Paul Theodore d’Entremont, an accomplished American architect, was a prominent figure in the world of school architecture during the mid-twentieth century. Born on November 18, 1908, in Pubnico, Nova Scotia, Canada, he came from a family with a long history in Nova Scotia, tracing their roots back to 1653. His journey into the world of architecture was marked by dedication and a passion for design that would define his career.

Paul d’Entremont’s early years were spent in Pubnico, where he received his primary education. His pursuit of a career in architecture led him to the Lowell Institute of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in Cambridge, Massachusetts, during the late 1920s. As a young aspiring architect, he honed his skills and gained valuable experience as a draftsman in various architectural firms, including the offices of Dwight P. Robinson in Boston and United Engineers & Constructors in Philadelphia.

Paul’s commitment to architectural excellence was further solidified during his time as a member of the T-Square Club in Philadelphia, where he studied under the guidance of the renowned architect Paul Philippe Cret. This educational journey culminated in his certification in architecture in 1945. Paul d’Entremont’s career in architecture took off as he embarked on a series of professional roles. He worked as a draftsman in Boston and Philadelphia before becoming an architectural designer for the Board of Education and later Malone & Williams in Salisbury, Maryland. Returning to Philadelphia in 1939, he joined the Ballinger Co. on 12th and Chestnut Streets, contributing his talents to various architectural projects.

In 1946, a pivotal year in his career, Paul formed a partnership with Dominique Berninger, resulting in the firm Berninger, Haag & d’Entremont. This partnership, later simplified to Haag & d’Entremont after Berninger’s passing in 1950, became a cornerstone of Paul’s architectural legacy. Throughout the post-war boom of 1945–1970, the firm focused on designing suburban schools, reflecting the Modernist architectural influences of the era. Clean lines, open spaces, and cutting-edge building materials defined their work.

One of Paul’s profound reflections on his architectural creations was made a month before his passing, expressing a wish that his buildings had been constructed entirely of stone to ensure their longevity.

In his personal life, Paul d’Entremont found love and artistic companionship with Grace Berst d’Entremont, whom he married around 1937. Grace, an artist herself, studied at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. Together, they had four children. Their artistic collaboration extended over five decades, resulting in numerous public works of art, particularly in association with the award-winning architectural firm of Haag & d’Entremont. Notable examples of their work include installations at the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church in Feasterville and various schools in Bucks and Montgomery Counties.

Paul Theodore d’Entremont’s enduring legacy in the field of architecture, particularly in school design, continues to be celebrated for its innovation and dedication to creating functional, aesthetically pleasing spaces that stand the test of time. His architectural contributions, along with his artistic collaborations and family life, have left an indelible mark on the architectural landscape of Pennsylvania and beyond.