In Memoriam: Remembering Husayn Banani
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Husayn Banani, co-founder of Mulvey & Banani, on October 9, 2024. Mr. Banani’s extraordinary career, his dedication to engineering excellence, and his deep commitment to the fair treatment of all individuals have left a lasting legacy at our company and within the architectural, engineering, and construction industries.
In 1965, Husayn founded A.H. Banani and Associates Ltd, establishing its first offices at 505 Eglinton Avenue West. His firm specialized in Corporate/Commercial projects in the downtown Toronto core. In 1981, an RFP for the Metro Toronto Convention Centre (MTCC) prompted Husayn Banani and Gerry Mulvey, founder of Mulvey Engineering (established in 1955), to unite their firms under one name. They realized that together they could offer more stability and expertise. The partnership led to the creation of Mulvey & Banani International Inc., and the MTCC contract was awarded to the newly formed company. A year later, both offices moved to 44 Mobile Drive, and the rest is history.
Husayn was instrumental in some of the company’s most legendary projects, including the CBC Building, the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, Simcoe Place, WSIB Interiors, the Baha'i Temple and Gardens in Haifa, and the Embassy of Canada to China in Beijing. These projects, along with many others, solidified his place as a leader in the engineering community and contributed to the development of key landmarks across the city and internationally.
Husayn embodied the ethos of mentorship and excellence. Known as a "strong and quiet" individual, he was always willing to share his remarkable engineering skills and foster the growth of those around him. His humanitarian approach to leadership, combined with his sharp engineering acumen, made him a revered mentor and a key figure in shaping Mulvey & Banani’s culture.
Both Mulvey and Banani shared a belief in the fair treatment of all—employees, clients, and contractors alike—and they instilled these values into the fabric of the company. Their philosophy that the level one achieves at Mulvey & Banani is based solely on one’s own ability, attitude, and determination remains a core principle today.
Domenic Bonavota, P.Eng., President of Mulvey & Banani, shared his memories of Mr. Banani:
"Although I never had the opportunity to work alongside Mr. Banani on projects, I have fond memories of his visits to our office over the past 20+ years. He would often share stories about our company’s history, and his passion for Mulvey & Banani was evident in every word. His calm, soft-spoken nature had a unique way of commanding attention, and it was clear that his dedication to the firm never wavered. We are committed to carrying forward his remarkable legacy, and his influence will continue to inspire us all."
Shaili Patel, P.Eng., Senior Vice President, shared:
"I will always remember Mr. Banani as a wonderful, soft-spoken man. He once told me, 'You don’t need to be loud to be heard; in fact, the softer you speak, the more people will pay attention to what you're saying.' He also emphasized that knowledge is power. I often share this wisdom with the young women working at our firm, so they know they don’t need to change who they are to succeed in this industry."
Nick Manesis, P.Eng., Vice President, shared:
“I will never forget Mr. Banani. Although he retired not long after I began my career at Mulvey & Banani, I was fortunate enough to work with him on a significant project at the time. The word that always comes to mind when I think of Mr. Banani is ‘equanimity’—the perfect embodiment of mental calmness and composure, even in challenging situations. He was a steady presence, the most even-tempered person I have ever known. I will always be grateful for his guidance and mentorship.”
Maria Polito, Consultant, and Mehrdad Haghighi, B.Sc., Associate, IT Manager, both dear friends and coworkers, shared:
“Husayn Banani was the yin to Gerry Mulvey’s yang. While Gerry was the jokester, Mr. Banani was the soft-spoken one, with the kindest soul. He treated everyone with the utmost respect, and in return, he earned that same respect from everyone who interacted with him. We often heard him say, ‘Please, call me Husayn,’ yet out of admiration, most still referred to him as ‘Mr. Banani.’
As one of the original founders, Mr. Banani generously donated time and resources to various places of worship, both here in Toronto and abroad—such as St. Paul’s Anglican Church on Bloor and the Baha'i Temple in Haifa—all pro bono. Giving back was always close to his heart.
To him, employees weren’t just staff; they were family. He knew the names of their spouses and children, celebrated their successes, and grieved with them in their losses. He often said that everything he had was thanks to the devoted work of his team, and he believed it was only right that they should share in the benefits. Even after retirement, he kept in touch with many former and current employees.
Husayn left a mark not only here in Toronto but also in Prince Edward County. His first home there had a waterfall that was a part of annual tours. He and his beloved wife, Anne, would welcome visitors and offer them fruit from his garden—his plums were always a favorite! Wherever he went, be it restaurants, farmers' markets, or shops, he was greeted warmly with, ‘Mr. Banani, what a pleasure to see you today.’ Everyone knew him, and he loved people. He thrived on those connections, and the feeling was mutual.”
Husayn fostered a culture of camaraderie and dedication, often emphasizing the importance of balance and appreciation for those around you. A core principle he instilled in the company was to "work hard, play hard; enjoy the ride, and those by your side even more." This spirit of teamwork, commitment, and gratitude continues to inspire us all and remains central to the Mulvey & Banani ethos.
We will forever be grateful for Husayn Banani’s legacy, his kindness, and his contributions to our company and the wider community. His leadership, values, and memory will remain an integral part of Mulvey & Banani for years to come.
We extend our deepest sympathies to Husayn’s family, friends, and colleagues. His spirit will live on through the countless lives he touched and the values he championed.