About

Exploring the relationship between nature and the built environment

Watercolor has been a favorite and traditional medium of Architects, especially prior to the advent of photography, as a quick means of recording the topology of places [i.e., the topographic study of a given place, especially the history of a region as indicated by its topography], as well as special prospects or urban vistas.

As an Architect and Urban Designer, continuing in this tradition, "Watercolor Works" explore the relationship between nature and the built environment, to convey an impression of the “genius loci” – the essential quality or special nature of each selected place.

The media for Ms. Rusz’s explorations have been expanded to include both oil painting and monotypes [one-off printing making], the latter of which allow for a précis of the places she records.

Fontana delle Tartarughe, Piazza Mattei, Rome, 2023 [Oil Painting, 12” x 9”]

Mary Elizabeth Rusz, FAIA

Architect and Urban Designer

Mary Elizabeth Rusz is an Architect and Urban Designer who studied and worked in New York City for the past 35 years, since 1989. Her post-graduate career focused on neighborhood regeneration including innovative urban solutions along with design excellence and sustainability. She served with various professional groups that promote design excellence, including the Housing Committee and Urban Design Committee of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) NY Chapter, and the design platform she founded -- TORONTO - NEW YORK.

Ms. Rusz holds a Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Toronto, John H. Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape and Design [including Study Abroad at the Unité Pédagogique No. 6 (UP6), Paris, France][1981], and a Master of Science in Architecture and Urban Design from Columbia University, Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation [1989].

In 2019, Ms. Rusz was elevated to become a Fellow of the AIA, the organization’s highest honor for members’ exceptional work and contributions to Architecture and society. She is currently working with a team of design experts to prepare a Primer on Architecture and Urbanism for design students.

Ms. Rusz at the “Art by Architects” Exhibition, at the American Institute of Architects, New York Chapter, 2023

Watercolor Artist

Ms. Rusz is a Member of the Arts and Letters Club of Toronto, her hometown, where she has relocated since November 2023. She is also a Non-Resident Artist Member of: The Salmagundi Club of New York (SCNY), where she has been a member since 2014; and the National Association of Women Artists (NAWA) since 2009. Founded in 1871, the Salmagundi Club is one of the oldest art organizations in the United States. Her paintings and / or photographs have been shown at the SCNY, the NAWA, and The Arts & Letters Club of Toronto.

Sample Watercolor Painting: Baths of Caracalla, Rome, 2018 [14” x 11”] — Baths of Caracalla, Rome, 2018 [Watercolor Painting, 14” x 11”]

Credentials

Education and Training

Registered Architect, New York State; with Urban Design Specialty
Bachelor of Architecture, University of Toronto, Faculty of Architecture, Landscape and Design [including Study Abroad, Paris France]
Master of Science, Architecture and Urban Design, Columbia University, Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation, New York
The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art, New York [Watercolor Studio]
The National Academy Museum and School, New York [Watercolor Studio]

Art Affiliations

Member, The Arts and Letters Club, Toronto
Non-Resident Artist Member, The Salmagundi Club of New York
Non-Resident Member, The National Association of Women Artists

Ms. Rusz at her Solo Exhibition Opening at The Salmagundi Club of New York, October 2022

Current Professional Activities

Fellow [Emeritus], American Institute of Architects (AIA)
Member, AIA New York Chapter: served on both the Housing Committee, and the Planning and Urban Design Committee
Fellow, The Forum for Urban Design [retired]
Founder, TORONTO - NEW YORK, 2015 -- a platform for sharing innovative ideas in support of design excellence

Working on "View of Palazzo Labia and San Geremia, Venice", completed in 2015

Contact

Please kindly complete and submit the "Contact Form" to send requests for information on new commissions, or for pricing of original paintings and / or reproductions of these.

Thank you for your interest.