His firms excelled in corporate offices for banks and insurance companies, and designed primarily in Neoclassical and Georgian idioms.

During World War II he served in Canada as a staff officer and designed special buildings for the air force.

Sarah was the daughter of John Herbert Mason (1827–1911), the founder of the Canada Permanent Mortgage Corporation.

While Cesare Marani was Italian and Roman Catholic, Ferdinand and Geoffrey were raised Anglican by their English mother.

Ferdinand Marani died at the Toronto General Hospital on Sunday, 18 July 1971, less than a month short of his 78th birthday.