Bio:

Cohen is a Partner at DIALOG, where she leads the interiors of complex healthcare, education, and civic projects across Canada. Her award-winning work is rooted in creating human-centred environments that foster wellbeing, accessibility, and a sense of belonging. Passionate about the transformative role of public architecture, she believes the most successful public buildings are those that leave people feeling welcome, supported, and connected.

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How did you first learn about architecture and when did you decide that built environment profession was an area of interest for you?

Growing up, I watched my father, a CNC programmer, transform technical drawings into real objects. Seeing ideas become reality inspired my passion for the built environment and a career in design.

 

What do you do?

As a Partner at DIALOG, I lead the interiors of healthcare, education, and civic projects across Canada, designing inclusive, human-centred environments that promote wellbeing and connection.

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What excites you in the work you do?

What excites me most is collaborating with diverse clients and communities to understand their needs, values, and aspirations. Together, we create places where people feel represented, welcomed, and connected to the communities they serve.

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Who or what inspires you professionally?

Yaacov Agam's kinetic art has long inspired me. His exploration of movement and changing perspectives has shaped the way I think about design -- not as static spaces, but as places transformed by the people who experience them.

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What is your proudest professional accomplishment or achievement?

Over my 23-year career, the projects I've led have earned 80+ national and international design awards. Recognition is rewarding, but I'm most proud of the lasting impact these projects have on the people and communities they are built in.

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Featured Project Name: 

UHN Toronto Western Hospital New Surgical and Patient Tower

 

Featured Project Location: 

Toronto, ON

 

Featured Project Completion Date: 

2028

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Role in Featured Project: 

Lead Interior Designer

 

Featured Project Description:

The new Surgical and Patient Tower at University Health Network’s Toronto Western Hospital is a landmark 15-storey, 370,000-square-foot facility that strengthens its role as Ontario’s leading neurosciences centre. The design combines advanced clinical care with calming, biophilic interiors, natural materials, and welcoming spaces for patients, families, and staff, creating an inclusive environment that supports healing, connection, and wellbeing.

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Photography Credit:

DIALOG, Renderings by Artificiel