Beatrice Centner Davidson facts for kids

Beatrice Centner Davidson (born in 1909, died on March 5, 1986) was a talented Canadian architect. She lived in Ontario and made important contributions to architecture, especially in Toronto.

Beatrice Centner Davidson: A Pioneering Architect

Early Life and Education

Beatrice Centner was born in Toronto. She loved architecture and studied it at the University of Toronto. In 1930, she earned her first degree in architecture, called a Bachelor of Architecture (BArch). She was very good at her studies and won a special award, the Toronto Architectural Guild Bronze Medal, when she graduated.

She continued her education and earned a Master of Architecture (MArch) degree from the University of Toronto in 1937. In the same year, she married Harry Davidson.

Career and Challenges

Winning the Toronto Architectural Guild Bronze Medal usually meant a job offer from a local architecture firm. However, Beatrice faced a challenge. The firm felt she didn't have enough experience working on construction sites. They told her she could get the job if she gained five years of experience and agreed not to marry for ten years. This was an unusual request for a woman in her field at that time.

Despite this, Beatrice continued her work. She worked sometimes for the architectural firm of P.A. Deacon. She also helped professor Eric Arthur with research for his book, Toronto, No Mean City.

Notable Designs and Contributions

Beatrice Centner Davidson designed two houses in Toronto. She also designed and oversaw the building of furniture for her family and friends. Her designs for a home and furniture were even featured in the August 1949 issue of Canadian Homes and Gardens magazine.

In 1959, she was part of the jury that judged designs for the new Toronto City Hall. This shows her respected position in the architectural community.

Beatrice Centner Davidson passed away in Toronto at the age of 77.