Hello, I am Mary McGilvra, owner of McGilvra Design.

I was born and raised in Portland so this climate is in my bones and I love it.  The Northwest is one  paradises on earth for living and gardening.  I haven't spent my whole life here however.  I lived in England for a year and Japan for almost two years; both similar climates to the Northwest.  I also lived in Jerusalem, Israel for a year; a totally different climate.  I've traveled extensively, but always come back to the Northwest, my home.

I am a licensed architect and worked many years of my life in the educational and corporate world.  In 2002 I started my own business specializing in residential design.  At the same time, following a long time passion for gardening and plants, I decided to expand into landscape design and started studying horticulture at Portland Community College.  The two design fields are natural compliments to each other.  Connecting the outside and inside through light, views, sound, style, and circulation patterns intrigues me and roots my senses in a peaceful, holistic world.