass
Looking ahead, informed by our rich history, DIALOG is dedicated to pushing boundaries, designing with purpose, and creating spaces that inspire. We look forward to the next 65 years of meaningful work.
Glenbow Reimagined | Calgary, AB
Peel Regional Police 23 Division Building | Brampton, ON
Okanagan Gondola | Okanagan Valley, BC
National accessArts Centre | Calgary, AB
University of Victoria Engineering Expansion | Victoria, BC
UHN Toronto Western Hospital New Surgical and Patient Tower | Toronto, ON