50 Years of MBTW: A Legacy of Innovation and Design

Since its beginnings in 1975, The MBTW Group has actively participated in over 3900 Canadian and International projects.

The story begins with Frank Milus, the firm's original managing partner. He was born in New Jersey but emigrated to Canada in the mid-1960s after completing a diverse academic career that took him to Cornell, the University of Pennsylvania, Harvard, and finally the University of Michigan, where he earned his Master of Landscape Architecture.

Following brief positions with Lawrence Halprin and Associates in San Francisco and the US Military, Frank was recruited to the Toronto office of Project Planning and Associates (PPA), which at that time was Canada’s leading multi-disciplinary consulting practice. After rising to become PPA’s Director of Landscape Architecture, Frank left in 1968 to establish his own one-person design office. Simultaneously, he took on the role of Assistant Professor and fourth-year studio coordinator in the newly launched Bachelor of Landscape Architecture program at the University of Toronto.

It was at the University of Toronto that Frank first met Pat Bollenberghe, a student who had recently transferred from the architecture program. Recognizing Pat's design talent and graphic skills, Frank quickly recruited him to help with his rapidly growing, though still part-time, design practice. To manage the increasing workload, Pat went on to recruit Alex Topps and David McWhirter from the third-year studio. Upon graduating, Pat officially joined the practice and was soon promoted to junior partner. Alex followed a year later and quickly became the second junior partner. Although David McWhirter initially chose to join another well-established local design firm, he returned within a few years and rapidly advanced to Senior Associate, contributing his exceptional technical expertise and mentoring skills to every significant office project throughout his long and successful career.

By late 1975, the firm made the decision to rebrand as Milus Bollenberghe Topps, Landscape Architects, commonly known as MBT. Over the following years, MBT experienced rapid growth and established itself as a leading force in environmental planning and open space design. The firm undertook significant master planning projects across the country, including Wasaga Beach Provincial Park, Goldbar Ravine Park along the North Saskatchewan River, William Switzer Provincial Park near Hinton, Alberta, and a groundbreaking beach restoration and nourishment project at Parlee Beach Provincial Park in New Brunswick. By the end of the decade, MBT had also expanded significantly in southern Ontario, becoming a dominant player in community planning, park design, and open space planning. The firm was particularly noted for its large-scale integrated suburban developments, including Erin Mills in Mississauga, Glen Abbey Community in Oakville, and several others.

In the early 1980s, the partners intensified their advocacy efforts to integrate landscape architects into the fields of urban design and planning more fully. By 1984, architect Garry Watchorn joined the firm to help develop this expanded vision of professional practice. As a result, the firm was rebranded as The MBTW Group, Landscape Architects and Urban Designers. This change allowed the firm to operate as a full-service consulting entity, capable of effectively addressing environmental, land development, and urban design projects of all scales.

The MBTW Group currently has a staff roster of over 55 professionals and is overseen by 5 partners. We continue to uphold the vision of the founding partners, that is, to leverage our creative team's talent to respond to a broad spectrum of projects, including urban landscapes and high profile urban place making, waterfronts, high-density residential and mixed-use developments, new communities, parks and trails, golf course design and performance sports and recreation. MBTW has and continues to offer boutique consulting services to our clients, proudly providing custom, viable and innovative design solutions.

Join us in celebrating this milestone year! There is so much more to come!

From left: Pat Bollenberghe (Partner), Alex Topps (Partner), Frank Milus (Partner) and David McWhirter (Senior Associate).

MBTW Roll Call: Get to Know Our Founders & Leaders

Frank Milus

Joined in 1973; Retired in 1995

Frank was born in New Jersey but emigrated to Canada in the mid-1960s after completing a diverse academic career that took him to Cornell, the University of Pennsylvania, Harvard, and finally the University of Michigan, where he earned his Master of Landscape Architecture. Following brief positions with Lawrence Halprin and Associates in San Francisco and the US Military, Frank was recruited to the Toronto office of Project Planning and Associates (PPA), which at that time was Canada’s leading multi-disciplinary consulting practice. After rising to become PPA’s Director of Landscape Architecture, Frank left in 1968 to establish his own one-person design office. Simultaneously, he took on the role of Assistant Professor and fourth-year studio coordinator in the newly launched Bachelor of Landscape Architecture program at the University of Toronto. It was at the University of Toronto that Frank first met Pat Bollenberghe and Alex Topps who, upon graduation became partners with Frank in 1975 under the company name of Milus Bollenberghe Topps (MBT). Over the following years, MBT experienced rapid growth and established itself as a leading force in environmental planning and open space design across the country. By the end of the decade, MBT had also expanded significantly in southern Ontario, becoming a dominant player in community planning, park design, and open space planning. In the early 1980s, the partners intensified their advocacy efforts to integrate landscape architects into the fields of urban design and planning more fully. By 1984, architect Garry Watchorn joined the firm to help develop this expanded vision of professional practice. As a result, the firm was rebranded as The MBTW Group, Landscape Architects and Urban Designers. This change allowed the firm to operate as a full-service consulting entity, capable of effectively addressing environmental, land development, and urban design projects of all scales. In 1994, for personal reasons, Frank stepped away from corporate life at the peak of his career and passed away in Victoria in 2012.

Pat Bollenberghe

Joined in 1973; Retired in 2015

Pat graduated from the University of Toronto Bachelor of Landscape Architecture program with Honours in 1973. He was accepted as a member of the Ontario Association of Landscape Architects and the Canadian Society of Landscape Architects in 1977. Patrick was a principal of The MBTW Group from 1974 to 2015 and fulfilled the role of landscape architect, urban designer, and resort and community planner. As a design partner of the firm, he had participated in a broad spectrum of work at various scales in both the public and private sectors including master/site planning, planned communities, institutional developments, urban streetscapes, theme gardens, urban parks, open space systems, waterfronts, national park planning and courtyards. His uncompromising standards, ingenuity in problem solving and broad perspective on the artistry, science and business of landscape architecture inspired the respect of his clients, peers, associates and staff - and the creation of memorable places for people. Patrick has served in various advisory capacities, including the Arts Advisory Committee for the cities of Toronto and Scarborough, Ontario’s Barrier Free Design Awards Committee, and urban design charrettes on Main Street Revitalizations. He has also served as a visiting lecturer and juror in the Schools of Architecture/Landscape Architecture at the University of Guelph and Toronto, and the Ryerson Polytechnic University (now Toronto Metropolitan University). His leadership, commitment to excellence, and ongoing service to the community, the profession and the CSLA set him apart from the crowd. Pat was inducted into the CSLA’s College of Fellows in 2001. In retirement Pat provides periodic design review on waterfront development projects in Collingwood and is participating as a member of the OALA practice law act committee.

Alexander Topps

Joined in 1974; Retired in 2009

Alex graduated from the University of Toronto in 1970 with a Bachelor of Commerce and Finance degree, followed by a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture in 1974. After graduating, he joined the emerging practice of Frank Milus and Associates as the firm's third full-time employee and in 1975, he became a founding partner of what is now known as the MBTW Group. In the early stages of his career, Alexander focused on environmental planning, but his work quickly evolved to emphasize design and place-making. He built an award-winning portfolio in open space, community planning, and urban design. In the late 1970s, he was one of the first landscape architects in Ontario to establish himself as an expert witness. His successful testimonies on a wide range of issues, including urban design, recreation planning, environmental planning, site planning, and construction litigation, significantly enhanced the profession’s credibility before various regulatory tribunals. He was responsible for several company “firsts”, pioneering the introduction of computerized design production, golf course architecture, and creating a dedicated contract administration division. Alexander's commitment to volunteer work was evident in his active involvement with the Ontario Association of Landscape Architects (OALA), serving on the Examining Board, Finance Committee, Discipline Committee, and Practice Act Committee. He co-authored the Association’s Competition Guidelines and served as the delegate to the Daniels School of Design Faculty Council. In 2002, as a member of a legislative delegation, he contributed to crucial amendments to the provincial Limitation of Liability Act. After retiring in 2009, Alexander devoted much of his time to volunteer activities with the Canadian Society of Landscape Architects (CSLA), particularly the Accreditation Council, serving as Chair from 2013 to 2016. During that tenure, he led an important initiative to revitalize the Council, redraft the accreditation standards, and renew a dormant reciprocity agreement between the Canadian and American associations. Alexander was inducted into the CSLA College of Fellows in 2015 in recognition of his Executed Works of Landscape Architecture and Service to the Society.

Garry Watchorn

Joined in 1984; Retired in 2015

Garry was a community planner, urban designer, landscape architect and architect, president of Watchorn Architect Inc. (Now W Architect Inc.) and partner at The MBTW Group. He had over 40 years experience in community planning, urban design, precinct visioning, architectural design guidance and architecture. Garry has taken a leading role in the formulation of new community planning principles, concepts and innovative development standards for conventional, as well as the “new urbanism” or “neo-traditional” planning approaches. Garry participated in the formulation of urban design guidelines and coordinated architectural design guidelines tailored to individual sites for all land uses. This role was complemented with extensive experience in the implementation of the guidelines through architectural design guidance. Combining this range of expertise resulted in the value-added design and development of innovative concept plans, such as the Greenwood Beach Community in City of Toronto, Oak Park Community in Uptown Core of Town of Oakville, York University South Precinct Concept Plan in City of Toronto, and the Bradhurst Urban Renewal Plan in north Manhattan in City of New York. Garry was experienced in project coordination, public consultation, visioning, community design, and implementation for large scale communities and mixed-use developments in both urban and suburban contexts. This experience enabled him to provide an innovative and comprehensive approach to master planning that ensured a vision was translated into an implemented plan. One of Garry’s key objectives was to determine how to develop a vision/concept that sets his client’s community apart from others in the marketplace in the eyes of the purchasers. Garry was a partner at The MBTW Group from 1984 to 2015 when he retired. Garry passed away in 2020.

Peter Kanitsch

Became Partner in 1997; Retired in 2008

Peter was a talented landscape architect, urban designer, and community planner. He graduated from the Bachelor of Landscape Architecture program at the University of Toronto in 1984 and immediately joined the firm then known as Milus Bollenberghe Topps and Associates. Throughout his career, Peter led the planning and design of numerous suburban and regional recreational facilities, parks, open space systems, trails, and stormwater management features. He always worked with a deep respect for the land, carefully balancing human needs with environmental health to capture the spirit of each site. Peter was also dedicated to creating engaging urban public spaces that expressed both the journey and the experience of a place. He frequently served as an expert witness at OMB (OLT) hearings on site plan approvals, urban design, and expropriations, where he helped navigate complex planning decisions. An enthusiastic amateur golfer, Peter also made significant contributions to the firm’s early endeavors in golf course design, as well as the planning of associated recreational and lifestyle communities. He worked closely with many recognized developers, the public, jurisdictional authorities, and co-consultants to address impacts and issues early in the decision-making process, consistently achieving a harmonious balance between design, environmental, and technical considerations. Peter developed a loyal following of repeat clients, many of whom became lifelong friends, returning to him as their sole-source consultant and advisor. While he excelled at managing projects on a macro level, Peter was also known for his meticulous attention to design details and rigorous contract documentation, ultimately evolving into a quality control leader. Regardless of project type or scale, Peter’s talent seamlessly integrated program requirements with site conditions, views, vistas, microclimates, and water features to create distinctive and memorable designs. Peter was a partner at MBTW from 1997 until his untimely passing in 2008. A relentless perfectionist with a genuine gift for landscape architecture, he left behind many friends and colleagues who regretted that his life and career were cut far too short.

Steven Wimmer

Became Partner in 1997; Resigned in 2021

Steven was an Urban Designer, Landscape Architect and Community Planner while at The MBTW Group. He served on the OALA Examining Board (2001-2006) and joined the OALA Budget Committee in 2016. Steven has been a Professional Advisor to numerous OALA Associates and continues to coach and mentor young professionals. He is a past member of OPPI’s Urban Design Working Group and has volunteered as a guest critic for the University of Waterloo, School of Planning. Steven’s expertise lives at the confluence of Community Design, Master Planning and Urban Design. Throughout his 35-year career he has created spaces that prioritize the human experience, pursued sustainable excellence and promoted healthy living. Steven worked towards the need for densification of Towns and Cities across Canada and his plans tackled climate change and produced high-quality, livable places. Building consensus among stakeholders these communities have been awarded the BILD - Places to Grow Community of the Year - Low Rise for the years 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2015. Steven is one of the rare individuals that has leveraged his education as a Landscape Architect to become an industry leader in the creation of large-scale master planned communities. Steven has a strong conviction that Landscape Architecture and Urban Design are natural companions which require a complimentary skill set and share common values. Steven was a partner at The MBTW Group from 1997 to 2021.

Christine Abe, Principal

Became Partner in 2008

Christine is a Senior Landscape Architect with almost 40 years of experience. She has a wide range of experience in various scales of projects including numerous award-winning site plan, mixed use, condominium design, institutional, school, park, streetscape and commercial centre projects. In addition, she has been involved in the master planning of parks, new communities, schools, and institutional projects. As a partner at The MBTW Group, Christine is involved in all aspects of landscape architecture from the design and conceptualization of a project to the working drawings, and finally through to the contract administration phase of a project. Christine has participated as a visiting lecturer and visiting critic at the School of Landscape Architecture at The University of Guelph and Toronto Metropolitan University and has also been a speaker at OLIP and ULI events. Christine has represented the OALA as a juror for Canada Blooms, served as a juror for both the Toronto and Mississauga Urban Design Awards and was appointed and has served on the Mississauga Urban Design Advisory Panel since 2017. In 2019, Christine was nominated to the Board of the Landscape Architecture Canada Foundation (LACF) and 2024, she became President of LACF. In 2021, Christine was nominated and joined the Board of Directors of Sustainable Buildings Canada. Since 2023, Christine has been a member of CSLA’S National Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee. Over the years, Christine has been a professional advisor to over a dozen landscape architectural interns whom she has mentored towards their full membership with the OALA. Christine became a partner at The MBTW Group in 2008.

Kevin Holmes, Principal

Became Partner in 2008

Kevin focuses on Greenfield Community Landscape Design sector at The MBTW Group. His responsibilities include managing the design and implementation of greenfield community projects including community landscapes and commercial properties, parks and open spaces, recreational trails, storm water ponds and watercourse enhancement. Kevin also leads the firm’s golf course development and redevelopment book of business and through the application of his experience and creativity as a Golf Course Architect, has been responsible for some of Ontario’s best new public golf courses. Kevin works closely with private developers, regional and municipal governments, conservation authorities, communities and consultants to ensure that project priorities are carried through from the initial stages of project design through to construction. His over 33 years of experience in the greenfield community landscaping and golf course design industry has equipped Kevin with a deep understanding of innovative and sustainable design strategies and site development processes from both a planning and environmental perspective.

Michael Hannay

Became Partner in 2017; Retired in 2024

Michael brought over 30 years of experience in Urban Planning, Urban Design and Architectural Design Guidance, consulting to both the development community and municipalities across the Province of Ontario. Michael was qualified for over 30 years to provide expert testimony before the OMB, LPAT, and OLT, regarding Urban Planning, Urban Design, Visual Impact Assessment, and Architectural Design Guidance relating to both highly Urban and Greenfield developments. His work in the GTA ranged from participation in the development of policy and design studies to the detailed design and implementation of some of the most innovative new communities in the Province of Ontario. Michael led the MBTW urban planning initiatives and as both Vice President and later as President of W Architects Inc. While at MBTW, Michael also provided unerring leadership for Architectural Design Guidance projects.

Jon Joyce, Principal

Became Partner in 2017

Jon is a Senior Landscape Architect at the MBTW Group with over 30 years of professional experience during which he has contributed to an extensive collection of projects of varying scope, scale and complexity. His experience - combined with a talent for problem solving, communication and decision-making - allows Jon to successfully transition projects through the design, approvals and implementation stages of the site development process. Over the last several years, Jon has focused on applying his unique and holistic understanding of design development to an expanding number of high-profile performance sports and recreation projects across Canada, including BMO Field and the Toronto FC Practice and Training Academy. Jon is also a leading the charge on the design and implementation of fully accessible sports facilities such as Toronto’s first accessible baseball field at Highview Park and the stunning Empire Sports Complex in Welland. Jon currently directs the Performance Sports and Recreation division at MBTW providing services to both private and public sector clients.

Jana Joyce, Principal

Became Partner in 2017

Jana is a Senior Landscape Architect with over 30 years experience in public and private realm development in Canada. As Principal-in-Charge of Special Projects, Jana’s portfolio includes a wide variety of unique and challenging projects that require one-of-a kind solutions. Her portfolio includes waterfronts, urban park renewal, urban infill, precinct-wide public realm design, design competitions and Indigenous place-making initiatives. Jana applies her creativity and technical expertise in envisioning engaging, meaningful and flexible spaces for people of all ages and abilities. Jana has been a speaker at the OPPI, the Canadian Brownfields Network and has adjudicated student thesis project presentations at the University of Guelph and has participated in studio culmination sessions for the University of Toronto, John H Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape and Design, Master of Landscape Architecture program. Jana has also contributed to published articles for Ground Magazine and is an active Professional Development Program Advisor for the Ontario Association of Landscape Architects. Jana became a partner at The MBTW Group in 2017.

Jasna Sehovic, Principal

Became Partner in 2023

Jasna is a Senior Urban Designer at The MBTW Group with wealth of experience in urban design, planning and architecture. Her diverse background enables her substantial contributions to a range of residential and commercial projects, community and resort master plans, secondary plans, urban design studies, and urban infills. In her role, Jasna is responsible for the project management, community visioning and design of multiple projects including master plans, urban design guidelines, urban design briefs and secondary plan studies for large comprehensively planned communities across the GTA and beyond. Jasna is recognized for her ability to solve complex issues with creative and distinct design solutions, her solutions are not just designs; they are narratives that bring life into realized spaces, reflecting the needs and aspirations of the communities they serve. Jasna leads MBTW urban design and planning initiatives and as Vice-President of W Architects Inc. Jasna provides leadership for Architectural Design Guidance projects. Jasna became a partner at The MBTW Group in 2023.