TSA CONNECT 2026: Newcomers

Eman Abdelsabour is the Sustainability Lead and Senior Architect at BDP Quadrangle, a licensed OAA Architect, and LEED AP, with more than 15 years of international experience in architecture, sustainability, research, and education across Canada, the Middle East, and Europe. At BDP Quadrangle, Eman leads sustainability across a diverse portfolio of projects, working with design teams, clients, municipalities, and industry partners to translate sustainability ambitions into practical design strategies.

Eman is the creator and lead of How Design Drives Embodied Carbon, a research initiative that has grown from an eight-project pilot into a database of more than 100 projects. The research examines how early architectural decisions-from planning and building form to structural systems and material choices-influence whole-building carbon performance.

James is a design professional whose career has taken him from residential and commercial development into major transportation and public infrastructure projects across the UK, Middle East and Canada. With more than 10 years of experience in transit, he has contributed to a wide range of complex initiatives including the Leeds City Station Redevelopment, the new Gatwick Airport Station concourses as well as concepts for MagLev rail stations in the Middle East.

Over the past four years, James has brought his international experience to Canada, contributing to major transportation infrastructure projects including GO Expansion and St. Clair Old Weston Station. He now serves as Design Manager on ALTO, a once-in-a-generation project he is proud to help shape. Passionate about improving the way people move through and experience cities, James combines strong design and technical expertise with a practical, delivery-focused approach to developing solutions and successfully delivering complex public infrastructure projects.

Jessica Park is an architect, content creator, and founder of Park Estudio. Originally trained abroad, she has built her practice in Toronto focusing on residential design while creating engaging content around architecture and spaces. As an internationally-trained professional, she’s passionate about connecting diverse communities through bilingual architecture and design content.

Marla Goubran is a PMP-certified Senior Preconstruction Manager and LEED Green Associate whose career brings together architecture, design, and construction. She began her professional journey in Egypt, working in architectural design and academia, before completing a Master’s degree in Design in Italy and later making Canada her home.

In her current role at Multiplex, Marla leads the preconstruction team and guides complex projects through the critical early stages of development. Her focus is on identifying risks and opportunities early, supporting informed decision-making, and creating a collaborative environment where challenges can be resolved before they affect project delivery.

Having built her career across different countries, disciplines, and professional cultures, Marla is passionate about mentoring emerging professionals and supporting newcomers as they build meaningful careers in architecture and construction.

Esteemed for her diligence, dedication, and sound project management, Miren is a passionate designer with international experience in London, Barcelona, and Toronto. She brings a keen understanding of architectural processes, building codes, and applications, excelling in guiding clients through every stage of a project. As an Associate, Senior Project Manager, Miren provides team leadership and client management, coordinates consultants, and establishes design and execution standards for large-scale cultural, education, and healthcare projects. She oversees all aspects of a project with precision, ensuring seamless coordination, timely delivery, and exceptional outcomes.

Driven by relentless curiosity and a commitment to excellence, Miren immerses herself in every detail of the projects she undertakes. Through in-depth research and analysis, she anticipates opportunities and challenges, enabling her to deliver innovative, context-driven solutions.

Mohcine Sadiq is an OAA architect and urban designer with over seven years of experience across urban planning, design, and mixed-use development.

Based in Toronto, he works at Gensler’s Cities Studio, contributing to large-scale urban studies, complex mixed-use buildings, and emerging environments such as tech campuses and sports facilities all over North America. With strong familiarity in Toronto’s planning and approvals processes, Mohcine brings a strategic, human-centered approach that connects policy, development frameworks, and design quality.

Beyond professional practice, he is actively involved in the architectural community through public initiatives, leading city tours, mentoring emerging professionals, and advocating for equitable, resilient, and inclusive city-building.

Shreya Menon is an architectural designer and urban planner who practised and taught in Kerala, India, before moving to Toronto in 2022. She is now Coordinator, Capital Projects at Circle Community Land Trust, where she works on capital renovations and deep energy retrofits across a scattered portfolio of permanently affordable homes, a role that gives her the opportunity to co-design housing delivery systems through a land trust lens. Alongside this, she co-founded Debut Lab Co., a mutual aid collective for newcomer and immigrant city builders, and EquaPal, a disability-led social enterprise building a wheelchair repair clinic and secondhand repository for assistive equipment. Still learning from a city she has come to love, she is glad to talk with newcomers about finding a place for their expertise beyond the traditional route.

Sabrina Castellanos is a Venezuelan Canadian Architect, Project Manager, Leadership Mentor, Knowledge Manager, and Author with over 19 years of experience in architecture, business consulting, and corporate leadership. Since 2008, she has led large-scale architectural projects in Canada, combining technical expertise with a deep understanding of human potential. She empowers professionals to design intentional lives and sustainable businesses through her frameworks on time management, organization, strategic planning, and leadership. Sabrina is the author of Stop Wasting Your Time: Become the Architect of Your Life and co-founder of 2Be Extraordinaria, a global movement supporting Latin women entrepreneurs and leaders. As a Knowledge Manager, she believes knowledge flows through building relationships—making communication, clarity, and community essential to organizational growth. She integrates architectural methodologies with leadership practices, offering tools to improve project delivery, team collaboration, and resilience. Her work bridges architecture, business, and transformation, aligning structure, vision, and purpose.