TSA Portfolio & Resume Clinic 2025

Alecsandra is an Architect with 19 years of experience in the profession at all stages and approaches every facet of design and construction with confidence. She advocates for design excellence in the public realm, community involvement in the built environment and sustainable design. She believes in a cross disciplinary approach connecting architecture to the study of urbanization and city dynamics.

Her European and Canadian professional experiences exposed her to responsible and contextually sensitive design that contributes to creating healthy cities adaptable to change. She worked on a range of architectural programs such as institutional, public transit, residential, hospitality, commercial and industrial projects.

Her interests span from design of public spaces, community-focused projects, transit-oriented developments, new residential typologies to urban revitalization and sustainable urban development. Alecsandra enjoys learning from new experiences to keep her understanding of the profession current and meaningful. She is open-minded, good humored and deeply dedicated to her work.

Originally from the United Kingdom, Andrew Geldard knew he wanted to become an architect because of his natural aptitude for the sciences and creative drawing throughout his studies. He earned a Bachelor of Architecture, a Diploma in Architecture, and a Masters in Architecture and Practice Management from the University of Nottingham in England.

Andrew has several years of experience working in Canadian and international architectural firms in design development and contract administration, as well as producing construction documents. He joined the BDP Quadrangle team in 2011 and is often involved in a project from the pre-design conceptual stage through to design development. Andrew was the Design Lead for notable projects including 1181 Queen Street West, Duke Condos, Picnic, The High Park and 900 St Clair Avenue. He has contributed to several mixed-use, residential and commercial buildings for the Downtown Markham master plan.

In his role as Design Director, Andrew takes initiative in promoting design excellence across all BDP Quadrangle projects, acts as a mentor, and injects passion for design into the working process and atmosphere of the Studio.

At BDP Quadrangle, Andrew utilizes and enhances his skills in BIM, which has sparked his growing interest in emerging design technologies. He demonstrates sound understanding of programs such Revit, AutoCAD and 3D Studio. Andrew’s prior professional experience has made him well-versed in institutional, commercial and residential projects.  

Inspired by prominent architects of our time, Anne is an integral contributor to HPA’s cultural, institutional, and performing arts projects. Her work and expert response to design is influenced by refreshing conversations and new perspectives from those around her. A professional background in animation and modelling reinforces Anne’s depth of knowledge from project competition through to completion. As a leader, she understands the balance between process and results—no one thing or person is more important than another.

Anne’s passion for architecture has evolved over the years, noting the award-winning Tom Patterson Theatre Centre as a pivotal project in her career—reigniting her love for performance architecture. In her approach, the end-user experience drives Anne forward as an attentive and disciplined architect. Beyond HPA, Anne is a lecturer at the University of Toronto’s John H. Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape and Design.

Carolyn is an architect and urban designer with international and local professional experience. She manages projects at all design phases, from initial concept and municipal approvals to construction. 

At SvN in her role as Senior Associate, she focuses on prominent multi-unit residential projects, transit-oriented communities, and significant master plans shaping the future of our city. Before joining SvN, Carolyn worked at several award-winning architecture firms, honing her expertise on complex projects with multiple stakeholders. Carolyn holds undergraduate and graduate degrees in architecture from the University of Waterloo. She is a member of the Ontario Association of Architects, the Toronto Society of Architects and the Royal Architecture Institute of Canada. Carolyn is actively involved with the design and development community, notably with the Urban Land Institute, contributing to the Curtner Urban Leadership Program’s steering committee. She also enjoys being a facilitator for UrbanPlan, an immersive program for high school students to learn about development, and participating as a guest reviewer for student reviews at the University of Toronto and the University of Waterloo.

Growing up in Toronto with an architect mother and a heritage activist grandmother, Claire Kurtin (OAA, RHFAC) learned the power of architecture to bring comfort, joy, and inspiration. She believes sustainability and equity are essential to lasting design. Claire holds a Bachelor of Architectural Studies from the University of Waterloo and a Master of Architecture from the University of Toronto.

Passionate about working with existing buildings, she sees renovations and additions as opportunities to honor both architecture and community. Before joining KPMB, she worked at Lebel & Bouliane and Giannone Petricone Associates on adaptive reuse and renovation projects, including a Glass Museum in Dufferin County and projects for the University of Toronto, Terroni, and the Royal Hotel.

As a student, Claire completed co-op terms at KPMB, contributing to Ponderosa Commons at UBC, the Perelman Center at UPenn, and the competition-winning Center for Computing & Data Sciences at Boston University.

Since rejoining KPMB in 2021, she has worked on Robertson Hall at Princeton and a residential tower at Brookfield Place. Currently, she leads the renovation and expansion of a major Calgary office tower and contributes to Calgary’s Arts Commons modernization, the largest performing arts center in Western Canada.

Claire holds a Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification (RHFAC) and is eager to apply her knowledge to designing inclusive, accessible spaces that meet diverse needs.

Deya Iskandarova is an Architect with over a decade of professional experience. She has contributed to notable projects such as the Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation Headquarters, the Gordie Howe International Bridge Canadian Port of Entry development, and the NSCAD University Port Campus renovation. Recently, she has focused on the McMaster Greenhouse Life Science Building addition and the Makwa Waakaa’igan project, where she applied her design and contract administration expertise to overcome challenges across multiple project phases.

Farah is an internationally trained architect and designer with over a decade of experience in Canada and the Middle East. In Dubai, United Arab Emirates, she co-founded Tri Design Studio, leading the design of multiple civic and commercial projects. Her work involved close collaboration with local artisans, incorporating traditional crafts within architectural projects, fostering concepts of sustainability – an extension of her research in the Master’s program in Sustainability in the Built Environment. 

Currently an OAA intern Architect and an associate at Dialog, Farah has contributed to design excellence across diverse project typologies. Her portfolio spans educational, civic, and healthcare projects, notably including the Toronto Western Hospital New In-Patient Tower, TELUS World of Science in Edmonton, and Centennial College A-Building Expansion, Canada’s first LEED Gold, zero carbon, WELL certified, mass timber, higher-education facility.  She considers every project an opportunity to nurture curiosity, explore, collaborate, tell a story, and ultimately elevate the human experience.

Jacky is an accomplished professional with a background in architecture and interior design.  He earned his bachelor’s degree in architectural science from Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University).  With an education in architecture and work experience in interior design, he has developed a deep understanding of interior architecture, design principles and technical expertise.  Presently specializing in technical design for hospitality, retail, and multi-residential projects, Jacky has successfully delivered complex designs and contributed to award-wining projects on both national and international scales.

John McKenna (BArch, BArch.Sci, MBA) is an Associate Principal at gh3*, a Toronto-based design practice. Since joining the firm in 2011, he has contributed to a wide range of projects—from small park pavilions to civic master plans and municipal infrastructure buildings.

He played a key coordination role on the award-winning Borden Park Natural Swimming Pool, gaining first-hand insight into the architect’s increasingly multidisciplinary role on complex public projects. He is currently overseeing the Tamil Community Centre in Scarborough, ON.

John holds an MBA from IE Business School in Madrid, where he focused on management strategies for creative-sector firms. As a key contributor to gh3*’s business development and communications, he works closely with firm leadership to shape and advance the practice’s strategic vision.

He is particularly interested in the evolving roles and responsibilities of the architect—both within and beyond traditional design practice—in a rapidly changing professional landscape.

Jon is an enthusiastic collaborator dedicated to high-performance design. Driven by a commitment to tackling complex problems with creativity and elegance, he believes great design is a force which cultivates inspirational and inclusive communities. Jon’s award-winning design approach delivers creative vision and innovative solutions informed by a deep understanding of stakeholder and user priorities to maximize the potential of spaces for learning, collaboration, and well-being.

Karine is an architect with 10 years of experience. She co-leads the Residential Practice Area for Gensler Toronto and has contributed to the development of several high-profile residential projects. Her extensive background spans many sectors, including education, aviation, hospitality, and complex residential and mixed-use projects. Among her achievements at Gensler, Karine was part of the team to develop mass timber housing prototypes for Sidewalk Labs, which created an early road map for mass timber use in Ontario. Her strong technical background, combined with her attention to building code and housing standards, proved valuable for this work. Though based in Toronto, much of Karine’s portfolio of work is sited in Montreal, and she leverages this experience to bridge differences in language and culture on project teams.

Weiss Architecture & Urbanism Limited was founded in 2012 by Kevin Weiss. The firm
specializes in educational, civic, and custom residential projects. With over 20 years of
experience, Kevin brings a unique urban design perspective, considering the broader
context of cities and neighborhoods. The firm’s collaborative approach focuses on,
thoughtful design solutions tailor fit for their clients needs.

Weiss Architecture & Urbanism Limited has been recognized for their innovative
projects such as their award-winning Winnipeg Warming Hut and the recent Shuddell
Avenue Laneway House.

Current projects include the Native Learning Centre – East which will be the first TDSB
project purpose built Indigenous learning space, and a soon to be completed to McKee
Public School. The McKee project is an important case study project examining the use
of off-site construction techniques for complex urban school additions.

Mark joined Akb in 2019 after a decade of experience executing residential, institutional and retail projects at distinguished firms across Canada. As an Associate, he leads the delivery of ambitious single-family architectural projects, bringing his adept technical and project management skills to all Akb initiatives. Dedicated to process and efficiency, Mark plays a pivotal role in developing systems that enhance overall productivity and maximize team efficacy.

Megan is an architect whose professional development has been influenced by a strong personal interest in adaptive re-use and the integration of contemporary architecture into historic urban fabric. A Partner at DTAH, her socially-minded, contextually-sensitive portfolio includes the Niagara Falls Exchange, the entrance pavilion to Tommy Thompson Park and the revitalization of the Clubhouse and Rinks at Dufferin Grove Park, the Guelph Baker District Redevelopment, and the St. Andrew and Dane Avenue Child Care projects.

Megan has been volunteering with the TSA since 2014, leading initiatives such as our Urban Affairs Forums, Ideas Forums, and climate action. She has also played a critical role in fostering relationships with like-minded organizations across the city including Design TO and the Architecture Conservancy of Ontario Toronto Branch. In 2020 Megan was elected as Chair of the TSA.

As an Associate at THA, Michelle has established herself as a key contributor and leader within the firm since she’s joined 5 years ago. Her journey has been marked by significant growth, as she’s taken on roles as team lead of construction document production, client and consultant coordinator, historical and archival researcher, and project manager. Michelle’s commitment to excellence and eye for detail have made her an invaluable asset to the team. Her expertise is in detailed site surveying of heritage sites, large scale construction document production in CAD, consultant coordination, lead in contract administration for large-scale multi-phased projects, and graphic representations for proposals and presentations.

Michelle’s impact is evident in her work on high-profile projects like the Manitoba Legislative Building in Winnipeg, R.C. Harris Water Filtration Plant, and Casa Loma in Toronto. Her leadership extends beyond her projects – she’s a dedicated mentor to interns. Her approachability and supportive nature make her a role model for those starting their careers in architecture, fostering a culture of learning and development at THA.

Since joining our Toronto office, Sandor has been the project manager of a number of high-profile, complex projects including the Salesforce Transit Centre in San Francisco, the MGM Mirage CityCenter development in Las Vegas, Nevada, and the Brampton Civic Hospital in Brampton.

Prior to joining Adamson Associates, Sandor was the project manager for the Canadian Embassy in Prague, Czech Republic, which was a Finalist for the Czech Architecture Grand Prix 2003. He was also a key team member for the design of both the Israeli Foreign Ministry Head Office building, and the City Hall and Civic Square in Jerusalem, Israel while working for Diamond and Schmitt Architects.

Sandor received his Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Toronto and holds a Master of Architecture from Harvard University.

Sharon is an Associate of Montgomery Sisam Architects, and Manager in the Marketing & Business Development team. Prior to her work in marketing for the firm, she worked in architectural practice as well as set design for feature film productions. She has expertise in all phases of architectural development from concept design through to contract administration, on projects such as the CHUM Superhospital in Montreal and the Senate Chamber of Canada. She has also worked on sets for major motion pictures such as X-Men, Days of Future Past, and Robert Zemeckis’ The Walk. Over her career she has accumulated skills in creative collaboration in large teams on complex work, as well as disseminating complicated ideas into simple, compelling, and graphically strong imagery.

Sharon brings this knowledge to her current work for MSA, where she develops awards submissions, responds to Requests for Proposals, creates interview presentations and social media material. Sharon puts a strong emphasis on graphic representation in every initiative she undertakes, acknowledging the importance of aesthetically clear communication that is accessible to a broad public, despite the complexity of architectural practice.

Sue Jean Chung is the founding principal of Studio JCI, a multidisciplinary architectural practice recognized for its high quality residential and mixed-use urban developments. A graduate of the University of Toronto’s Bachelor of Architecture program, Sue Jean has over two decades of experience in designing and constructing more than 7,000 residential units across Southern Ontario.

Sue Jean’s approach to architecture is grounded in a deep understanding of both urban-scale development and detailed design, ensuring that each project enhances its context while prioritizing the well-being of its users. Her leadership has been pivotal in guiding complex residential projects from feasibility to completion, many notably recognized by Toronto Urban Design Awards of Excellence. Her level of rigour throughout the development process ensures that her firm’s original design vision is maintained with technical precision and attention to detail.

In addition to her professional work, Sue Jean is a strong advocate for equity, diversity, and mentorship in the architectural profession. She is involved with BEAT (Building Equality in Architecture Toronto), where she supports the advancement of women in architecture. Her contributions were recognized when she was inducted into the Women’s Leadership Initiative (WLI) Championship team in 2022, celebrating her impact in real estate and urban development. She established JCI Learn, a lecture series dedicated to fostering the professional development of emerging architects, and consistently offers mentorship to young professionals to refine their leadership abilities.

Suleman is a masters graduate from the McEwen school of architecture and currently an intern architect at RAW Design. His early passion for woodworking and craftsmanship inspired a deep dive into the intricacies of the design-build process, honing his skills while exploring the nuanced relationship between art and architecture. He has previously been the recipient of multiple research grants for architecture interventions, notably at the Delft University of Technology and the 2018 Venice Biennale. 

Suleman’s portfolio now reflects an affection for small-scale interventions that ignite conversations around critical issues.

Grounded in a commitment to critical design thinking, Suleman aims to integrate considerations of site, community, and cultural context into his creations, using them as lenses to understand the larger-scale built environment, that he works on designing in his day to day life.

Tyler’s conviction is that the primary aim of design should be the improvement of human well-being and the health of our urban and natural environments. He brings a keen design sense and rigorous approach to every project, balancing elegant simplicity with attention to materials and detailing to create functional and contextually meaningful architecture that realizes the aspirations of the communities with whom he works. With a wide-ranging portfolio that encompasses community, athletics and recreation, and campus architecture, he has been a key contributor to the research and advancement of sustainable design and construction at MJMA, particularly mass timber structures.

As one of Superkül’s senior leaders, Will oversees a variety of single-family, institutional, and commercial projects, from inception through construction administration. Having worked on a number of high-profile, award-winning buildings across Canada, he brings an unparalleled commitment to design excellence, combined with strong technical skills in building science and software technologies. Will also takes a keen interest in the implementation of architectural processes that optimize workflow and project delivery, and is responsible for supervising the office’s ongoing development of project management standards.

Most recently, Will oversaw the renovation of the Fourth Floor Reading Room at Robarts Library as well as the design and construction of Universal Music Canada’s new creative campus, The Golden Nugget, and Birdhouse (a family cottage in the Kawarthas). He is currently leading the revitalization of the CN Tower Outdoor Terrace Level, the completion of the new Student Services Hub at University of Toronto Mississauga, as well as the design and construction of various single-family homes.

Will received an Honours Bachelor of Architectural Studies (with Distinction) and a Master of Architecture from the University of Waterloo. His academic excellence was recognized with the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada’s Student Medal for outstanding thesis work in 2015. Will is a registered architect with the Ontario Association of Architects.

Through his experience recruiting in the architecture industry, Adam has had many conversations with both new immigrants and recent graduates struggling to enter the job market. The challenges of breaking into the field—whether due to a lack of local experience, portfolio gaps, or an evolving industry landscape—can feel overwhelming. This motivated him to find ways to provide structured support and guidance to those establishing themselves in the AEC industry in Canada. His goal is to help job seekers feel more prepared, empowered, and ready to take on the next opportunity, even in a difficult market.

Ilanit Genkin is a Senior Recruitment Consultant specializing in Architecture and a Certified Mindset Coach with over a decade of experience in talent acquisition. Having worked closely with top architecture firms, she has a deep understanding of what employers look for in candidates, from technical skills to cultural fit. Ilanit has successfully guided countless professionals through career transitions, helping them secure roles that align with their strengths and aspirations. Combining her recruitment expertise with a coaching approach, she empowers job seekers to overcome challenges, build confidence, and position themselves effectively in a competitive job market. Passionate about career growth and professional success, Ilanit is dedicated to helping Architecture professionals providing the strategic guidance they need to thrive.

Katie is an Associate and the Director of Marketing at Moriyama Teshima Architects (MTA), an internationally recognized, award-winning firm with offices in Toronto and Ottawa. With more than 15 years of experience in A/E/C Marketing, Katie leads pursuits as well as the strategy and execution of marketing efforts to build the brand and connect with the community. She is also the current Director of Education and Certification on the Society of Marketing Professional Services (SMPS) Ontario Board of Directors. Through networking, business intelligence, and research, SMPS members gain a competitive advantage in positioning their firms successfully in the marketplace. SMPS offers members professional development, leadership opportunities, and resources to advance their careers.

Natali Falero is an HR Manager and recruitment specialist with experience in major construction and engineering projects across Canada.

As an immigrant from Lima, Peru, she knows firsthand the challenges newcomers face and is passionate about connecting diverse talent to opportunities while driving inclusion and career growth.

Fluent in Spanish, English, and French, Natali shares practical advice to help professionals, newcomers, and recent grads navigate job searching with confidence. With a background in HR, Psychology, and Social Work, she brings a people-centered approach to everything she does. And when conversations get stuck, she’s ready to build solutions—literally—as a certified LEGO® Serious Play® Facilitator, using creativity to unlock ideas and career potential.

As an immigrant, Shay has seen firsthand how difficult it is to secure a role, whether due to lack of local experience or constant job rejections. It’s a struggle not just for immigrants but also for new grads trying to break into the industry. This past year’s slow job market has made things even harder, but while we can’t control the market, we can strengthen our resumes, portfolios, and applications. As an architectural recruiter, Shay shares her insights to help both new grads and newcomers navigate the process with confidence.

Vered Klein is a passionate advocate for Architecture and Interior Design professionals, dedicated to helping them thrive in their careers. With over 20 years of experience as a recruitment expert, she has been involved in hundreds of hiring decisions with top firms and helped thousands of professionals secure fulfilling roles.

As the founder of Vered Klein Recruitment, she leads a team connecting architecture and interior design firms with top talent, making her a trusted partner for both candidates and employers. Through The Career Studio, she takes her expertise even further, offering a transformative program that equips professionals with the tools and strategies to stand out and secure roles they love.

Beyond recruitment, Vered has been actively involved in industry organizations like ARIDO, the Toronto Society of Architects, BAC DAC, and BEAT, providing career advice through industry events and her online Job Search Clinics.