Our TSA CONNECT series – the virtual edition of our signature networking event for young professionals, emerging practitioners and newcomers – continues in June with more virtual sessions to keep us connected when we need to stay apart!
For this session we are shaking things up a bit and hosting a cross-disciplinary night with featured guests from the world’s of architecture, interior design and even architects who work on the client side!
Click on the images below to learn more about session 4’s featured guests.
Session 4 Featured Guests
Senior Planner, Facilities Management and Planning Department, University of Toronto Mississauga
Johanna is a Senior Planner in the Facilities Management and Planning Department at the University of Toronto Mississauga with 12+ years of experience in architecture in Canada and abroad. Prior to joining UTM, Johanna was a Project Architect at RAW Design in Toronto and bbp Architekten in Kiel, Germany. Earlier years of experience in Johanna’s career include holding the position as architectural designer at Dubbeldam Architecture + Design and BBB Architects.
Johanna has been intimately involved in a wide range of architectural projects including the design of the Helicopter Airport and Administration Building for the Federal Police Squadron, Oberschleissheim, Germany, The Milton Sports and Recreation Centre, and a number of residential projects ranging from single family homes to high rise condominiums. Johanna’s most recent involvement is in the planning of the new Arts Culture and Technology Building at UTM.
Johanna is a registered architect with the Ontario Association of Architects (OAA) and holds a Masters of Architecture from John H. Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape and Design at the University of Toronto (M. Arch 2009) and a Bachelors of Architectural Science from Ryerson University (2003).
Senior Manager, Workplace Planning & Interior Design,
Rogers Communications Inc.
B. Tech, B.E.D.S., M. Arch., OAA, MRAIC
Miyako Panalaks has over 20 years experience encompassing workplace, retail, residential, institutional and hospitality interior architecture/design. After working for prominent firms such as KPMB and HOK in Toronto and Deborah Berke Partners in NYC. Miyako made the transition to the client side in 2005 and joined Scotiabank’s in-house design team to focus on workplace design and strategy. In late 2017, she was recruited by Rogers and currently leads the design for all workplace and special projects across Canada.
Miyako received her Master of Architecture degree from Dalhousie University. She is a licensed Architect under the Ontario Association of Architects and a member of the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada.
Design Director,
Gensler
Bachelor of Applied Arts Degree, School of Interior Design, Ryerson University, Toronto, 1992
ARIDO, IDC, NCIDQ
Franca is inspired by her clients and the opportunity to improve their everyday workplace experience by connecting and understanding their wants and needs. With over 25 years of experience Franca believes that the key to a successful design is creating thoughtful spaces that truly matter. The process begins with a true understanding of the client and their needs, and finding a solution together. Franca is inspired by her clients and the opportunity to improve their everyday experiences. She understands that connecting with clients and understanding what they are not saying is just as important as finding out what their design needs are.Principal,
Ray
Interior Design Diploma, Francois-Xavier Garneau College, Quebec City, 1986
ARIDO, IDC, BILL 124 CERT., NCIDQ
Isabelle, one of Ray’s two principals, joined the firm in 1989 and has been a partner since 2000. Originally from Quebec City, she pursued design from an early age and leads that aspect of the firm’s business. To the role, she brings extensive expertise with product specification and strong relationships with a wealth of suppliers. And because every one of Ray’s clients is unique, she believes every design should be, too. Embodying that rare combination of being detail-oriented and passionate, Isabelle is inspired by both poring over historical architecture and taking road trips on her motorcycle. Fuelled also by engagement with the design community, Isabelle is a past-President of the Association of Interior Designers of Ontario’s GTA chapter.
About the TSA CONNECT Series
Every other Wednesday at 7:00pm, 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!
More sessions to be announced as confirmed!
This event is free for TSA members using the discount code found in our May 26 e-bulletin! Not a member yet? You can join here (and student memberships are free!).
