It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Martin Cohos, a visionary architect, business and community leader, and founding member of Cohos Evamy – the Alberta firm on whose foundations DIALOG was built as one of Canada’s first fully integrated architectural, engineering, planning, and interior design practices. Martin inspired a spirit of ambition, creativity, and confidence in all those he worked with.

Martin Cohos passed away on January 9, 2025, while on a cruise from New Zealand to Australia.

Born in Montreal on March 23, 1935, Martin grew up in a traditional Jewish household. He graduated from McGill University in 1958 with a Bachelor of Architecture and immediately moved to Calgary. In 1960, he founded an architectural practice which grew into The Cohos Evamy Partners, now DIALOG. Martin retired from Cohos Evamy in 1996.

Martin will be remembered for creating spaces where people felt welcomed, safe, energized, and connected to their community. His work helped shape Calgary’s skyline, including a wide portfolio of buildings such as Bankers Hall, Eau Claire Market, Western Canada Place, Shaw Court, and many of Alberta’s well-known post-secondary and healthcare buildings as well as CSIS’s Headquarters in Ottawa.

Martin was a volunteer and philanthropist for various community organizations such as the Calgary Planning Commission, the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, the United Way, the Calgary Hebrew School, and the Jewish Community Foundation. Martin also served as an advisor to the Banff Centre, the Glenbow Museum, Pier 21 in Halifax, and the Salvation Army Summer Camp.

Martin’s impact extended beyond architecture. In 1959, he began teaching at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT). Decades later he served as a member of SAIT’s Board of Governors, led SAIT through a master planning process and stewarded the development of several buildings on the campus, that many decades earlier, Cohos Evamy had very proudly worked on as a young architectural firm. In recognition of his contributions, SAIT dedicated the Martin Cohos Commons in 2001, a vibrant outdoor space at the heart of the campus that stands as a testament to Martin’s enduring spirit, embodying the values of teamwork, perseverance, and excellence.

His contributions were recognized in 2004 with an Honourary Doctor of Laws from the University of Calgary. In 2005, he was named one of the 50 Greatest Albertans by Alberta Venture Magazine, became a Paul Harris Fellow with Rotary International and was awarded the Alberta Centennial Medal. Martin is a Fellow of the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada and a recipient of the Generosity of Spirit Award from the Association of Fundraising Professionals. He was inducted into the Alberta Order of Excellence in 2011.

Martin was a world traveller, whose adventures enriched his life and inspired his work. He had a passion for the outdoors, ranging from running marathons and cycling through the mountains to taking part in ten Himalayan expeditions. Martin faced many health issues, but despite the complications he encountered, he remained active, always trying to improve his health to the end of his life.

Martin’s legacy will resonate through the countless lives he touched, the buildings he designed, and the values he instilled. Martin has left a lasting impact on DIALOG’s practice and will forever be remembered for his leadership, creativity, and dedication that helped shape Calgary and communities beyond.