Mary Cook
Founder and CEO
Mary Cook is a nationally recognized leader in interior architecture and design, known for creating innovative, high-quality environments across a wide range of real estate sectors. Her work spans multifamily, student living, senior living, office, hospitality, and private and municipal clubs-delivering spaces that not only meet market demand but also enhance user experience and increase property value.
As Founder and CEO of Mary Cook Associates (MCA), Mary has led the firm for four decades, building a legacy of design excellence rooted in both creativity and performance. Her work is distinguished by a deep understanding of how thoughtful functional environments can elevate everyday living and drive measurable returns for owners and developers.
Mary’s pioneering design philosophy was shaped early in her career after working with the esteemed partnership of Jack Childs and Gene Dreyfus. Frequently called upon to reimagine and improve underperforming projects, she developed a refined approach to problem-solving that became the foundation for her signature methodology.
She later codified these insights in The Art of Space, her seminal textbook that distills interior design into seven enduring principals. Still in use today, the proven methodology continues to yield results and create interiors that foster Living Better By DesignSM. Mary also introduced the groundbreaking concept of R.O.E.® (Return on Environment), a strategic lens that defines the tangible and intangible benefits environments provide, empowering individuals, organizations, and communities, to feel, be, and perform at their best.
An active and respected voice in the industry, Mary earned her Associate Degree of Technology in Interior Design from Chicago’s Harrington Institute of Interior Design. Mary has contributed to leading organizations throughout her career, including The Urban Land Institute (Product Council), the American Institute of Architects (AIA), Forbes Real Estate Business Council, National Multifamily Housing Council (Executive Council), NAHB, CMAA, and NRPA. She has also been recognized by The Chicago Business Journal as a Women of Influence.
Outside of her professional work, Mary enjoys traveling, playing tennis, entertaining, and spending time with friends and family.