Area architect builds on achievements

A West Chester architect was recognized as one of this year's Distinguished Daughters of Pennsylvania, the governor's office announced today.

Mary Werner DeNadai was one of nine women across the state who received medals and citations in Harrisburg, a news release said, which provided the following biography: DeNadai started working with noted West Chester architect John Milner while she was still a student. In 1984, they became partners in a local practice focused on historic preservation.

Since then, DeNadai has chaired the Historic Preservation Board of the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission and been an active board member of AIA Philadelphia and AIA-PA, which nominated her for this award.  She served as chairman of Preservation Action during a critical time in the organization's history.  She is trustee emeriti of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, earning its President's Award in 2010.  She has served as principal architect on significant projects such as Hemingway's house in Havana, Cuba; the Majestic Theater in Gettysburg; the University of Pennsylvania Quadrangle Dormitories; and the Pennsylvania State Capital.  In 2008, her work at Nemours Mansion received the Silver Medal of AIA-PA.  She has also received the Arthur Ross Award from Classical America, the AIA Medal of Distinction, and the 2010 Palladio Award.