We might not be able to gather in person just quite yet, but we can still come together! We’re excited to announce that TSA CONNECT, our signature networking event for young professionals, emerging practitioners and newcomers, is back for another virtual session!
Join us in one of our monthly sessions throughout the Spring as featured guests from Toronto’s architecture and design community share their experiences, perspectives and advice on issues of practice, career and life. Each session will feature new guests and explore distinct themes, but all of them will be a great opportunity to meet new people and make connections!
For our first session of 2021 we are turning our attention to students in architecture, design and related fields – but as always, everyone is welcomed! Whether you are looking for a summer job or transitioning out of school, this session has been specially designed for you! Come join us as our featured guests share their advice on topics such as career paths, finding a job during the pandemic, and so much more! Our guests include architects, licensed technologist OAA, and interior designers working in large, medium and small firms.
So whether you are thinking about this summer, wonder what employers are looking for, or just have questions about different career paths you can pursue with your degree, come join us for a fun and informative evening!
Featured Guests
Associate | Manager, Architecture, IBI Group
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.
Partner, Approach Design Inc.
Jennifer King is an architectural technologist licensed by the Ontario Association of Architects (OAA) and Interior Designer registered with the Association of Registered Interior Designers of Ontario (ARIDO). Located in Thunder Bay, Ontario she is a partner at Approach Design Inc where she applies her experience designing residential, commercial, institutional, and light-industrial buildings. She currently sits on OAA Council as VP Communications. Partner, SOCA
Tura Cousins Wilson is an architect from Toronto and co-founder of the Studio of Contemporary Architecture (SOCA). He is a licensed architect in Ontario and the Netherlands and also a founding member of BAIDA. Tura’s professional experience spans a variety of scales including multi-unit residential, large-scale mixed-use developments, libraries, and urban design.
Associate, Brook McIlroy
Justin Spec is an Associate and an architect with Brook McIlroy. He leads architectural and urban design projects from conceptual design through construction, and contributes as well to business development, management, and mentorship. His experience in building information modeling, parametric design, and digital representation ensures each project’s efficient materialization and distinguished final product.
Justin holds a Master of Architecture from McGill University and a Bachelor of Architectural Studies from Carleton University. Current projects include the design and construction of an interior fit-out in CIBC’s new Toronto global headquarters, a private art gallery in Guelph, and the installation of a fabric enclosure at Mohawk College. Justin has also contributed significantly to a facilities study for Trent University, developing a campus-wide approach to student housing and the management of existing and proposed facilities. He was part of the contract administration team that oversaw the final approvals and occupancy of Toronto’s first mass timber building. Prior to Brook McIlroy, Justin worked as an architectural and urban designer in Ottawa, developing residential, commercial, and master planning projects.
Associate, DIALOG
Golara Jalalpour is an architect and urban designer with nine years of industry expertise, complemented by a master’s degree in Landscape Urbanism from the Architectural Association School of Architecture in London, UK. Golara has progressively gained insight and knowledge in urban design, high-rise residential, and commercial work experience both in Ontario and internationally.
Golara is passionate about design. She brings a range of design skills and architectural experience to all her project work. Her professional experience includes work in every sequential stage of project development, from initial feasibility studies to construction drawings development.
Studying and working in a variety of project scopes ranging from urban design and architecture to interiors has provided Golara with an interdisciplinary approach to design. She is skilled at meticulous analysis and has a deep appreciation for the many diverse aspects of architectural projects. Principal, BNKC Architects
In Jonathan King’s 25+ year career, he’s led a diverse array of institutional, multi-res, cultural, and healthcare projects. All presented their own complex challenges – exactly the type of projects he’s keen to tackle. Jonathan believes working across sectors makes him a better architect and problem solver – that cross pollination makes for better projects. As a principal at BNKC Architects, Jonathan knows that trusting his team is key to being a good leader. And that’s what he does on the daily. He empowers teams and individuals to do what they do best; providing equal parts motivation, mentorship, and monitoring to keep projects headed in the right direction. Above all, Jonathan gets a kick out of the whip-smart discourse that permeates BNKC’s design culture and he works intrepidly to create an environment in which ideas can evolve. About the TSA CONNECT Series
Once a month throughout the Spring, 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 code found in the March 17 bulletin. Not a member yet? You can join here (and student memberships are free!).
