Mary studied architecture at the University of Virginia and the Architectural Association in London, graduating in 1988. She worked for Foster + Partners for over a decade, where she was one of the first female associates. In 1999 Mary joined architects Walters & Cohen as a Director and in 2002, intrigued by the relationship between landscape architecture and the built environment, Mary joined Gustafson Porter. In 2011 she became a Founding Partner and from January 2017, Gustafson Porter became Gustafson Porter + Bowman in recognition of Mary’s contribution.

Mary’s interests lie in the integration of landscape and architecture and the vital role landscape architecture can play in meeting today’s global challenges. Her experience as both a qualified Architect and Landscape Architect has allowed her to integrate landscape more successfully in built schemes and share knowledge.