TSA CONNECT: A professional networking and mentorship event for newcomers and emerging practitioners in the architecture and design industry!
Whether you are looking for a summer job, transitioning out of school, moving to a new city (or country!), or just looking for something different, searching for that perfect new job is never easy—but we are here to help!
Join us for our first TSA CONNECT of 2023 as we bring our focus to the job searching process with an amazing lineup of Featured Guests working in large and small offices, the public sector, and construction. They will share advice on topics such as career paths, finding a job, and so much more! And with so many of them actively involved in the hiring process, they’ll also be able to share their insights on what they look for in a portfolio and resume and what makes candidates stand out.
Intended to serve as a platform for discussion and new connections, the evening will begin with a structured networking session, where participants have the opportunity to interact with Featured Guests in small groups, followed by an informal mix and mingle.
No matter what stage of your career you find yourself in, we invite you to come join us for this fun evening and meet some new like-minded people!
Schedule
6:30 PM Doors Open
7:00 – 8:00 PM Structured Networking Sessions
8:00 – 9:00 PM Mix and Mingle
*Light refreshments will be served and a cashless cash bar will be available (debit, credit, Apple Pay, or Google Pay only).
Featured Guests
HR Manager, Adamson Associates Architects
Christopher Lloyd, CHRL, is the North American head of Human Resources at Adamson and is responsible for the delivery of HR Services and Talent Acquisition in both Canada and the US.
A graduate of both Humber College and Queen’s University, he has nearly two decades of full-cycle recruitment experience placing thousands of workers in new roles. He’s a believer in honest and open recruitment conversations to help ensure the best possible fit for both the candidate and the employer.
Principal, Boszko & Verity Inc.
Michael Verity is a founding Partner at B&V. He plays a key role overseeing the construction of award-winning projects as well as managing business development and financial aspects of the company. Michael is committed to fostering “green” initiatives both in the office environment and on all of B&V job sites. Before founding B&V in 2001, Michael began his career working as a designer and project architect at Natale and Scott Architects (1997 - 2001), Taylor Hariri Pontarini Architects (1996) and Richard Stevens Architects (1995).
Michael obtained a Bachelor of Environmental Studies (Architecture, 1994) from University of Waterloo and has maintained an active role at the University of Waterloo, appearing as a guest critic and adjunct studio professor. He is also a member of Toronto Society of Architects, Toronto Construction Association, Urban Land Institute, and City Builders @ Canadian Stage.
Associate, Moriyama & Teshima Architects
Jay Zhao has been the design lead for several of the firms most recent post-secondary projects, providing design leadership and direction from concept to construction. Placing emphasis on a holistic process, Jay strives for design that is socially stimulating, culturally enriched, carbon conscious and high-performing.
Jay is currently leading the Design Development stage of the Rouge National Urban Park Visitor, Learning, and Community Centre. The new centre, situated alongside the Rouge River in Canada’s first designated national urban park, will provide a space for guests to learn about Rouge’s natural, cultural and agricultural heritage. Jay has played a key part with refining the building’s form, as well as its structural and material composition, and ensuring that the design is in alignment with the country’s Greening Government Strategy – a commitment to net-zero emissions by 2050.
From competition to construction, Jay was instrumental in the design process of
Limberlost Place, Ontario’s first 10-storey mass timber institutional building located at George Brown College’s waterfront campus. The winner of multiple nationally and internationally recognized awards – commending outstanding architectural design, thermal efficiency and sustainability, and construction innovation – Limberlost Place and its contributing team are a model for revolutionary green building practices and execution. Jay’s portfolio of work also includes the Toronto Metropolitan University
Centre for Urban Innovation, University of British Columbia
Okanagan Commons, and the University of Toronto Mississauga
Meeting Place Renovations.
Intern Architect, Montgomery Sisam Architects
Blake Nicholson is an Intern Architect, with a background in hospitality, transit, multi-family residential and more recently, senior’s care. Blake joined Montgomery Sisam Architects in 2020 and has been primarily focused on the delivery of several Long Term Care projects, including the Yee Hong Finch II Long Term Care, and the Humber River Hospital and Trillium Health Partners Accelerated Long Term Care projects. He is a design-technology enthusiast, with a passion for exploring and sharing new ways of working computationally. He has taught several workshops on both visual programming and BIM and loves to find new ways to allow both himself and others to be more effective.
To learn more about Blake, check out his LinkedIn profile. Architect & Project Manager, WZMH Architects
Jennifer Davis is a licensed architect who is experienced in the design and project delivery of institutional, commercial and residential projects in Ontario and abroad. Her current role at WZMH Architects is project manager for Junction East, a library and art gallery in Sudbury, ON. In her prior role she spearheaded multi-unit residential renovations for affordable housing clients such as Toronto Community Housing and Wigwamen Inc., Ontario’s largest urban Aboriginal housing provider. She also honed her architectural skills on institutional and hospitality projects at design offices in New York, Madrid, and Toronto.
In addition to her architectural expertise, Jennifer is an artist and independent curator who trained at Independent Curators International in NYC. These projects have garnered numerous awards and grants from institutions such as the Canadian Centre for Architecture (Montreal), the Graham Foundation (Chicago), and the Ontario Association of Architects. Jennifer’s past activities include curating How to Make Space (2016, Hong Kong) and architectural consultation and programming for TBD (2014, Toronto) at the Museum of Contemporary Art.
She holds a Master of Architecture from the University of Toronto’s Daniels Faculty, where she is a Sessional Lecturer. In 2019, she received the Centennial Fund from the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada for her early career contributions to the architectural profession.
Senior Architect & Practice Leader, Project Management, Architecture49 Inc.
Carmen Tocchini is a Senior Architect and Project Manager. She has obtained her M.Arch from the University of Waterloo and is a current member of the OAA, RAIC, Project Management Institute (PMI), and Passive House Canada currently seeking her certification. She has over 15 years of Canadian and international experience in cities such as Paris, New York, London UK, and Auroville - India, where she has experience in both public and private construction projects specializing in commercial, education, health sciences, and institutional projects.
She is currently a Practice Leader at Architecture49, where she focuses on the management and production of mega transit projects and projects in the sport and entertainment sectors. At the office, Carmen is involved in various business development strategies, operational activities, and resource management within the firm nationally. She is the founder of the company’s Mentorship Program, which focuses on increasing young talent’s practical knowledge and confidence of the architectural discipline in areas such as professional practice, marketing, fees, project acquisitions, and project management.
Outside of work, she volunteers her time with various institutions such as Toronto Metropolitan University and University of Waterloo, working with their students to develop their portfolios, resumes, and career path in architecture.
Project Manager, Metrolinx
Maria Nikolova works as a Project Manager for Metrolinx on the Yonge North Subway Extension. Her primary role is working closely with the Technical Advisor consultant team to balance project scope, budget, and schedule while managing internal and external stakeholders.
Maria has a Bachelor of Architectural Studies degree from Waterloo University and a Master of Architecture from McGill University. Maria is a licensed architect in Ontario.
She started her Transit Architecture career in 2008 working on Dufferin Station as an intern for TTC. She has traveled and worked for international and domestic firms, on projects ranging from commercial, high-end residential, educational and research. She returned to Toronto and the TTC as an Architectural Designer in 2014, where she worked until joining Metrolinx in 2020 in her current role.
Principal, Giannone Petricone Associates
Leo Lin is an indispensable member of the GPA team who has demonstrated a commitment to excellence in project design and execution. He joined GPA 2014 as Project Architect/Intermediate Designer and become Principal in 2022. Holding an undergraduate degree in Urban and Regional Planning with a specialization in Urban Design from the University of Waterloo and a Master of Architecture from the University of Toronto, Leo’s unique background in both urban design and architecture brings lateral and creative insight to all aspects of the design process.
His vision for creating curated and joyful experiences for people through architecture and urban design has been infused into numerous GPA projects including the Daniels Waterfront City of the Arts, the Golden Mile Redevelopment, and the Brightwater Port Credit Master Plan. Leo relishes in the diversity of the firm’s portfolio, bringing his attention to detail and problem-solving skills to many of GPA’s premier building design projects such as 771 Yonge Street, 321 Davenport, and the Snider House restoration.
As Principal, Leo brings his expertise to the studio by championing a roster of projects at all scales, assuring the superior quality and success of our designs, while providing mentorship to foster the next generation of talented architects and designers in the studio. He is an active member of the design community beyond GPA, having taught as a Sessional Lecturer for design studios at the University of Toronto, and serving as a panelist at the Design Review Panel for the City of London. Leo is additionally a frequent guest critic at various design institutions including the University of Waterloo, the University of Toronto, and OCAD University.
Assistant Director, FORREC
Diana Zepf has 15 years of experience in the Architecture industry with local and international experience across multiple building types, uses, and market sectors. As Assistant Director of the Architecture Studio at FORREC, she is a natural leader and mentor to the Architecture team. Being an experienced teacher and critic, her interests lie in nurturing strong conceptual work from ideation through construction. Diana was past Adjunct Professor for the University of Waterloo's 3rd Year design studio and continues to be an active visiting critic across the University circuit.
Partner, DTAH
Megan Torza 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. She joined DTAH in 2006 and became a partner in 2012. She was fortunate early in her career to play a key role in the Artscape Wychwood Barns and Evergreen Brick Works projects, cementing her passion for community-based projects and meaningful public engagement. Her socially-minded, contextually-sensitive portfolio has grown to include the award-winning entrance pavilion to Tommy Thompson Park, the revitalization of the northwest corner of Dufferin Grove Park, the St. Andrew and Dane Avenue Child Care projects, the Niagara Falls Exchange: Farmers’ Market and Cultural Hub, and the Baker District One Planet Living Redevelopment in Guelph.
With a background in art and architectural history, Megan has taught the history of Contemporary Architecture at the University of Toronto, and is a frequent guest lecturer and design critic at the University of Waterloo and Toronto Metropolitan University. She is chair of the City of Vaughan Urban Design Review Panel and Chair of the Toronto Society of Architects.
Assistant Project Manager/Coordinator | Architecture, Arcadis – IBI Group
Jubin Samuel is a personable and driven Project Manager in-training with almost 10 years of diverse design-related experience.
Jubin’s design experience includes building science, high-end interior design, model homes, institutional-focused architecture, and currently transit-focused architecture. Known to be adaptable, collaborative, organized, and keen, Jubin's commitment towards her work and fellow team members is consistently evident and has contributed towards the growth of her career into project coordination/management.
Her efforts and achievements at Arcadis – IBI Group over the years, such as managing IBI’s internal awards program and assisting in the hiring process for the Transit Group, has progressed her involvement within the company to leadership-level programs and connections. Her current project role involves leading Stakeholder-Client relations for a new project delivery model, attesting to Jubin’s strengths in leadership, communication, and her contributions towards the successful execution of a multidisciplinary project.
To learn more about Jubin, check out her
LinkedIn profile.
Owner, Craig Race Architecture
OAA, LEED AP, CanPHI Passive House Planner
Craig Race is an enthusiast of creative infill design and development. His career as an architect and developer has focused on small-scale, urban housing with an emphasis on environmental and contextual sensitivity. Craig is an owner of his eponymous architecture firm, co-founder of Lanescape, and a developer.
Associate, DIALOG Design
Juan Carlos Portuese is an accomplished Architect recognized for his commitment to creating meaningful and inclusive environments that are artful, practical, sustainable and that celebrate the communities, cultures, and environments they serve.
In a career spanning over two decades, he has led and collaborated on the conceptualization, design, and management of multiple Institutional, Office, Labs, Multi-Family Residential and Campus Master plan projects across Canada, the US, and internationally. Recently, Juan Carlos has led the Centennial A-Block expansion project, the first Mass Timber, Zero Carbon Higher-Education facility to be built in Canada.
Juan Carlos believes that great projects happen through great teamwork. He strives to build cordial, enthusiastic, and collaborative environments that bring people together. He is dedicated to advancing the architectural discipline through the purposeful integration of design, technical innovation, and advanced project delivery methods.
To learn more about Juan Carlos, check out his
portfolio and
LinkedIn profile. Senior Associate, Diamond Schmitt Architects
Jessie Shifman received her Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Toronto in 2001, and has spent her career working on culturally and societally significant projects. She has contributed to the award-winning Lazaridis Hall at Wilfred Laurier University, Holy Blossom Temple, Michael Garron Hospital, the Montreal Symphony Orchestra Hall, the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, and the TTC Museum Station Revitalization. She is a dedicated project leader who manages complex projects with attention to detail, and concern for her clients. Jessie is on the DSA Staffing and Recruitment committees and is committed to finding creative and engaging architects to join the office.
Principal, Sustain Design Architects Inc.
Cathy Garrido studied architecture at the University of Waterloo and co-founded Altius Design Studio in 1998 and Altius Architecture Inc in 2002. She is a licensed architect and registered interior designer with more than 25 years of experience in high-end residential design.
The Altius group of companies now encompasses Sustain Design Architects Inc. and Architect Built Inc, which provides construction management and pre-fab building services and continues to focus on the high-end residential market. Clean, contemporary, sustainable design with a special emphasis on craftsmanship and detail has resulted in a wide range of award-winning and critically acclaimed projects. Our custom residential and cottage projects are particularly renowned for their sensitivity to the site, thoughtful interiors, rich materiality and innovative environmental design. Altius’ close attention to detail and client-driven ethos, which have made our single-family designs so successful, bring a distinct quality to our larger multi-unit residential and commercial projects.
Partner, LGA Architectural Partners
Partner and certified building scientist Alex Tedesco has been with LGA since 2000 and leads the firm's building science research and development department. From conceptual design to final construction, Alex ensures that his client's needs and aspirations are translated into built form, and that every building detail that leaves the office is designed for optimal performance and durability.
Alex builds relationships with his clients and stakeholders through open communication, respect and honesty. Putting aside preconceived notions of how architecture should look or operate, he works through an iterative process that allows for discovery and learning at every step. His wealth of material and product knowledge, combined with his commitment to challenging the conventions of sustainable design, allows Alex to inspire and challenge his team to innovate.
Outside of the office, Alex runs a welding business that fabricates architectural elements. Each year, Alex travels to Italy to harvest and produce olive oil which he imports to Canada. This delicate process is achieved by harvesting olives by hand and processing them naturally to produce the purest form of olive oil.
Associate, Senior Project Manager, BKNC Architects
Vaughn Miller joined BNKC in 2020, bringing over 20 years of architectural experience to his role as an Associate. He was recently promoted to Senior Project Manager. Over the course of an international career, Vaughn has heightened the work of studios in New York, San Francisco, Boston, the Netherlands, and throughout Canada. His diverse portfolio accentuates BNKC’s own, and the expertise he’s gained with previous roles at KPMB, ArchitectsAlliance, and Leers Weinzapfel Architects in Boston brings an exciting approach to the design of our institutional, cultural, and multi-residential projects.
Vaughn cares deeply about design and is committed to collaboration both within a team and with his clients. Like us, he enjoys a good challenge – we knew Vaughn was the right fit for our team when he shared his joy for complex briefs! In his Associate role, Vaughn will get to explore that passion as he works to elevate our design conversations, oversee projects in a project management capacity, mentor our design teams, and contribute to our business development efforts.
Originally from St. John’s, Newfoundland, Vaughn received his MArch from Dalhousie University. In his spare time, he loves to garden during (too far between) visits to his country house in Vermont – which he designed!
Associate – Senior Architect, BDP Quadrangle
Andrea Katz’s passion for urban design and affinity for creating inspiring spaces are the bases of her architectural interests. Her specific area of expertise is the design and implementation of complex residential buildings in development sites and she brings with her a keen business sense and analytical skills, having completed an undergraduate degree in philosophy. Through her work, Andrea has developed a deep understanding of zoning by-laws and municipal legal processes, which add to her noted ability to develop the value in any site. Her originality, ability to find creative solutions, and experience in coordinating teams of consultants are key to Andrea’s creation of sustainable and aesthetically appealing work.
Vice President & Principal, Gannett Fleming Architects Canada Inc.
With more than 24 years of experience and specializing in Rapid Transit, Adrian Piccolo has worked on a wide variety of complex projects with diverse scales, budgets as well as project delivery models from DBB/DB, to AFP/P3. Adrian has worked in the public sector for the Toronto Transit Commission as their Chief Architect and for Metrolinx as their Vice President and Project Director for the Yonge North Subway Extension.
He is currently the Vice President and Principal at Gannett Fleming Architects Canada Inc. Characterized as having a goals driven personality coupled with a proven track record, Adrian provides strong leadership & expertise in the areas of architecture, urban design, engineering and project management.
Click on the pictures above to learn more about our Featured Guests.
More guests are being added as they are confirmed.
About the TSA CONNECT Series
Join the Toronto Society of Architects for evenings of networking and relationship building as Featured Guests from Toronto’s architecture and design industry share their experiences, perspectives and advice on issues of practice, career, and life. Each session will feature new guests, topics and small group discussions giving participants the opportunity to ask questions and form connections with our featured guests. Sessions, featured guests and dates will be announced as they are confirmed, with limited tickets for each session released with the TSA member bulletin so make sure to sign up so you don’t miss out!
This event is free for TSA members using the discount code found in the latest e-bulletin! Not a member yet? You can join here (and student memberships are free!).
