Martin Cohos was an architect who skilfully blended functionality, aesthetics, and innovative design. Cohos helped shape the modern skyline of Calgary. He was a man with a great curiosity about the world, a passion for his work, and a desire to improve the quality of life for Canadians. In early 2025, Cohos passed away at the age of 89. This article on icalgary explores his life and major works.
Early Life
Martin Cohos was born in Montreal in 1935 into an Orthodox Jewish family. His parents, of Romanian descent, came to Canada as children in 1910. Despite their modest means, Martin never felt poor. He was grateful for food on the table, clothes on his back, and the opportunity to get an education. He grew up playing on the streets of his Jewish neighbourhood. His father taught him to strive for excellence and to achieve any goal he set for himself.
Martin Cohos attended Baron Byng High School, an institution known for its rigorous academic standards. It produced many of the country’s future prominent citizens. Between his father’s encouragement and the school’s high standards, Cohos was set on a path to success.
At 16, Martin enrolled in the engineering program at McGill University. A year later, he transferred to the architecture program. His father was displeased with this decision, as he didn’t see much opportunity in the field at the time.
The Move to Calgary
In 1957, as Cohos was finishing his studies, he came across an ad for a summer internship in Regina. He and a friend called the office and signed up. He didn’t even fully realize where he was going but was excited by the chance to ski in the Alberta mountains. During his internship, Cohos visited Calgary for the first time and immediately fell in love with the city.
By the end of the next year, Cohos’s life had changed dramatically. He had graduated, married his sweetheart, Gertrude Medjuck, and moved with her to Calgary. By 1959, their son Peter was born.
Martin Cohos worked hard, and in 1960, he founded his own firm, Cohos Evamy and Partners. His company would eventually grow into one of Canada’s leading architecture, engineering, and design firms. As his business grew, so did his family. Martin and Gertrude welcomed daughters Elizabeth and Tamara.
Career and Contributions
Martin Cohos always aimed to create spaces that brought people joy. He wanted the users of his buildings to feel safe yet energized. In Calgary, he was the architect behind such landmark buildings as Bankers Hall, Eau Claire Market, Western Canada Place, and Shaw Court. In Ottawa, he designed the headquarters for the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS).
The architect also made significant contributions to community organizations. He volunteered his time or acted as a philanthropist for the Calgary Planning Commission, the Calgary Jewish Academy, and the Jewish Community Foundation of Calgary.
He also frequently participated in debates at both the provincial and federal levels. He firmly believed that everyone should be a political activist. On top of all this, Martin found time for cycling marathons, expeditions, and extensive world travel.
He dedicated considerable resources to education and mentorship. He helped establish numerous scholarships at the SAIT Polytechnic, the University of Calgary, and the University of Alberta. He also served as an instructor at SAIT. Cohos’s motivation was simple: he was convinced that giving back was essential to a fulfilling life.
Martin faced many health challenges, including a battle with cancer, but despite it all, he remained active and ultimately overcame the disease.
Martin Cohos passed away on January 10, 2025, but his legacy lives on in the hearts of those he touched, the buildings he designed, and the values he embodied.