Women associated with Edmonton were among the first in Canada to enter the field of architecture, a profession historically dominated by men. Alice Ross, who grew up in Edmonton, made significant contributions to her city and the nation. She became the first woman to graduate from an architecture program and launched Ross Home Plans in Edmonton, proving that challenges can be overcome with determination and creativity. More on iedmonton.net.
Early Life and Education
From a young age, Alice dreamed of becoming an engineer, inspired by her father, Zephirin, who worked in civil engineering, designing Canada’s western railways and managing waterway projects. However, Alice chose to pursue architecture and applied to the Rhode Island School of Design in Providence. In 1907, she was accepted and became the only woman in her class. Three years later, in 1910, Alice graduated as the first woman in Canada with an architecture degree.
Starting Her Career
Alice initially worked on projects for her father, who managed municipalities and irrigation systems from his base in Calgary. During this time, she became known as “Alice” and was recognized for her elegant style, balancing her professional ambitions with a keen sense of fashion.
In 1914, Alice applied to the University of Alberta’s School of Architecture to take the examination required for registration with the Alberta Association of Architects. After successfully passing, she became a member of the association. However, finding meaningful work proved difficult as the field remained dominated by men. Her first job was as a secretary at a logging company, where she met Hugh Ross, her future husband.
Marriage and Family Life
Alice and Hugh married in 1917 and moved to Waldeck, where Hugh managed the Duffield Trading Company. During this period, Alice focused on raising their three children, causing her architectural career to take a backseat. The Great Depression further strained the family’s finances when the business began to fail. Despite these challenges, Alice demonstrated resilience, stepping in to manage the store after Hugh’s untimely death from a heart attack in 1941.
Returning to Architecture
After several years of managing the store, Alice decided to pursue her passion for architecture once again. She moved back to Edmonton with her daughters and began taking on architectural projects, including designing homes for a local hardware store owner. This marked the beginning of a new phase in her career.
Alice returned to the Rhode Island School of Design to complete additional courses before relaunching her career in Edmonton. She established Ross Home Plans, a business that gained popularity for its innovative concept. Alice created a catalog of house designs, offering clients pre-designed plans to choose from. The local press highlighted her enterprise, describing it as a promising venture for the city.
Legacy and Achievements
Through her determination, Alice’s business flourished, earning her recognition in Edmonton and beyond. She was commissioned to design and oversee the construction of significant buildings across the city. Alice Ross remains a pioneer in Canadian architecture, proving that persistence and skill can pave the way for success, even in male-dominated fields.