Mary Colter

Mary Colter was a pioneering American architect and designer known for creating iconic buildings and spaces in the southwestern United States during the early 20th century. She specialized in designing structures for the National Park Service and the Fred Harvey Company, blending Native American and Southwestern architectural styles with functional design. Her most famous works include the Grand Canyon's watchtower and the Desert View Watchtower, which reflect a deep respect for regional culture and aesthetics. Colter's innovative approach and attention to detail helped shape the visual identity of Southwest national parks and made her a trailblazer for women in architecture.